CBD oil has become a new pet wellness trend all around the world. A lot of pet products made from CBD are sold in the market and advertised online by big brands. So, should you give these oils to your pets? If yes, then how much is too much?
People often have a lot of questions regarding the use of CBD. Is CBD similar to cannabis, which usually humans consume, and does it make your dog high? Let us find out here in this article below.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is cannabidiol, which is a compound that is found in cannabis and hemp. However, this is extracted and given to your furry friends. The compound that causes the ‘high’ is THC, which is removed from cannabidiol before prescribing to animals.
In most cases, the cannabidiol products are derived from Hemp, where the amount of THC is minimal. CBD oil can be included in the diets of the dogs, and it helps them deal with numerous health conditions. To know more about cannabidiol, you can click here.
How Does CBD Oil Works in Dogs?
How exactly cannabidiol work is still unknown. What is known is that the cannabinoids from hemp and the endocannabinoid receptors in the body interact with each other and show the effects that we see after the consumption of cannabidiol.
There are a lot of health conditions that the CBD oil usage treats in dogs, and they include:
Anxiety: Anxiety is pretty common in dogs, and it can include separation anxiety or noise phobias or any other condition that makes your dog anxious. The use of cannabidiol can help in calming the pet and keeping them relaxed.
Seizures: One of the most common uses of cannabidiol is in the reduction of seizures due to a variety of conditions in pets. It is especially useful in dogs who do not react well to anti-seizure medicines.
Cancer: Cannabidiols can be helpful for dogs that are getting treatment for cancer. It helps in dealing with the pain and nausea that comes with chemotherapy.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There have not been any significant side effects that have been observed with the use of CBD oil in pets. However, some side effects that you might see in your dog are:
Drowsiness: Cannabidiol helps relieve anxiety and give a calming sensation to the dogs. This means that they will feel sleepy and drowsy if they have been given a dose, which is a little higher than prescription. Also, in many dogs, feeling relaxed can be equivalent to sleeping. Hence, drowsiness can be considered as one of the harmless side effects of the product.
Dry Mouth: It is seen in a lot of research that the consumption of cannabidiol decreases saliva production in dogs. This means that they will have a dry mouth and consume more water than required. So, always make sure to give enough water to your dog after giving them cannabidiol Oil.
Low Blood Pressure: In some cases, when the pets were given a high dose of CBD, there is a slight drop in the blood pressure. This slight drop can lead to lightheadedness in your dogs. The drop in blood pressure is temporary and short-lived, although it might be concerning for the owners.
Apart from these, there have been no significant side effects with the use of CBD oils for dogs.
How Much Is CBD Too Much?
When starting CBD usage for your dogs, always start with lower doses. Check for any signs of side effects such as vomiting, nausea, lethargy, upset stomach, or any abnormal activity that your pet might not otherwise do.
Once you have seen that the product is not causing any issues for your dog, you can slowly increase the consumption as per the dosage given in the bottle. You can read more about the consumption of cannabidiol for dogs here: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-dogs
In the studies done on dogs suffering from seizures, the dose was 1-5 mg per ten pounds of the body weight. So, the smaller sized dogs will need lesser oil, whereas the bigger sized dogs will need more. It is not wise to generalize the dosage.
Always change them as per the needs of your dog. So, for a 10-pound dog, 5mg will be the highest dosage, whereas, for a 20-pound dog, the dosage will be 10mg. Also, since the composition of each of these products is different, you should always check the instructions to administer the dosage.
Is CBD Oil Safe To Use?
CBD oils, if given in regulated measures, are safe for the animals as per the world health organization report. A lot of research has been done on the products, and there is still a lot of research going on, which shows that there is nothing alarming about the use of Cannabidiol in animals.
The only considerations that need to be addressed are the manufacturing of these oils. Some companies might put potentially harmful ingredients apart from cannabidiol in their products, which can be bad for your pet.
Buying from organic CBD websites or brands such as Holistapet site and many others that hold certifications is the best option to go for. Also, always make sure to measure the portion size before giving the product to your dog.
The Bottom Line
One thing every dog parent who is wanting to give CBD to their pet should make sure is that their pet should not be allergic to the substances. Always consult the vet and inform them about the new changes you are making in the diet of your dog.
Although the product is 100% safe for consumption, your veterinarian can give you the right advice regarding your dog. If it is all clear by the vet, you should certainly purchase it online or over the counter as per your needs.