In recent times, many pet parents are embracing the use of CBD products. As a result, dog owners wonder if the rave around it is worth trying on their pet. It is normal to be concerned, after all, you want your pup to get the best.
What Is CBD?
CBD is also known as cannabidiol, a compound that is present in hemp and marijuana. Unlike its counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known for its psychoactive effect, this compound is relatively harmless. The cannabidiol oil is gotten from the seeds of cannabis plants.
Research has been ongoing for years to ascertain if it is effective for treating different health problems. It has proven to have anti-inflammatory effect, analgesic properties, and appetite stimulation components.
But before considering whether CBD Oil would be good for your dog’s health and well-being, you need to get more information about this type of treatment. Continue reading to know whether CBD oil is safe for your dog, including the health problems it can treat.
What Health Conditions Can Cannabidiol Treat in Dogs?
Cannabidiol can be used to treat the following health conditions in dogs:
- Mild to chronic pain
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Stress and anxiety
How Does CBD Oil for Dogs Work?
One of the major components of the cannabis plant is cannabinoids. This component contains over 500 chemicals out of which CBD and THC are the most active. When your dog ingests CBD oil, the cannabinoids interact with a receptor known as endocannabinoid.
This endocannabinoid is found in the dog’s central nervous system. It is this system that is responsible for maintaining a healthy balance within the body. The cannabinoid will then help to bring calm to the dog by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
Proper Dosage of CBD Oil
You need to give your dog the right dosage to avoid any potential risk. Just as the body reacts to some treatments or supplements, your dog’s system may react to the CBD oil. So, if you are trying this treatment for the first time, try to start from small doses then monitor its reaction to the dosage.
Additionally, some brands encourage giving your pet 5mg per 2.2 pounds. Dogs such as Pugs, Chihuahua, and Pomeranians are given low dosage due to their body weight. But large dogs like the Dane can be given a high dose based on their heavy weight and feeding needs.
However, you should talk to a vet before making any decision. You can check out https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/08/19/cbd-products-pets/?arc404=true to know the importance of consulting a veterinary doctor.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Your dog may experience some side effects when it ingests cannabidiol. However, it is important to administer it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any issues. Some side effects of this treatment include the following:
1. Low Blood Pressure
A high dosage can result in a decrease in your dog’s blood pressure for a while. Even if the dosage is little, it may cause a temporary light-headed feeling in some dogs.
2. Drowsiness
When CBD oil is administered at a high dose for treating anxiety disorder in dogs, the calming effect it brings could cause your pet to be drowsy for a while.
3. Dry Mouth
This oil is known to reduce saliva production in the mouth. So, in dogs, it increases their thirst for water as they may lack saliva temporarily.
Factor to Consider Before Buying CBD Oil for Dogs
There are some things to consider before purchasing CBD products. Remember that not all brands are the same, and you will want to get a high-quality and effective product. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Discuss with a Vet
Before making any decision on whether you should try this treatment on your dog or not, it is best to discuss with a professional. The veterinary doctor will recommend some certified products that can work for your pet based on its size and weight.
Quality
CBD products can come as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum. You can also get them as isolates, which are cheap but not always safe for dogs. The broad-spectrum is balanced while the full-spectrum contains all the cannabinoids in the right composition.
It is advisable to go for full-spectrum products. They will provide maximum health benefits to your dog.
Buy Organic Products
It is generally recommended to purchase from brands that grow their hemp plant. They can monitor the growth and follow approved farm practices. So, before you buy, ensure it is grown in America, not overseas. This will enable you to trace its source to know whether it is an organic product.
Choose CO2-Extracted Products
There are different methods of extracting the oil, like the ethanol-based method. But the ethanol may mix up with the oil in the process. However, the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a safe way to extract CBD oil. The result is a quality and toxin-free product.
Certificate of Analysis
Whichever product you decide to get must have this certificate. This analysis certificate is a third-party lab testing result of the oil. It indicates its potency, concentration, and whether it is toxin-free.
Some brands may not have the certificate in their manual except you ask for it. You can read this article to learn more about the certificate of analysis for cannabidiol oil.
Conclusion
We all love our furry friends; therefore, we want to choose the best treatment for them. CBD oil is a versatile and effective product. It is helpful in the treatment of many health-related issues from pain to anxiety, including the overall improvement of your dog’s health.
Finding a product that will work for your buddy may be challenging, but you can discuss it with a professional. With the vet’s advice and other factors discussed in this article, you can choose a high-quality CBD oil that will benefit your pet.