CBD or Cannabidiol products are now widely available in almost every store and online retailer. The trending component is a naturally occurring chemical found in hemp and marijuana. CBD does not provide the often stated high. However, studies indicate that it may be beneficial in treating anxiety, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), and other medical ailments.
As a result of CBD’s growing popularity, several dog partners opt for it as an alternative therapy. As with any other pet health trend, tremendous information circulates on the internet. While you are attracted to every trend for your pet, it is likely to get you overwhelmed. The following guide will help you know about CBD Oil, its usage, and its benefit for your pet.
What exactly is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, often known as CBD, is a chemical component present in hemp. Researchers stress the importance of understanding that it does not always include delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical component that proffers marijuana its euphoric effects. In reality, hemp, rather than marijuana, is used to make the vast majority of CBD products.
THC or CBD for dogs – which is better?
CBD or cannabidiol is among the approximately 80 distinct chemical composites named cannabinoids obtained from the cannabis or marijuana plant. Contrary to tetrahydrocannabinol aka THC, CBD, a well-known cannabinoid, is not psychoactive.
It instead shares key metabolic streams with a family of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as Rimadyl and ibuprofen. These pathways regulate a wide range of physiological functions in the body, ranging from inflammatory reactions to blood coagulation.
When taken in combination with other treatments, CBD-based products, on the other hand, may be able to assist your dog’s overall quality of life.
Benefits
CBD provides potential beneficial treatment for several diseases involving anxiety, arthritis, seizures, pain regulation, and cancer-supportive solutions. There is a varying degree of experimental proof for each of these situations. The efficacy of CBD in treating each of these diseases is still under investigation.
Arthritis
Because CBD apportions metabolic pathways with anti-inflammatory medicines, it treats Osteoarthritis or arthritis, a common ailment in dogs. As most dogs suffer from this inflammatory condition, CBD is beneficial by offering pain alleviation with appropriate daily dosage.
Pain
The anti-inflammatory effect seen in arthritic dogs might theoretically be visible in dogs suffering from other kinds of inflammatory pain, including back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).
Preliminary human trials have shown that combination medicines comprising CBD and THC are more effective for pain alleviation than medication administered alone. However, since no similar study has been conducted on dogs, it is not recommended that they be administered THC.
Seizures
Seizures are perhaps the most well-studied use of CBD in humans, but only a small study exists regarding CBD for dogs. There are a plethora of diseases that may induce seizures in dogs, and each one is different.
In case your dog is suffering from idiopathic epilepsy, some studies indicate that CBD may be beneficial in decreasing the frequency of seizures in these animals.
Cancer
The word cancer, similar to seizures, refers to a very varied collection of particular illnesses, each of which has its own set of effective treatment options.
Cannabis-derived cannabidiol (CBD) has been investigated in humans for its potential use in cancer patients to cure tumors directly. It also alleviates the secondary indications of chemotherapy and cancer. There has been a short study on the use of CBD in the treatment of cancer in dogs.
Anxiety
It is possible that the most common misunderstanding about CBD is that it may help dogs with their anxiety issues. Theoretically, CBD’s ability to decrease pain and inflammation can limit the anxiety induced by pain or inflammation.
However, as cannabidiol is not psychoactive, there is a lower possibility of directly treating canine anxiety. Much more study is essential on the use of CBD to treat anxiety in dogs, as is the case with the majority of medical problems.
Canine Cannabidiol Dosage
Every supplement has a particular CBD concentration, stated in milligrams per bottle (mg). As many dogs tolerate its flavor, you may add it to your pet’s food.
Pros
These days, one can get many CBD products for dogs as dog treats and oil varieties. Not much research or a formal study exists to back the claims about CBD applications and advantages for dogs. The majority of the evidence is anecdotal or unscientific.
However, based on experience, it has the following advantages-
- Reduced inflammation
- Alleviates nausea
- Increases canine appetite
- Alleviates pain
- Improve canine heart
- Reduces anxiety issues
Side-effects
When it comes to CBD side effects and dangers in dogs, there is very little information available. Experts are still unsure of the appropriate doses to use or what amounts may be harmful.
To date, the FDA authorities allow just one prescription medication containing CBD to treat epileptic seizures in humans. Here are some of the negative effects one should be aware of:
- Dry feeling in the mouth– Temporarily reduces the quantity of saliva (also known as spit) produced by your dog. The dogs also feel thirsty.
- Low Blood pressure- In humans, CBD may induce a transient decrease in blood pressure that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Although one drop seems insignificant, it may cause your dog to get dizzy.
- Drowsiness- If you feed your dog a high dose, its soothing properties may make them sleepy.
- Fertility issues- Some investigations have discovered these issues in male pets consuming CBD.
Whenever you consider giving your dog CBD, be sure to consult with a veterinarian first.
CBD products that are available on the market
If dog owners and veterinarians want to opt for CBD oil to treat their dogs, it is essential to consider a few things while shopping for CBD oil. Every CBD oil is not the same. And one must choose high-quality oil if one wants to increase the likelihood of it working.
- Look for organic products- If not organic, the CBD oil should at the very least be free of pesticides, solvents, fungicides, among other things.
- Do not shop as per pricing- Higher levels of purity and quality do not mean a higher price. Check to ensure that your CBD oil does not include any additions like pesticides, heavy metals, and herbicides, making it potentially hazardous.
- Get a copy of the analysis- Upon request, the producer shall give a certificate stating the quantity of CBD in the product. Various CBD goods only contain trace quantities of the cannabinoid. Also check for THC content.
- Purchase CBD in the form of a liquid- It is possible to purchase CBD-infused dog treats, but the most effective form is to give it as a tincture or oil. You will be able to modify your dog’s dosage depending on its benefits.
Is it legal to administer CBD to dogs?
The laws governing CBD may be complex. It is against the law to advertise CBD as a dietary supplement for people or to include it in food products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clamping down on businesses that do so. Several states restrict veterinarians from prescribing it for dogs or providing any dosage advice.
Conclusion
Even if there has been a great deal of early study and anecdotal data pointing to the beneficial effects of CBD oil benefits for dogs, an additional high-quality investigation is still required. If you have any queries or concerns, you should contact a reputable veterinarian right away.