CBD Oil For Dogs – All Of Your Questions Answered

cbd oil for dogs

How to give your dogs cbd oil

CBD has become a popular wellness product. And it’s pretty obvious why.

Now, the cannabinoid is being formulated for a human’s best friend – dogs. 

Unfortunately, the sheer amount of information available on the web regarding ‘CBD oil for dogs‘ can be overwhelming and confusing for many pet owners. 

Whether you are an advocate or skeptic, it’s important that you have the correct facts about this potentially useful holistic remedy.

Currently, the biggest proof of the far-reaching potential benefits of CBD oil in dogs is anecdotal evidence. 

But before you can start giving CBD treats to your pet, let’s have a closer look at everything you need to know about CBD oil for dogs. 

What is CBD, does it help with medical conditions, how much CBD oil is ideal for your dog, and more.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, often abbreviated as CBD, is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants (hemp and marijuana). 

The most significant difference between hemp and marijuana plants is their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. 

THC is the psychoactive and intoxicating cannabinoid that causes a high.

While the hemp plant produces nothing above 0.3% THC, the marijuana plant contains much higher THC amounts. 

The low levels of THC in hemp cannot trigger psychoactive effects or make your dog high. Hence, CBD oil for dogs is typically extracted from hemp plants. 

It is essential for pet parents to note that there is a significant difference between CBD oil and hemp oil.

CBD oil is sourced from hemp plants’ flowers, leaves, and stalks. 

On the flip side, hemp seed oil, or simply hemp oil, is extracted by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Hemp oil contains minimal to no amounts of CBD, but it is highly nutritious.

Is CBD Oil For Dogs Legal?

CBD is legal in all 50 states as long as it is extracted from hemp plants. 

The 2018 United States farm bill legalized hemp and its derivatives at a federal level. 

Therefore, it’s easy for pet owners to obtain CBD oil products without a prescription both online and over the counter. 

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How Does CBD Oil Affect Dogs- Will It Make My Dog High?

Research studies into CBD oil for dogs are still lacking. 

However, researchers believe that CBD interacts with the receptors in dogs’ endocannabinoid system (much like humans), helping create a balance in their bodies and maintain a normal healthy state. 

As noted earlier, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means that the use of CBD does not cause a high, even when consumed by dogs and other animals.

But it’s a good idea to avoid CBD oil extracted from marijuana plants. This type of oil contains high levels of THC, increasing the chances of your furry friend getting high. 

Hemp-derived CBD contains 0.3% or less THC levels. Hence, dog owners don’t have to worry about their pets getting high. 

CBD is non-psychoactive. This means that the use of CBD does not cause a high, even when consumed by dogs and other animals.

And the good news is that this type of CBD is non-addictive, so your pet stands to reap numerous wellness and health benefits without developing a dependency on CBD.

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Is CBD Safe For Pets?

According to current research and anecdotal evidence, the health benefits of CBD for humans are endless! 

The best CDB oil can provide numerous health and wellness benefits for your canine friend when taken in the proper dosage. 

Anecdotally speaking, CBD can help your dog with health issues like chronic pain and joint pain while helping him or her stay in a calm state. 

Currently, there is no scientific data on the possible side effects of CBD oil for dogs.

However, CBD is generally well tolerated by the body and is safe for your dog, with negligible to no side effects. 

CBD has been found to decrease saliva production, causing dry mouth. Hence, your dog may experience increased thirst. 

Additionally, high doses of CBD are associated with reversible side effects like drowsiness and diarrhea. 

To prevent the risks of side effects, you should start with a low dose and gradually adjust it depending on your pet’s needs.

Naturally, dogs have more endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, making them more susceptible to the effects of cannabinoids than humans. 

Effective CBD dosage for your dog primarily depends on its size. 

And though CBD is not associated with long-term side effects, it’s important that you follow best practices like maintaining the proper CBD dosage. 

Another best thing to do is talk to your vet and have them recommend an effective dose for your dog, depending on its symptoms.

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How Does CBD Oil For Dogs Work?

CBD oil for dogs works in a similar way as humans in that it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS is a natural cell signaling system in the pet and human body.

It is responsible for regulating the most vital functions like mood, appetite, memory, pain sensation, sleep, etc. 

The ECS consists of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors.

The CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems.

When CBD is introduced into the pet’s body, it activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors while also preventing endocannabinoids breakdown.

This way, the dog’s natural endocannabinoids have a greater effect on the body. 

The interaction between CBD and the ECS results in the potential health benefits that CBD is well-known for, including pain relief and alleviating anxiety.

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Understanding CBD Oil For Dogs Dosage Guidelines

For your dog to experience the maximum benefits of CBD, it must receive the right dosage. 

CBD dog treats packaging often indicates the total amount of CBD in milligrams in the whole package.

For instance, you might have a bottle of CBD tincture that’s labeled ’10ml’ bottle. Generally, a 10ml bottle contains about 200 drops. 

Therefore, you’ll calculate the mg of CBD in each drop by dividing the total amount of CBD in the bottle (1000mg) by the total number of drops (200 drops) – (1000/200), which gives you 5mg CBD per drop. 

This way, you’re able to determine how much CBD oil your dog gets per serving.

Full-spectrum CBD oil packagings often indicate how many milliliters of CBD oil is contained in a full dropper. You can easily break down the milligrams of CBD in that dropper. 

For instance, suppose a dropper filled with 1ml of CBD oil possesses 10mg CBD; in that case, half of that dropper will contain 0.5ml of CBD oil and 5mg of CBD. 

To get the amount of CBD in a quarter of that dropper, you’ll simply divide the full amount by 4 (1ml/4) and (10mg/4); this loosely translates to 0.25ml of CBD oil and 2.5 mg of CBD.

Knowing how much CBD is in each serving makes it easier to determine the appropriate dosage that provides your pet with the desired effects, improving its quality of life.

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What's The Recommended CBD Dosage For Dogs?

The appropriate dosage of CBD oil for your dog is greatly determined by its body weight.

A good rule of thumb is to always start with a small dose and increase or decrease gradually, depending on your pet’s needs. 

Ideally, large dogs weighing more than 100 pounds will require higher CBD doses to experience the benefits of pet CBD oil.

Consider the following dosing chart to determine how many mg of CBD will benefit your pet:

 

Small

Below 25 lbs

Medium

25-60 lbs

Large 

More than 60 lbs

100mg

1/2 dropper

1 dropper

2 droppers

250mg

1/4 dropper

1/2 dropper

1 dropper

 

 

Consider The Quality Of CBD Oil For Your Dog

You must consider the quality of your CBD oil to ensure you get the best CBD products for your dog. 

Remember that CBD products are not all created equal; some may be more potent than others. 

For instance, 2mg of CBD oil from one brand may not offer your dog the same efficacy as 1mg of CBD oil from another brand.

Another factor that determines the potency of CBD oil is its form. Full-spectrum CBD oil may be more potent than CBD isolate oil. 

CBD isolate products contain pure CBD oil only, without other hemp compounds or cannabinoids. 

Comparably, full-spectrum CBD products contain hemp CBD oil, beneficial hemp compounds, and other hemp cannabinoids, including less than 0.3% THC.

These trace amounts of THC are safe for consumption by small and big dogs. 

While you can safely use either of these natural products for your pet, experts recommend using full-spectrum CBD pet products. 

That’s because CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids work in synergy to offer your dog the maximum therapeutic benefits of hemp via the entourage effect.

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Four Amazing Health Benefits Of CBD For Dogs

Now that you know how to determine the appropriate dosage for your furry friend let’s have a detailed look at CBD oil benefits for dogs. 

Depending on your dog’s condition, the right dose of CBD oil can provide him or her the following positive effects:

CBD For Pain Management

Dogs can feel pain for most of the same reasons as humans, including cancer, infections, arthritis, and bone diseases. Your dog can also experience pain and discomfort following a surgical procedure. 

Sadly, unlike their owners, dogs cannot speak or say when and where they’re hurting. Of course, no pet owner wants to see their pets hurt. 

Luckily, CBD has been found to help in pain management by promoting a normal inflammatory response in the pet’s body. 

This helps relieve soreness, stiffness, promotes muscle recovery, and supports healthy cellular activity.

CBD Relieves Stress

It’s quite normal for dogs to get stressed from time to time. However, too much and prolonged stress can result in long-term health problems, like dog’s anxiety. 

Some common causes of stress in dogs include relocating to a new place, drastic changes in routine, and loud noises. 

The good news for pet parents is that CBD oil for dogs can help. 

CBD possesses relaxing properties that can calm your dog, reduce anxiety, and promote a normal emotional balance. CBD can also help your pets cope with external stress and anxiety triggers. 

CBD To Improve Mobility In Dogs

Dogs may develop mobility issues for different reasons. For instance, arthritis is a common cause of mobility issues across different breeds. 

This degenerative joint disease causes inflammation, pain, and discomfort. As your dog ages, you may also notice changes in his or her mobility, for instance, struggling to climb stairs. 

Fortunately, helping your older dog with such mobility issues can be possible with CBD. Early research supports CBD potency to help with joint pain, joint stiffness and support healthy joints. 

CBD also supports bone health while providing connective tissue support.

CBD For General Wellness

Just like other wellness supplements, CBD supplements can support your dog’s immune system. 

CBD can also promote normal cardiovascular and neurological function, support physical and mental well-being and promote long-term health. 

Consistently give your pet small amounts of CBD, and the CBD build-up in its body will promote its general wellness.

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Possible Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Dogs

Hemp-Derived CBD produces negligible to no side effects. Generally, pet owners report reversible and slight lethargy, often when CBD is first introduced to the pet. 

However, all dogs are different, and while some dogs experience side effects, others simply don’t. 

Besides strictly buying hemp-derived CBD oil for your dog, you can also reduce the risks of potential side effects by ensuring that the product is organic and all-natural, without harmful contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals.

The manufacturer should willingly provide the product’s certificate of analysis (COA). 

COA shows the exact amount of CBD in the product,  its purity, potency, and consumption safety as tested by an accredited third-party laboratory. 

Some of the commonly reported side effects include:

  • Dry mouth 
  • Diarrhea
  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Slight lethargy
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Commonly Available CBD Products For Dogs On The Market

CBD oil for dogs is available in numerous forms, including CBD capsules, oils, topicals, bites, and soft chews.

CBD Oils

Also referred to as CBD tinctures, CBD oils come with a dropper bottle, making it easy to dose your pet accurately. 

The most effective way to administer tinctures is sublingually (putting a few drops under the dog’s tongue). 

This allows for quick absorption and a fast onset of effects.

CBD Topicals

Topicals are especially ideal for those looking to improve their pet’s skin health, for instance, by moisturizing dry noses and cracked paws.

CBD Chews

CBD bites and chews are perhaps the best way to give CBD oil for dogs. 

Available in numerous shapes and sizes, these products are infused with palatable ingredients that dogs love, like peanut butter and coconut.

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CBD Oil For Dogs - The Bottom Line

Although a relatively new trend, CBD oil for dogs is safe and highly beneficial for your four-legged friend. 

As this holistic remedy continues to take the limelight in the pet and animal health worlds, anecdotal evidence supports its potency. 

Clinical trials on how CBD treatments affect dogs are still early in their infancy. However, experts know that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the same way as humans, helping maintain balance and stability in the body.