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CBD oil is a natural remedy pet parents have started to use on dogs to help with anxiety, sleep issues, and pain. However, as with any pet wellness trend, many dog owners are skeptical about the use of CBD oil and whether its health claims are valid.
If you’re considering using cbd oil for dogs, read on to gain insight on whether or not you should use it on your pup.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is one of 80 different chemical compounds that makes up a substance called “cannabinoids” that are derived from either hemp or cannabis (marijuana). However, unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD by itself won’t get humans or animals high.
Instead, CBD shares similar metabolic pathways to anti-inflammatory drugs, like Rimadyl or ibuprofen, and is processed in the body the same way. Still, that doesn’t mean that all CBD oil will come without THC. Under no circumstances should you give THC to your dog, whether it’s in oil, smoke, or solid form. If you’re interested in using dog-safe CBD oil, buy it here.
How Does CBD Oil Affect Dogs?
Although there are currently no formal studies conducted on the effects of CBD on dogs on a neurological level, we know how cannabinoids affect humans. CBD is known to interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the peripheral and central nervous systems, which help maintain balance and keep our bodies in a healthy state. CBD likely affects dogs similarly.
How Are the Side Effects or Risks of Using CBD?
Unfortunately, the side effects of CBD on dogs aren’t well researched either, but anecdotal evidence and human-based studies show that the effects are similar across both species. To minimize the potential effects of CBD, speak to your vet about the proper dosage for your dog.
- Lowered Blood Pressure: High doses of CBD can drop your pup’s blood pressure, which can cause light-headedness. However, this symptom improves with time.
- Dry Mouth: CBD decreases saliva production. You may notice your pup drinking more water than normal, but this isn’t a cause of concern, especially if they’re healthy.
- Drowsiness: CBD can be used to treat anxiety, but the calming effects can make your pup drowsy in high doses. Your dog will likely sleep away from their drowsiness.
It’s very difficult for your dog to overdose on CBD, even if you administer an exceptionally high dose. However, it isn’t wise to go overboard. If you notice your dog is having a hard time staying upright, eating, or drinking, monitor their progress and seek medical attention if they get worse.
What Health Problems Can You Treat With CBD?
CBD is a useful therapy for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, arthritis, pain management, stress, and cancer. Although CBD is helpful, keep in mind that these conditions are under-researched and have varying levels of scientific evidence to back each claim.
- Pain: CBD oil is beneficial for pain relief, especially for back pain (IVDD) and inflammatory conditions. However, most pain-related research is done on humans and uses THC, which shouldn’t be used on dogs, to boost the effectiveness of CBD.
- Arthritis: CBD oil is especially effective on osteoarthritis, the most common inflammatory condition in dogs. CBD has been shown to provide substantial pain relief in dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions when given twice daily at the appropriate dose.
- Seizures: CBD oil can be used to treat seizures in both humans and dogs. When used in tandem with anti-seizure medication, CBD oil can reduce seizure frequency.
Although anecdotal evidence states that CBD oil can help reduce cancerous tumors and induce calmness, these conditions aren’t researched enough to draw this conclusion. Many pet parents use CBD oil for anxiety and have stated that it aids their pets significantly. However, don’t use CBD oil on your pet until consulting a vet, so they can help you administer the proper dosage.
