CBD oil has seen a surge in popularity among humans in the past year, with many reporting enormous benefits.
It’s been associated with reduced anxiety, pain relief, and even used as an anti-inflammatory. Since it’s shown such tremendous positives in humans, a question that has been rising among many pet owners is, could it work the same with our dogs? Visit this Ineedmedic page to learn more.
In short, not exactly, but also maybe.
That isn’t a particularly clear answer, so let us explain. The effectiveness of CBD oil differs from individual to individual, and this goes for our furry friends too. What might work wonderfully for one dog may induce some less than pleasant side effects for another.
Let’s dive a bit more into CBD for dogs.
What Exactly Can CBD Oil Help My Dog With?
Despite the lack of specific scientific research into the effects of CBD oil with dogs, there are a variety of observable benefits noted by pet owners all over the internet. If that doesn’t sound veritable enough for you, numerous veterinarians also report positive effects from using cannabinoids with pets.
These positive effects can include:
- Reduced arthritis pain
- Relieved inflammation
- Relief from chronic pain
- Improved digestion
- Alleviated anxiety and stress
- Cardiac benefits
- Seizure relief
This is all because, just like humans, dogs possess an endocannabinoid system located in the central and peripheral nervous system. The cannabidiol reacts directly with this system to provide a variety of positive effects, most notably maintaining balance within the body to ensure the continuation of healthy processes.
Am I Going to Get My Dog High?
No. You’re not. At least not from CBD oil, anyway. Though it is a product of the marijuana plant created from the flowers and buds, it does not include the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what provides that ‘high’ sensation. It does, however, retain all the properties necessary to provide a lot of the positives often associated with marijuana.
Is it Safe?
Luckily there’s no evidence to suggest that CBD oil possesses any toxicity or can cause severe harm for your pet. Much of the information surrounding CBD oil is anecdotal due to the lack of scientific research into this field, but that doesn’t mean you should altogether avoid using products.
A small study conducted by Colorado State University found that healthy dogs tolerated cannabidiol well overall, with only a small portion suffering from mild diarrhea and slightly increased liver enzymes. The study acknowledged that further research needed to be done to ascertain the full effects of cannabidiol on the liver, but there was no immediate evidence to suggest prolonged damage or toxicity.
In addition to this, there are an enormous amount of stories posted daily on various pet forums sharing their success stories. While social media posts don’t possess quite the same validity as scientific research, they do provide unique testimonies from owners who have tried CBD products and found success.
From oil to a topical ointment to the best CBD dog treats out there, there are plenty of ways you can give your dog CBD.
Are There Negative Side Effects?
As is the case with all treatments, there is always the potential for unwanted side-effects. Thankfully CBD oil has only ever demonstrated minor side effects that do not put your dog at great risk. Some of these include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Lowered blood pressure (in small amounts)
If you notice that your dog seems sleepier and/or thirstier following the use of cannabidiol it may be worth reviewing your usage and potentially lowering how much you’re administering to your pet. As the U.S Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve CBD and provide an official dosing chart, it’s impossible to know at present what dosage you should aim for.
Like with all medications or treatments, it’s strongly advised you start small to allow your dog to adjust. This makes it far easier to observe when you may have administered too much. Speak to your veterinarian for further advice on whether CBD oil is appropriate for your dog.