Using CBD oil is a big trend right now. Are you interested in finding out if it would be good for your dog?
CBD Oil for pets is a new wellness trend. As with most new trends, it is best to educate yourself on the uses and possible downsides to it.
CBD is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. It shares important metabolic pathways with a class of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and Rimadyl. As such, it can control many conditions in the body, from inflammatory responses to blood clotting.
According to The AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jerry Klein it is important to be sure your CBD Oil does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the psychoactive property in marijuana. (Most CBD Oil is made from hemp not marijuana.)
There has been no formal study on the use of CBD oil on dogs. However, there’s anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain, as well as help to control seizures in canines. Dr. Klein notes that CBD is used to treat a myriad of conditions. Among these it may have anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and possible anti-cancer benefits.
1. Pain treatment - As many as 1 in 4 dogs are shown to have arthritis. Research has shown that CBD can provide substantial pain relief for arthritis when given twice daily to dogs in appropriate doses.
2. Seizures - Dogs can have many underlying conditions that cause seizures. Research has shown that CBD can lessen the frequency of seizures but only when given along with traditional seizure medications.
3. With cancer therapies -The anti-nausea benefits of CBD have been proven in rats and ferrets. It may be helpful in canines undergoing cancer treatments as well.
4. Anxiety - CBD is not psychoactive so it does not reduce anxiety the way Prozac might. By relieving inflammation and pain it may have an effect on anxiety.
Since there is no scientific evidence for the side effects of CBD oil use on dogs, we have to rely on how it affects humans. Some of those side effects are:
Dry mouth - In dogs this would show up as increased thirst.
Lowered blood pressure - Though the blood pressure drop may be small it could cause a slight dizziness in your dog
Drowsiness - The oil has been used to treat anxiety in dogs. In higher doses it can cause drowsiness.
There is no scientific evidence for using CBD oil on your dog. This also means there is no studied recommended dosage and no way to know what level would be toxic. As with any new medications, it is best to start out with a small dose, closely monitor your pet and check with your veterinarian before using it.
If you and your vet decide to use CBD oil on your pet, use the following recommendations when choosing a product:
Choose an organic product. This way you will be assured it does not contain pesticides, fungicides, or solvents.
Don’t buy the cheapest product. Higher price means higher quality and purity. It also makes it more likely to not contain additives.
Look at the analysis. The manufacturer should provide a certification for how much CBD is in the product. Do not buy a product with THC in it.
Buy the product as a liquid. This is the best way to adjust the dosage
*Only you and your vet can decide if CBD is an option for your dog. Weigh your decision carefully, then make the choice that is best for your pet.
All proceeds from Thousand Hills Pet Resort support New Life K9s. New Life K9s provides service dogs to veterans and first responders with PTSD at no cost to them.
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