Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has become an increasingly popular supplemental treatment for humans suffering from pain, anxiety, epilepsy, cancer and numerous other health issues. It’s extracted from cannabis plants but contains little to no THC, so it doesn’t get users “high”. As CBD has grown in popularity over the past decade, more and more dog owners have begun using it for their pets.
CBD interacts with receptors throughout the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates a wide array of functions and maintains homeostasis. Dogs have this same biological system and so cannabis-derived CBD has the potential to deliver therapeutic effects for many canine health concerns. Especially issues found in aging dogs like chronic pain, arthritis, seizures, cancer symptoms and stress relief.
However with an unregulated CBD market, pet owners must educate themselves on the benefits of CBD oil for dogs, potential side effects and mainly how find and administer high quality, pet-safe products. Working with a veterinarian knowledgeable in cannabis applications can further ensure your dog receives maximum benefits from CBD while staying safe.
This complete guide will explore the research behind CBD use for dogs, the best delivery methods, recommended dosages, what to look for when selecting a CBD hemp oil for your canine companion and more.
CBD Oil Benefits for Dogs
While research into cannabidiol for pets lags behind more robust human studies, current veterinary research and overwhelming consumer testimonials point to numerous potential benefits of CBD supplementation for dogs. These include:
Pain Relief
CBD has been found in studies of mammals to reduce inflammation and interacts with pain receptors throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. This can lead to significant pain relief from chronic issues like joint pain and arthritis. Research also found reductions in pain behaviors and improved mobility in dogs given CBD twice daily.
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Anti-Seizure
Dogs prone to experiencing tremors, tics, spasms from a seizure condition may gain relief with CBD according to veterinarian reports. However most evidence is anecdotal to date. CBD shares similar anticonvulsant mechanisms and neuroprotective effects to some anti-seizure drugs without the harsh side effects. More clinical trials are underway.
Anti-Inflammatory
By interacting with the body’s ECS system, CBD has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects reducing chronic inflammation contributing to joint pain, inflammatory bowel disease, skin reactions, autoimmune disorders and certain cancers.
Anti-Anxiety
For high strung, anxious or phobic dogs CBD hemp oil may help reduce nervous behaviors like separation anxiety, travel nerves, aggression, obsessive tendencies and reactions to loud noises like fireworks or thunder through serotonin receptor and hormone balancing in the brain.
Cancer Symptom Relief
While not an outright cure, CBD can help mitigate some symptoms pet’s experience with cancers like nausea, wasting, pain and loss of appetite per anecdotal reports. The anti-inflammatory effects may slow disease progression. More research is still needed into proper CBD cancer protocols.
With such a diversity of potential effects through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, CBD could provide multi-directional benefits for all types of dogs. But more research into exact applications for different breeds and sizes will uncover specialized cannabinoid therapies for inflammation, seizures, anxieties and pain related to chronic conditions.
Is CBD Oil Safe for My Dog and What Are the Side Effects?
To date, available research suggests CBD hemp oil is quite safe for most dogs with very mild side effects reported like drowsiness and gastrointestinal upset when introduced at doses too high. It’s considered non-toxic.
However, possible side effects to keep in mind when giving your dog buy CBD oil include:
Dry Mouth – CBD binding to receptors in salivary glands can inhibit production temporarily leading to increased thirst. This resolves once the dog consumes water to hydrate.
Drowsiness – Especially when taking higher than needed doses of CBD, dogs may experience periods of drowsiness. Typically relief sets in once dosing aligned properly with sensitivity.
Dizziness – Occasionally lower blood pressure from CBD creates temporary lightheadedness. sitting/lying positions prevent losing balance. Proper hydration also helps.
Gastrointestinal Issues – Digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea can result when introducing CBD oil, especially at very high doses. This usually resolves in 24-48 hours. Gradual dosing prevents most stomach irritation.
Monitor side effects when starting CBD oil regime. Seek veterinary guidance adjusting dose down if mild side effects emerge then disappear in few days. Seek immediate vet care for collapse, severe GI issues. Once the optimal dose established, side effects reduce over time.