Is CBD safe for dogs?
CBD, short for cannabidiol is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has an abundance of healing properties without THC that gets you high.
Studies and research prove that CBD oil helps with chronic pain relief, inflammation, migraines, arthritis, cramps, MS, epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Also, it acts as an immune booster and a sickness suppressant. It has helped patients with boosting appetite, putting them in a better mood, getting rid of anxiety as well as increasing the quality of sleep.
But, speaking of animals – is it possible that CBD oil helps dogs as well, and is CBD safe for dogs? The answer appears to be yes – because much like humans, dogs deal with anxiety and pain throughout their life. Mice and rats were examined and given CBD in different laboratory tests and showed positive results.
Does Your Dog Need CBD?
There are a few ways to determine if your furry buddy has anxiety issues, and even though the safest way is to take them to a vet you trust, these symptoms could be signaling that something’s wrong:
- panting,
- pacing,
- whining or whimpering,
- trembling,
- fidgeting,
- barking and aggression,
- destructive behavior,
- overly sensitive to external stimuli,
- urinating and defecating in the house, despite being toilet trained.
Even though dogs could get prescribed with benzodiazepines, antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors — CBD would be an alternative, natural and non-toxic solution to ease their pain or suffering.
The best thing is that CBD’s not a pharmaceutical and it won’t interfere with other drugs nor will it cause unwanted side effects like drowsiness, diarrhea, vomiting, increased aggression and lethargy. Some dogs don’t respond to pharmaceuticals at all, so CBD could be a way better solution.
How does CBD work For Dogs?
Endocannabinoids and their receptors are located throughout the whole body: the brain, organs, fat tissue, glands, immunity cells. The endocannabinoid system has a different role in every tissue it’s located in, but the goal is always the same – homeostasis.
This is a process of regulating a stable inner environment without causing fluctuations. Both human and animal bodies react wonderfully to CBD, as they both have these receptors.
Cannabidiol promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus – a part of the brain that plays a very important role in controlling cognition and memory. CBD may boost signaling by serotonin receptors, bringing up the dog’s mood.
How to dose CBD for dogs
As you may have guessed it, there is not a ‘one size fits all’ dosage plan for dogs – CBD must be given as prescribed by a professional. Because dogs’ size and weight vary, so do the dosages. What also plays an important role is the type of product and brand used. A dog’s ailment affects how much CBD they should be taking the most.
CBD has no toxic levels and it is incapable of causing an overdose. Despite that, you don’t want to waste product, so be sure to give your buddies responsible doses, even though a bit more will not hurt them.
The CBD oil enters the body mainly through treats for your loved 4-legged friend, which takes around 40 minutes to take effect. The dosages could be administered in drops as well, as they show the fastest release from symptoms. Since some show resentment to a dropper, CBD oil could be added to your dog’s meals and dental treats.
There are CBD capsules available on the market, but they should be mixed well with puppies’ meals, in order to consume them successfully. Whatever form of CBD you choose to give to your dogs, be sure to read the instructions on the CBD product package thoroughly.
CBD for Dogs is a Great Natural Aid
Although some might think that dogs are always well and happy, the reality is a bit different. They are active, loving and gleeful, but there come times when they accidentally hurt themselves in play, get sick or live through a severe mental trauma.
In those cases, we try and ease their pain in the most natural, non-invasive way, in order to treat them and make them happy again.
Looking back on everything mentioned, CBD is the way to go with all these problems. Just remember that a vet or a behavioral specialist should assess your dog and the specific pain or anxiety they are dealing with, to come up with a personalized treatment plan ideal for them.
