Nothing is more troublesome than watching your dog in pain or suffering emotional when all you want to do is ask them what is wrong. They go through similar ailments as humans, but they can’t tell you what’s bothering them.
You would try anything to help them, so when you heard that CBD is now being used on pets, you jumped online to see what products are available.
While finding CBD online is easy, the internet always has its risks, from misinformation to fake products. Before giving your furry friend a mystery supplement, you want to make sure it is safe.
We are here to help you decide on the best hemp oil for dogs by providing you with a comprehension guide to all things CBD.
Read on to understand the facts, benefits, and risks of CBD oil.
What is CBD?
Cannabis has been a topic of debate for decades, from is it harmful or beneficial, to is it legal or not. It can be a confusing topic and one that needs to be clarified often.
First, let’s define the difference between hemp and marijuana. Hemp contains little to no THC (the cannabinoid in the cannabis Sativa plant that creates a psychoactive effect). Marijuana does contain THC, so it does get you “high.”
Where does CBD fall within these definitions? CBD, cannabidiol, is one out of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis species. But, it does not act like THC. CBD regulates the effects of THC when ingested together.
So, what does CBD do if it doesn’t get you stoned? You can view CBD as the main medicinal benefactor found in cannabis.
It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and its receptors throughout the body. Receptors release chemicals like serotonin when an imbalance is detected.
CBD assists the body by sending signals to the receptors in order to create homeostasis within the body. So, if a pain is causing an imbalance, CBD tells the receptors to relieve the pain with more chemicals.
Thin is a completely natural way to heal the body and create a healthy chemical balance.
The Rise of CBD
With the amendment to the Farm Bill in December 2018, hemp is now legal to grow, sell, and consume as long as it contains less than .3% of THC.
This endorsement of legal industrial hemp farming has arrived after many victories over medicinal and recreational marijuana (cannabis with THC) legalization throughout the country.
But, it is the adoption of CBD that has expanded most widely throughout the country. This may be due to its use among older adults who use it strictly for its health benefits.
Once CBD broke the barrier of the THC market, it spread quickly. It became so popular that now we have realized the benefits of CBD oil for dogs.
The desire to treat not only ourselves but our pets has created a huge market for CBD. The pet market taking a large chunk of the profit. In 2019 alone, sales of CBD for pets accounted for 10% of the market.
So what makes CBD so in demand for pets? Pet owners first discovered the benefits before they decided to try it on their furry housemate.
Benefits of CBD
If you are thinking of trying CBD on your dog, you may have experienced these benefits first on yourself.
Results from one of the largest surveys of CBD users found that almost half of them stopped taking traditional medication after starting a CBD regimen. The ailments treated include chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
It also has been known to treat epilepsy and aid in cancer therapy.
While a dog’s body is different than humans, these same health conditions can also be remedied with CBD for pets.
Why People Began Giving Dogs CBD
People choose to try CBD on their pets because it is a natural solution that has minimal side effects. They also see how well CBD works on humans, so why not give CBD a try to relieve these common issues in dogs.
There has been little research conducted on both human and animal CBD medication, and it is not approved by the FDA. However, there have been several small studies as well as solid anecdotal evidence.
For example, it is common for older dogs to suffer from arthritis. A study conducted by Cornell University using placebos and hemp oil found that dogs on CBD moved around more and were in less pain than those on the placebo.
Another serious treatment includes CBD oil for cancer in dogs, which aides in preventative cell growth and shrinking of tumors. CBD also treats seizures by limiting nerve reactions and reducing the quantity and length of episodes.
The most common treatment might be dogs with anxiety. This can range from separation to specific fears like a reaction to thunder. CBD releases serotonin, induces calmer states by removing erratic impulses and promotes sleep.
Its anti-inflammatory properties help with several issues including pain, autoimmune diseases, and abnormal gut and bowel syndromes http://www.papsociety.org/prednisone/.
Precautions to Take
While there is much to benefit from trying CBD, there are also risk factors to consider.
Natural CBD is a non-toxic supplement that cannot harm your dog. There have been no cases of CBD-caused overdose. But, you have to be sure of what you are buying is real CBD.
Most products being sold online have good intentions to help your pet, but there are always bad actors who just want to make a profit. Fake products do exist and can cause harm to your dog.
You also want to be extremely careful with the ingredients. Certain foods are toxic to dogs, so do not administer CDB oil in products that can cause an allergic reaction like chocolate.
Some CBD drops for dogs can contain THC. While small amounts can be beneficial for your dog, too much THC is toxic. Be aware of the various spectrums of CBD.
A CBD isolate will only contain CBD and no THC. Broad-spectrum CBD may contain small amounts of THC. And full-spectrum includes all of its cannabinoids including THC, but to be legal it must have less than .3% THC.
There are strains of cannabis that naturally have low THC amounts. And people do prefer the effectiveness of full-spectrum to absorb all of the organic properties. But, for animals, this is a risk if you give them too much.
THC toxicity can cause vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and heightened sensitivity.
CBD has minor side effects like dry mouth and minor sleepiness. But, for the most part, if use the appropriate dosage, your dog will be fine.
Talking to Your Veterinarian
Before making a final decision on whether to start your dog on CBD, you want to speak with your veterinarian.
There is a grey area of what your vet can talk to you about regarding your pet’s use of CBD. Since it is not approved by the FDA, they could lose their license if something happens to your pet.
But, what they can discuss is your dog’s condition for which you would like to treat. They can help you determine the cause of your dog’s health problem and discuss treatment options. Then you can make an educated decision.
Once you decide that you want to use CBD, you will need to know how much CBD oil for dog is needed.
Using the Right Dosage
Finding the right dosage for your pet is tricky. You do not know their level of pain and discomfort. But, like with people, you want to start with the minimum dosage based on their weight. And with dogs, breeds do matter as well.
For isolated CBD, you can start with a low dose of .05 mg a day. Try this for a week, then increase it with another .05 mg until you notice any difference in your dog’s behavior.
Full-spectrum CBD with THC in it should be used with caution. Always check the third-party lab results on the product’s website to ensure the THC levels are low. Small amounts of THC should not harm your dog, but do observe them closely.
How to Give Your Dog CBD
Now that CBD for dogs and pets has become popular many companies are making treat-infused products and hemp oil just for animals.
Innovet CBD oil for horses, cats, and dogs come in a variety of milligrams for all size animals. They also make dog treats in flavors that your dog will enjoy.
Oils can be added to your pet’s water or placed on regular treats since many dogs will not prefer drops on their tongue.
Where to Find the Best Hemp Oil for Dogs
The last decision to make is where to get CBD oil for dogs. Getting recommendations from your vet or friend is always the best way to choose a product. But, if you are searching online, you can look for a few qualities.
Organic products mean there will be no pesticides on your dog’s CBD. Additionally, look at the ingredients to ensure there are no preservatives listed.
Companies should be transparent with their test results to display their spectrum of cannabinoids and prove they are organic.
Finally, look at reviews on third-party websites, and see how long they have been around.
Watch Your Dog Thrive
The best hemp oil for dogs should be one that makes your pup happy and healthy while making you worry-free. Trying CBD shouldn’t give you anxiety. Follow these guidelines so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your dog’s recovery.
Check out the heartwarming animal stories section of our blog to see more joyful creatures.
