CBD Oil for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
Sep 16th 2020
Your furry family may not be able to express themselves the way other members of the household could. But it doesn’t mean that they are not feeling anything emotionally and physically. Just the day to day routine of a dog may become too stressful for them without us knowing. Between guarding the house, being adorable, and maintaining a healthy diet, it’s not easy being man’s best friend, you know?
With the surging popularity of CBD and continued research on its potential benefits, dog owners have now turned to CBD oil for a more natural way of addressing health and wellness issues. This rising trend, however, has been raising several questions and creating confusion. If you are one of those looking into CBD for dogs, here are vital things you should know about.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is short for Cannabidiol. It is a chemical compound in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. CBD products are often derived from hemp or marijuana. But it is essential to note that only hemp-derived CBD is legal under the Farm Bill 2018, given that they contain less than 0.3% THC.
CBD Oil is different from hemp oil (the latter being basically cooking oil). CBD oil is extracted from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant. These are the only parts of the plant where CBD is found.
Can I give my dog CBD oil?
CBD has been found to react to the body’s network of receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is associated with functions in the body such as mood, appetite, pain, and inflammation.
Now, just like humans, animals also have cannabinoid receptors primarily in the brain and central nervous system, making up what is called the endocannabinoid system. This system partially controls skin condition, inflammation, motor control, skin condition, pain, appetite, aggression, anxiety, and neurological disorders for mammals. CBD is an agonist, weakly binding to endocannabinoid receptors, causing a long-lasting response with non-intoxicating effects.
As for THC, remember that it can be poisonous to pets. So when choosing CBD oil for dogs, it is therefore important to select a CBD product that is “non-psychoactive”. All Complete Hemp products are non-psychoactive, including our CBD for pets.
What are the benefits of CBD oil for dogs?
Early stages of CBD research and some anecdotal testimonies from dog owners indicate that CBD oil may help with conditions like pain, anxiety, and arthritis. The availability of CBD oil products for dogs has provided a natural alternative. You may also want to check out the research from the Frontiers in Veterinary Science regarding the use of Cannabidiol for canine medical conditions. What is the right CBD dosage for dogs
There is no definite answer to this but you have to understand that the right dosage depends on your dog’s size. Practically speaking, you cannot give your Shih Tzu the same amount of CBD oil you give your Labrador. As a precaution, make sure to observe your pet in the next few days and see how they respond to the CBD. From there, adjust the amount you give based on how they respond. You may also find added information on the dosage in the product itself.
Will CBD make my pet feel “high”?
Certainly not. Since CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, it is completely non-psychoactive. So you don’t need to worry about your pooch being on a high.
Final Thoughts
For many, canines are not just house pets, they are family. Hence, it’s just understandably why dog lovers continue to search for the best when it comes to keeping their dogs healthy and happy. As you search for the perfect CBD, make sure you have done your due diligence in researching and understanding what is CBD and how it can work for your furry friend.
References:
- Treating Your Dog with CBD - https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-dogs
- Can CBD Oil Help Dogs With Epilepsy? The AKC Canine Health Foundation Investigates - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-for-dog-seizures/
- US Veterinarians' Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6338022/