CBD, or cannabidiol, is an important player in the hemp plant. It’s a component of hemp that plays a tremendous role in the overall medicinal properties’ hemp has to offer. In fact, for over 5,000 years humans and animals have both been using hemp as relief from a wide range of conditions and symptoms.
Now, with the 2018 Farm Bill changing the game to legalize industrial hemp and, therefore, CBD products, the hemp plant can finally get the limelight it deserves. The CBD industry is only getting bigger as new cannabidiol products are released into the market every day. Not only do we see the standard CBD oil, capsules, and sprays, but there are CBD edibles and infused beverages, vape products, topicals, and much more.
One of the largest up and coming niche markets for the CBD industry are cannabidiol pet products. Hemp-derived pet products, in general, have seen a massive surge in popularity: and specifically, CBD oil for dogs has seen the most action.
CBD oil for dogs is becoming the latest trend to hit the market, with CBD dog treats formulated from oil, CBD oil drops, and more becoming widely available to purchase. More products are hitting the market quickly as geared towards your pet, citing that while it’s labeled to be for your dog or cat, it also works with other common pets.
Since dogs have endocannabinoid systems just like humans, it’s no doubt that CBD products may be just as effective for dogs as it is for humans. For the dog owners that have elderly pooches in their care, or even if you’re just a general dog lover, you may have heard about CBD and not thought it could be the ideal solution for your pup. CBD for pets may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
More than just a fad-type trend, we see CBD and CBD for pets going somewhere in the next few years. Continuously growing with no sign of stopping, it’s just a matter of time before we see it regularly in stores instead of just online or in gas stations.
Until then, we want to provide you with a guide so that you have everything you need to know for CBD oil for dogs. Whether you’re considering giving your dog CBD oil or you just want to know if it’s safe, this is the guide for you.
What is CBD?
CBD, of cannabidiol, is one of the 60+ phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Non-psychoactive, it contains no psychological effects, unlike THC, so it delivers no mind-altering effects. THC is potentially effective in helping with certain conditions and symptoms, but CBD can provide the same level of effectiveness or better, while still causing no high.
The safe, non-psychoactive properties of CBD are why it’s safe for your dog, as THC may be potentially harmful to them long-term.
Cannabidiol may provide relief from anxiety, depression, trouble eating, problems sleeping, and much more, which is why many dog owners across the nation have started incorporating it into their daily routine. However, we always recommend speaking with a veterinarian or certified animal professional before adding CBD into their daily life, especially if you’re unsure about the outcome it will deliver.
Different CBD products provide different effects, so just note that not every dog is the same and they may need more or less of the serving size suggestion on a CBD oil product. Every dog responds differently to any substance, and CBD is no exception.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?
The short answer? Yes, CBD oil is 100% safe for dogs, and so are most CBD dog treats However, we feel like elaborating so that you’re fully in the loop. It’s important to stress that THC is potentially harmful to some dogs, so a THC-free formula is sometime recommended. Dogs have an endocannabinoid system, like humans, that consists of neurons and receptors that cannabinoids naturally produce in the body.
THC can be toxic to dogs because their endocannabinoid system works differently than ours, but CBD can interact safely with it to provide positive effects. Research is limited on the topic, though veterinarians across the country are lobbying to access both hemp and marijuana-derived products in order to further focus on research in regards to the plant’s effects on pets.
Can Humans Take CBD Oil for Dogs?
You should be able to safely consume any CBD oil formulated for dogs – but, would you really want to? If you wanted to see what the CBD version of a Scooby Snack might taste like, CBD oil for dogs might be right of your alley, but we certainly can’t say we recommend it. CBD oil for pets often comes in at a much lower dose, so it may not be as effective for you as the human version would be, anyway.
If you were to ask whether pets can safely take CBD oil formulated for humans, though, the answer is an even more hesitant yes. Human CBD oil is typically formulated at a much higher strength than CBD oil for dog formulas and may have some natural additives or ingredients that are not safe for your dog.
Pet CBD oil is also formulated specially for dog’s taste buds in mind – so CBD oil for them will likely not taste how you’re imagining. Human CBD oil may not be the safest for your pet, too, so it’s best to not get them mixed up and just leave the CBD oil with who it’s geared for.
Are There Any Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs?
There are some possible, though minor, side effects when it comes to CBD oil for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. The most common side effect reported is a dry mouth, which can happen in humans just the same. Make sure your pup has access to plenty of water any time they take a serving of CBD.
Another common side effect is drowsiness. Depending on the brand you choose, you may notice your dog a little more tired than usual; just lower the CBD dose until you find the sweet spot for them. Likewise, if it keeps make them too drowsy it may be best to switch CBD use to in the evening, just before you’re about to go to sleep, so they can sleep at night. The big key to remember is to start with small doses when giving your pet their CBD oil and they’re likely to feel great without feeling tired from the added effect.
High servings of CBD for human patients with Parkinson’s Disease may result in an increase in tremors, so tremors is a trigger to look out for in your dog. Though it’s not likely, stop the use of CBD for your dog if they do begin to have tremors.
Finally, lowered blood pressure is a common side effect that comes with taking CBD, though it greatly depends on the amount of CBD. A lower serving of cannabidiol shouldn’t cause a temporary or slight drop in blood pressure. If too much is taken, however, this can just cause lightheaded and dizziness temporarily.
Is It Possible That Too Much CBD Oil Can Hurt My Dog?
There’s not an amount of CBD that’s fatal to dogs – or anyone, for that matter. However, THC can be toxic to some dogs, which causes a host of negative symptoms. CBD treats are becoming more popular, so the risk that a brand doesn’t batch-test their products and has inconsistent levels of THC as a result is potentially there.
While there’s not signs to show a dog has consumed too much CBD, there are signs to make sure they haven’t consumed too much THC. Hyperesthesia, ataxia, urinary incontinence, vomiting, and lethargy are all reported signs of THC overdose in dogs.
The best way to avoid this is by checking the lab results of every product you get your dog. The third-party lab results of that CBD oil’s batch should be accessible through the product label on your CBD oil, if applicable. If a company doesn’t have lab results or easy access to their lab results, it may be best to switch to someone else.
Final Thoughts
Apply CBD oil to their food or add it directly to their gums for them to start feeling relief from their symptoms, or to just promote their general wellness. The ingredients formulated with CBD oil for dogs is typically infused with other compounds that are beneficial to your dog’s coat, teeth, behavior, and more.
Dog owners start incorporating CBD into their dog’s daily routines for a series of reasons. For elderly dogs, it helps them eat easier and sleep better at night. For new pups, it helps them get out their energy easier and respond to training more smoothly (in some cases – pups are fickle!). For any dog in between, CBD oil may just be the best option for them to finally feel at their best.
