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CBD Oil For Dogs: Is It Safe For Your Pets?

The rise of CBD oil is evident with the popularity of products that contain the substance as an active ingredient. From tinctures to cookies to skincare products, you’ll find that specialty stores are offering a lot of varieties. You’ll also see pet treats on shelves. Because of the varying health benefits that CBD oil contains, there’s a belief that the effects may also extend to animals.  

CBD oil for dogs is available in the market, prompting experienced CBD users to try them on their pets. However, one must wonder as a fur parent whether CBD is safe for dogs at all. From food to medicine, some products that are suitable for humans count as safe for animal consumption as well. Is this true for CBD as well? Is there an article reference supporting its health benefits for pets? Let us dive deeper. 

What Is CBD? 

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a substance from the cannabis plant. It’s mainly a product of the cannabis species hemp and marijuana. CBD from marijuana has THC or tetrahydrocannabinol that causes psychoactive effects. Meanwhile, hemp has little or zero THC. This is the reason why some prefer this type of CBD derivative.  

 

How Safe Is CBD For Dogs? 

If you’re among the many pet owners who want to take advantage of CBD oil, there are some things to consider first. Any pet owner should not risk the safety of his or her pets based on hearsay. Like with your health, you need to find clinical studies that prove CBD’s health benefits and safety for dogs. Here are a couple  of studies that indicate that CBD benefits dogs in specific health conditions:

  • A 2018 research by the Cornell University students on how CBD oil alleviates pain from osteoarthritis on dogs. 
  • Colorado State University initially made clinical trials on CBD oil working against dog epilepsy. 

These universities used CBD-based products by the Applied Basic Sciences Corporation and ElleVet Sciences. Searching for valid statements from veterinarians and experts on dog nutrition and wellness can put your mind at ease.

  • Dr. Mark Verdino of the North Shore Animal League America (Vice President and Chief Veterinary Staff) stated in an interview that dogs taking CBD oil react less to low-level pain and anxiety. He gives CBD oil to his senior dog as well.  

The discussion and recommendation of CBD products to pet owners may get veterinarians in trouble. In some states, the use of CBD is restricted to humans. However, California law allows their animal doctors a bit more freedom to talk about the pros and cons of CBD with their clients.   

How Does CBD Affect Dogs? 

If there’s one thing that pet owners must realize, it’s that not all CBD products are ideal for animals. As discussed, CBD oil can come from two different species of the cannabis plant. CBD oils with THC are not appropriate for dogs. In humans, THC may alleviate pain, treat loss of appetite and nausea, and protect from degenerative brain diseases. However, THC makes dogs high and it may cause other serious adverse effects, including the following: 

  • Marijuana poisoning 
  • Seizures 
  • Ataxia (a combination of symptoms such as tensed muscles, drooling, staggering, twitching, wide-opened eyes, and more) 
  • Coma  

These frightening symptoms should convince you to give your dog THC-free cannabidiol. Like in humans, CBD from hemp allows dogs to get all the functional elements without the exposure to, and the dangers from THC.  

When you allow the right CBD oil for your pets, they also get the many perks as you do. For dogs, CBD: 

  • Eliminates cancer cells 
  • Prevents colitis development 
  • Helps manage epilepsy and seizures 
  • Lowers inflammation 
  • Protects the brain cells, and more 

 

The Proper CBD Administration To Dogs 

Another thing to consider when giving CBD products to dogs is pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics refers to how the effect of the drug or substance begins, its duration, and its potency. In this case, it’s a question of what form of CBD works the best for canines.  

Cannabidiol comes in many forms, but the best and the safest is the liquid form. This form was used by the Cornel University students to conduct their research. CBD oil is adjustable in dosage and is easily absorbed in the body.  

 

In Conclusion  

CBD oil is safe for dogs if it comes from hemp. THC is only useful for humans and may cause unpleasant side effects in your pet that may even lead to a coma. To be extra safe, you should only source CBD oil from reputable shops to ensure that it’s of high quality, pure, and ethically produced. Avoid cheap CBD oil as they may not contain the right amount of CBD and can be laced with artificial additives. Seek certification from the manufacturer that indicates its contents, including the quantity of THC. It’s best to start administration in small doses to see the effects. Consult your vet before you start. 

 

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