CBD oil is considered safe to use for dogs and is becoming a popular way of treating anxiety and mobility issues for dogs of all breeds and ages. In an age when wellness is becoming a focus for both humans and animals, CBD oil use is becoming more common.
While more research is needed, there is strong anecdotal evidence from dog owners that suggest CBD oil can help treat everything from noise phobias to arthritis.
CBD oil is derived from cannabis plants, with the extraction process removing virtually all of the THC content in the cannabis. THC is the component that causes the ‘high,’ so removing it can make CBD oil safe for dogs. The use of CBD oil for dogs is a relatively new practice. While it can be used for dogs, the focus is on using the correct dosage. You want to consult your veterinarian before giving CBD oil to your pets.
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What Does CBD Oil Do for Dogs?
Just like for humans, CBD oil can have similar benefits for your canine friend. You can use it to help with anxiety or to treat joint or mobility issues for older dogs. CBD oil can be used as an alternative to traditional medication, particularly phenobarbital. There are specific breeds, like German Shepherds, that can benefit from regular doses of CBD oil.
As it works by acting on the nervous system, it’s often used to reduce anxiety for dogs who are frightened of loud noises or who suffer from separation anxiety. You can give a drop of CBD oil to your dog before fireworks are set off or before you leave the house to soothe their nervousness.
Possible Health Benefits
Here’s what CBD oil is commonly used to treat in dogs:
- CBD oil can reduce anxiety – including noise phobias – for dogs.
- It can act as an anti-inflammatory and reduce the chronic pain that comes with arthritis in dogs. It can help with joint and back pain while improving your dog’s mobility.
- There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD oil can be used to control seizures in dogs, similar to how it works in humans.
- You can use CBD oil as a way to relieve the symptoms of cancer, including nausea, in dogs.
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Potential Side Effects and Risks
Giving your dog CBD oil comes with a few potential side effects and risks. The best way of monitoring this is to start by giving your dog smaller doses to let you keep track of any effects. Only minimal side effects have been reported, mainly as CBD oil includes only very little (or no) THC, so it has no psychoactive properties. The potential adverse effects of using CBD oil for dogs are similar to the potential side effects of human use.
Here are possible side effects of CBD oil that your canine could experience:
- CDB oil can decrease a dog’s saliva production, which can lead to increased thirst and the feeling of a dry mouth.
- As CBD oil can treat anxiety, the treatment’s calming effect can cause drowsiness, particularly with higher doses.
- If your dog takes a higher dosage of CBD oil, it can result in a drop in blood pressure, which can cause them to feel lightheaded.
Some of these side effects will depend on the THC concentration in the CBD oil. Certain CBD oils have no THC, while others have a small percentage. CBD oil is safe for most dogs, as long as you are using the correct dosage. Most of the adverse effects are likely to be avoided by giving your dog a suitable dosage.
You want to consult your veterinarian before giving CBD oil to your pets. Your veterinarian can advise you on an appropriate dosage for your dog’s weight and size.
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Have Any Studies Confirmed that CBD Oil Works for Dogs?
The question of “Is CBD oil safe for dogs?” has become the focal point of recent research into alternative ways of treating conditions in dogs.
Anecdotal evidence from owners has shown that CBD oil can positively affect dogs dealing with medical conditions. While there are limited studies published so far, we know that CBD oil interacts with the nervous system’s endocannabinoid receptors. The AKC Canine Health Foundation has sponsored a study with the Colorado State University into looking at the use of CBD for dogs with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Current research around the use of CBD oils for dogs has focused on controlling seizures and reducing chronic pain. Research carried out in 2018 at Cornell University saw that CBD oil could significantly reduce pain and increase activity for osteoarthritic dogs. As CBD use for dogs is still in its infancy, there is no standardized dosing chart, the same way there isn’t one for humans. While CBD oil certainly has its benefits and therapeutic potential, research is ongoing to determine its best usage.
CBD builds up in your dog’s body, especially if you intend to use it as a regular treatment. It’s usually recommended to lower the dosage gradually if you decide to stop using CBD oil for your dog.
What Happens If I Give My Dog Too Much CBD Oil?
If you’re thinking of using CBD oil for your dog, it’s always best to start with a smaller dosage to get them used to it. Starting small means that you can monitor the dosage levels and know the ideal amount to help your dog. You can avoid giving your dog too much CBD oil by speaking to your veterinarian beforehand to ask for their advice on the ideal dosage for your dog.
The best way to avoid giving your dog too much CBD oil is to read the directions and suggested dosage on the instructions. Most products will tell you how much CBD is in one full dropper so that you can get an accurate dosage. You can then use the dropper to give your dog a safe amount of CBD oil.
Your dog’s weight is the most significant factor that impacts their recommended dosage, along with the strength of the CBD. For smaller dogs under 25 pounds, they’ll usually take less than ½ dropper of CBD. Larger dogs over 60 pounds could easily take one to two droppers of most CBD oils. It’s always best to double-check the instructions on the packaging.
The effects of giving your dog too much CBD will vary on the dosage given. In some cases, your dog may become drowsy due to the relaxing properties of CBD oil. Veterinarians have reported owners giving 10 times the recommended dosage to their dogs without any side effects, although these would be more adverse in smaller dogs.
One side effect your dog is likely to experience after taking too much CBD oil is loose stool due to impaired liver function.
Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil Made for Humans?
There isn’t too much difference between CBD oil made for humans and those marketed specifically for dogs. You can give your dog CBD oil made for humans, but you’ll want to keep in mind that it will have a higher concentration. If you have a smaller dog, their weight means you’ll have to be extra careful with their dosage. With a smaller dog, you might be better buying them a pet-specific CBD oil that has a lower concentration, so it’s easier to measure doses.
Conversely, humans could also take pet-specific CBD oil, as long as it is human-grade and not adulterated.
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What Kind of CBD Oil is Best for Dogs?
Almost every dog could benefit from using CBD oil, particularly as they get older and start to suffer from joint and mobility issues. Whether you have a Jack Russell or a Labrador, you can give them CBD oil for its anxiety-reducing and health benefits.
The most important thing about choosing what kind of CBD oil to buy for your dog is the quality. Most of the CBD oils you’ll find are hemp-derived, although some states allow marijuana-based CBD oil. We covered the differences in our article Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dogs.
You can check out our article on the Best CBD Oil for Dogs to help you find the perfect one for your four-legged friend.
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