Can You Give Your Dog CBD? | Benefits, Dosage, and More

The use of CBD as a medicinal treatment is higher than ever. Its success as an alternative to over-the-counter medicine has helped so many people live a better quality of life. It is natural to want the same for your dog. 

Research on CBD is still in the early stages, but studies have shown it effectively provides many medical benefits. Now that CBD oil is legal, it has piqued interest in many pet owners, wondering, “can dogs use CBD oil and other similar products?” 

With so many resources and a ton of inconclusive information on the internet, here are a few things to know before getting your best bud, the best bud. 

what-is-cbd

Can You Give Dogs CBD Oil?

Research on CBD in dogs is still in its developmental stages, but here is what we know. CBD works by cannabinoids interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ENS), a vital system that helps maintain general health. Cannabis receptors are found everywhere in human bodies, connecting our minds to their bodies. 

All animals have this ENS, so yes, you can give your dog CBD. Not only is CBD safe for dogs, it actually works in dogs similar to how it works for humans. 

Of course, some adjustments must be made to ensure that your furry friend is safe. 

cbd-for-dog-anxiety

CBD Benefits for Dogs

Now that you know you can give your dog CBD, let’s focus on how you can help your dog.

It has been used by humans to treat many issues and ailments such as:

  • Chronic pain
  • Seizures and Epilepsy
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Insomnia
  • Allergies
  • Nausea

Here are some of the benefits of CBD oil for dogs, as well as other CBD products.

  • Treating arthritis – CBD for pets like dogs can help your dog increase mobility to run and jump like they used to.
  • Assisting with anxiety – CBD may help decrease anxiety for dogs to handle better triggering events such as fireworks.
  • Seizures – CBD has been noted to help control seizures in epileptic dogs and decrease their occurrence rate.

Many dog owners have also noted that CBD assists with nausea, improve appetite, and has cardiac benefits and anti-inflammatory effects.

cbd-treats-for-dogs

CBD for Dog Anxiety

Our dogs are much more similar to humans than people realise. Just as they love, they can also feel fear and experience anxiety. 

Dogs can become anxious for several reasons: general anxiety, separation anxiety, former rescue/shelter anxiety, or even sickness-caused anxiety. It is hard to watch your beloved best friend react to distressing situations and feel helpless.

Dog owners use CBD to treat anxiety primarily and have attested to improving pooch temperament. CBD may help calm dogs better handle their anxiety in stressful situations like visits and thunderstorms.

 

how-to-give-dogs-cbd

How to Give Dogs CBD

CBD products are well developed and can come as:

  • CBD oil
  • CBD dog pills
  • Treats such as CBD gummies, chocolate, or cookies
  • Patches
  • Lotions and creams

There are several ways you can go about giving dogs CBD. CDB oil is the most recommended and commonly used form of CBD because of its ability to stay longer in the system while providing continuous relief. 

You can buy your dog treats or capsules but administering CBD oil for dogs is better so that you can have better dosage control.

How Much CBD to Give Dogs

As much as CBD works similarly in us as it does in dogs, dogs are smaller than humans. And if you are already familiar with CBD, you know that dosage control is essential. The only difference would be the concentration of the CBD. Dogs should consume products with lower CBD concentrations to avoid exceeding the recommended amount.

All dogs are different, and CBD suppliers do provide dosage suggestions, but here are three steps to safely find a dosage most suited to your dog.

  1. Start small – you should be working in milligrams.
  2. Monitor and record your dogs’ reaction and adjust accordingly
  3. Increase the dosage slowly, only if needed.

Try to have your dog lick a dropper when treating them or apply the oil directly if using it topically

side-effects-cbd-for-dogs

CBD Side Effects in Dogs

There is always a risk of possible side effects with any medicine or supplement. There isn’t much scientific data on this, but it is possible for dogs to experience the side effects of CBD if the recommended dosage is exceeded. 

The potential side-effects that may present in this case are:

  • dry mouth – in the form of increased thirst 
  • diarrhoea 
  • drowsiness
  • low blood pressure – which may present as dizziness. 

choosing-a-cbd-product

How to Choose a CBD Product for Your Dog

Just like with most things, we always want the best for our dogs. That is why it is vital to ensure your chosen CBD product is of high quality. Make sure your chosen CBD oil, pill, lotion, and the like passes the following checklist: 

  • Do not limit yourself according to cost, the higher quality products may be costlier, but your dog’s safety and health come first. 
  • Buy the CBD product as a liquid or edible to carefully control the dosage
  • CBD oil must be adequately labelled and branded
  • Manufacturers should be reputable, ethical, and have information available to accredit them.
  • Use organic CBD oil for dogs, with as few pesticides and other toxins as possible.

Final Thoughts on Whether You Can Give Dogs CBD or Not

Overall, CBD can help your dog live a better life in many ways. Many dog owners are getting into this wellness trend with mostly good reviews.

It is an excellent addition to any medical treatment in place for your dog. By paying close attention to your dog’s dosage, progress, and the quality of your chosen CBD product, you can ensure your dog has the best of its days. 

Now that you know the answer to whether dogs can have CBD oil (and other products) or not, talk to your veterinarian and start looking for a treatment today. 

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