With the widespread use of CBD products around the world, pet owners naturally wonder if cbd oil can be good for dogs?
In this article, we share all the relevant information you need to know about the benefits and risks of CBD for dogs.
Discusses in detail the differences between THC and CBD, the reasons why CBD is a good choice for dogs, the different types of CBD, and the potential risks of using dogs.
Note: This and other articles on Hemp's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'new food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.
CBD for dogs - what is important to know?
CBD is one of over a hundred different chemical compounds called “cannabinoids” found in the hemp plant. Although the benefits of CBD are widely known, this cannabinoid is sometimes mistakenly confused with another popular chemical compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Both of these products are popular, but have completely different effects. THC is a hallucinogen, it has intoxicating properties, and its benefits and risks are still very mixed. Due to the potential risks, THC is illegal in Lithuania and many other countries.
Veterinarians warn that under no circumstances should give THC products to dogs and other pets. The psychoactive effects of this cannabinoid in animals have not been properly studied and can pose serious risks to the pet's health and even life.
However, CBD or cannabidiol is a completely different story. It is a cannabinoid that does not have intoxicating, depressant or other psychoactive properties. It is valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory effects. Experts say that CBD-based products (e.g. CBD oil for dogs) can help improve a dog's quality of life.
Why is CBD oil a good choice for dogs?
CBD is often cited as a beneficial treatment for a variety of ailments, including pain management, arthritis, reducing aggression, anxiety, seizures, and even cancer. There is considerable practical and scientific evidence supporting the benefits of cannabidiol for pets.
Below are 4 main cases when you should try CBD oil for dogs.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, often abbreviated as arthritis, is a degenerative disease that affects the joints: they wear out, become immobile, stiff and painful. It becomes difficult to run, move, the quality of life of the pet is significantly affected due to joint pain.
Unfortunately, this is one of the most common inflammatory conditions in dogs. As many as one in four dogs will be diagnosed with arthritis in their lifetime, with some estimates as high as 60 percent. dogs have some degree of this disease.
Studies have shown that CBD oil for dogs can provide significant pain relief in dogs with arthritis. It is best to give CBD oil to your dog twice a day in appropriate doses. Before doing so, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
Seizures and CBD Oil for Dogs
A number of different conditions can cause seizures in dogs, but epilepsy is a fairly common cause, just like in humans.
It is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of the central nervous system. Convulsions often occur, loss of consciousness may occur. It is a chronic disease that you have to live with for the rest of your life.
There are studies that show that CBD oil may be beneficial for dogs with epilepsy. Conducted scientific studies have proven that CBD oil for dogs can significantly reduce the strength and intensity of seizures.
Cancers
Like seizures, the term "cancer" is a term that covers many oncological diseases. Each has its own treatment options and CBD will not replace that, but it can significantly improve the quality of life of a dog with cancer. A number of studies have been conducted with people suffering from oncological diseases. CBD oil for dogs has been shown to help fight secondary symptoms of cancer and chemotherapy such as:
- Nausea;
- Lack of appetite;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Body pains;
- Fatigue, insomnia;
- General weakness.
While not many studies have yet been conducted on the use of CBD in dogs with cancer, clear benefits of cannabidiol have been documented in tests on rats and ferrets. This suggests that dogs undergoing chemotherapy may benefit just as much from CBD treatment.
Anxiety and CBD Oil for Dogs
Stress and anxiety is a condition that often affects dogs. This can be caused by many different reasons, but the most common are changes in the daily routine. For example, the departure of the owners, a change of environment, the appearance of a new pet at home, etc. A disease, inflammation or other ailment can also cause anxiety in a pet.
In any case, CBD oil is useful in managing anxiety in dogs. In theory, it is possible that CBD, by reducing pain and inflammation, may simultaneously reduce anxiety caused by pain or inflammation.
What do vets say about CBD?
Many veterinarians around the world are increasingly talking about the potential benefits of CBD oil for pets. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, as many as 74% of veterinarians surveyed confirmed that they have successfully treated pets for immune diseases, digestive disorders and aggression using CBD. Well-known veterinarian Gary Richter said, "CBD shows great potential in the treatment of various health problems in pets. However, be sure to consult your veterinarian regarding dosage before starting treatment.Veterinarians especially warn to avoid universal CBD products, as they may contain the cannabinoid THC, which is harmful to pets. Dr. Lori Teller, a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, advises, "Choose only pet-specific, THC-free CBD products and consult with your veterinarian, especially if your pet is already on other medications."
In short, veterinarians are becoming increasingly optimistic about the benefits of CBD, but stress the importance of choosing THC-free products for pets and consulting with specialists.
Different Types of CBD Oil
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil. It includes the full spectrum of cannabinoids in the hemp plant, and contains very small amounts of the hallucinogen THC. This product works great for humans, but since it also contains THC, it may not be the right choice for your pet.
- Broad Spectrum CBD Oil. This type of oil is a CBD extract that contains all the other beneficial cannabinoids except THC. This product is just as safe, but has a stronger, more intense effect than CBD isolate. When considering giving your pet CBD, it is recommended that you consider using this particular type of extract.
- CBD isolate. This is the simplest and purest form of CBD. Pure CBD isolate products do not contain other cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, which are also derived from the hemp plant. Of all the three different types of oil, CBD isolate has the mildest and weakest effects.
Does CBD oil have risks for dogs?
CBD is a natural component that is completely safe for dogs and other pets such as cats when given in safe, measured doses after consultation with a veterinarian.
True, there are reports of CBD side effects such as drowsiness, slowness of movement as well as constipation or diarrhea
CBD can interact with certain medications given to your dog, so your vet should be informed about the use of cannabidiol. He will assess the animal's condition, level of risk, and indicate what doses CBD oil for dogs can be used safely and effectively.