The legalization of marijuana in a lot of states has raised interest in its health benefits. Its popularity has swept the world, resulting in the creation of a lot of products such as edibles, tinctures, salves, and even pet products.
As with many pet wellness fads, there will be a lot of information regarding CBD oil for dogs on the internet, making it tough to identify what’s real and what’s not. If you want to know the advantages of CBD for your fur babies, here are some of the things you should know.
What Exactly Is CBD?
Cannabinoids, which include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are present in the cannabis plant. They replicate the natural endocannabinoids in all vertebrates and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. Distinct cannabinoids have different effects on these receptors; for example, CBD does not produce a high, but THC does.
What Benefits Does CBD Oil Have For Dogs?
CBD for dogs can assist with a variety of diseases, including:
Arthritis
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, providing CBD to dogs twice a day for a month significantly lowers pain and enhances their quality of life. Some of the dogs in the research were initially in such poor health that their owners considered euthanasia. However, after a few days of CBD treatment, the arthritis-stricken canines began walking and ascending stairs with less effort than before.
Furthermore, a research done by Baylor University discovered comparable benefits and concluded that CBD performs better when administered in a liposomal form.
Itchiness
CBD for dogs has been shown in recent double-blind, placebo-controlled experiments to considerably decrease itching. CannPal performed an eight-week trial in Australia and discovered that CBD decreased inflammation, itching, and skin lesions by 51%. Another business, ElleVet, did a trial in America and discovered that combining CBD with another cannabinoid, CBDA, significantly reduced scratching.
Anxiety
CBD advantages for dogs also include reduced anxiety and noise sensitivity. You will find a lot of anecdotes on the internet from past users claiming how a CBD product has helped with their pet’s anxiety. This is one of the main reasons why most dog owners seek CBD therapy.
A University of Kentucky research has shown that physiological markers of noise anxiety did not differ substantially between CBD and placebo. However, the study is inconclusive as they have yet to administer higher doses of CBD to elicit the substance’s anxiolytic effects. It should also be emphasized that CBD was given to the subjects four to six hours before testing, which might have resulted in a lengthy delay.
Seizure
Colorado State University researchers investigated the effects of CBD oil on epileptic canines. For 24 weeks, dogs with more than two seizures per month were given CBD oil or a placebo. According to preliminary findings, 89 percent of the dogs in the research noticed a reduction in their frequent seizures.
Cancer
Cannabinoids have been demonstrated to inhibit cancer cell growth and prevent metastasis. Cornell University researchers discovered that CBD and a common chemotherapeutic medication reduced cancer cell multiplication in vitro. Veterinarians say that CBD slows the development of cancer cells in dogs and puts them into remission.
Pain
Cornell University researchers revealed CBD increased the comfort and activity of arthritis-stricken dogs in a July 2018 study. According to their findings, feeding arthritis-stricken dogs 2 mg/kg CBD twice every day boosts activity and comfort.
In August 2018, a randomized, placebo-controlled research experiment looked at the benefits of giving dogs 0.3 mg/kg of CBD-infused oil formulation daily. Their findings suggest that administering CBD-infused oil to dogs decreases pain and enhances functional performance.
How to Give CBD Oil to Your Dog
CBD has varied effects on each dog. Start carefully, observe your pet’s responses, and gradually increase the dosage. CBD may be administered to your dog in a variety of methods, including:
Treats
CBD treats are a great way to share the benefits of CBD with your canine companion. CBD oil absorbs better in porous snacks than in flat or circular treats. Once you’ve determined the proper dosage, apply CBD oil to your dog treats using a dropper and let it soak.
CBD-infused pet treats are also available in most states where cannabis use is legal. CBD products in Lakewood CO, for instance, include pet treats. These are fantastic since you won’t have to spend time and effort figuring out how much CBD to use.
Oral Administration
You may also apply CBD oil or CBD tincture to dogs straight to their lips or use a dropper to get the CBD into their mouth. This strategy works effectively for well-trained dogs who are not afraid of having objects placed in their mouth. Remember to be kind to them and praise excellent conduct with their favorite treat.
Combine With Food
Begin with modest doses and progressively raise the dosage if your dog does not benefit. It is also a good idea to combine dog CBD with wet meals. A certified veterinarian should also be consulted to identify the appropriate CBD dose for pets.
CBD may taste unusual to your dog, but they will become accustomed to it. Allow the CBD oil to stay in the meal for a few minutes after mixing it in.
The Bottom Line
CBD for dogs has yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The American Veterinary Medical Association disapproves of doctors recommending cannabis products to their patients, and not all veterinarians will recommend CBD. However, as positive results from CBD for dogs research increase, many have become open to discussing the matter, with some being more knowledgeable than others. Evidence suggests that CBD may benefit at least some conditions. Researchers continue to discover new ways of using CBD for dogs as they explore various conditions.
