Why Choose CBD for Dogs? Pet owners choose to give their dogs CBD for several reasons. In general, CBD is a safe and natural treatment used to help various pet health conditions including anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures. Cornell University conducted one of the first CBD studies for dogs. In the study, dogs with osteoarthritis were given CBD to help manage their pain levels. The results showed that over 80% of the dogs experienced a decrease in pain, allowing them to be more active and comfortable.
We must note while there is no definitive scientific data that supports the positive benefits of using CBD to treat dogs, there is anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat various types of pain including neuropathic pain, and helps to control seizures.
CBD Treats vs. CBD Oils for Dogs? Pet owners prefer CBD oils over CBD treats because CBD oils can be precisely dosed, they are more likely to help dogs with more challenging health issues, and they are more easily absorbed into your dog's bloodstream. Then again, CBD dog treats are an excellent, quick, and easy alternative.
Can My Dog Take CBD Oil Every Day? Yes, it is completely safe to give your dog CBD oil every day. As a matter of fact, by its very nature, CBD is meant to be administered every day. The reason being is CBD needs to build up in your dog's body in order for them to fully experience benefits. However, if that build-up becomes so steady, your dog may experience CBD tolerance and no longer receive the support and health maintenance it once did. Please consult with your veterinarian if you notice any changes to your dog’s behaviour or health.
What Do I Need to Know Before Giving my Dog CBD? Before giving your dog CBD, it's extremely important to talk to your dog's veterinarian. This licensed professional will discuss the benefits and risks of CBD for dogs and determine whether going this route is best for your pup. If your vet recommends giving your dog CBD, they will also provide a recommended dosage.
Is CBD Oil Harmful to Dogs? No, CBD oil is not harmful to dogs. CBD and hemp products are safe for dogs and can be especially effective at reducing pain. For example, veterinarians have seen dogs walk more comfortably after CBD oil has helped with their chronic arthritis pain. Ongoing research suggests CBD can also help with minimizing the frequency and intensity of seizures.
How Will CBD Oil Affect My Dog? The best CBD oil for dogs can affect your pet by bringing a sense of calmness, comfortability, and confidence their way. It can also help in reducing and managing their pain levels. A high-quality CBD pet product that is labeled THC-free, will not create any psychoactive effects in your dog or make them feel high or stoned. Above all, please administer your dog the appropriate amount of CBD based on their size and needs. A carefully curated CBD routine will maintain your dog’s happiness and health and make them a more functional version of themselves.
Do Vets Recommend CBD Oils for Dogs in Canada? Right now, most veterinarian practices in Canada cannot officially recommend or prescribe CBD oils because CBD is not approved by any major veterinary regulation boards. However, many veterinarians Canada-wide already recognize the popularity of CBD pet products and know many pet owners who choose to give CBD oils to their dogs.
Is Using CBD Oils Safe for Dogs? Yes, CBD oils are safe to give to dogs though the FDA has not yet approved the use of CBD or any other hemp-containing products for animals to treat any ailment. Currently, testing is ongoing. The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a charitable group that sponsors studies about CBD’s effect on dogs, though there is no definitive answer yet as to its safety or efficacy. According to research however, CBD has not been shown to be detrimental in healthy dogs.
THC on the other hand can be much more dangerous when prescribed at human dosages, causing toxicity and even death in dogs. In the worst case scenarios, CBD oil can cause diarrhea and changes in some liver enzyme values for several weeks. Please note if your dog is taking other drugs, do not give your dog CBD without your veterinarian’s approval.
What are the Pros of Using Dog CBD Oils? The advantages of using CBD oil for dogs in Canada include:
- Safe and Natural Treatment Option – In general, CBD for dogs is considered natural and safe, lacking the psychoactive effects of THC. It will not create a "high" in humans or pets.
- Wide Range of Potential Health Benefits - Although research is ongoing, CBD may be effective in treating various dog health conditions including chronic pain, seizures, and anxiety.
- Potential for Addressing Behavioural Issues: CBD has shown promise in helping dogs with behavioral issues such as noise phobias, separation anxiety, and fear-based aggression.
It's important to choose pet-specific CBD products from CBD2GO. While the difference between CBD for dogs and CBD for humans isn’t significant, selecting these products formulated specifically for pets and dogs ensures safety and appropriate dosage.
What are the Cons of Using Dog CBD Oils? It's important to consider the following cons before incorporating CBD oils it into your dog's wellness regimen:
- Limited Research on Effectiveness: Because CBD’s effectiveness for dogs is still being explored, more research is required to fully understand its potential risks and benefits. Research on this subject is limited, so we advise dog owners to discuss the use of CBD oils with their veterinarian first before administering any dosage to their pet.
- Cost Implications: Please consider the financial commitment associated with using CBD oils for dogs. CBD products, especially those of high quality, can be expensive, and it may require trying multiple brands or products to find the most effective option for your dog.
- Variability in Product Quality: There can be discrepancies between the advertised CBD content, and the actual amount present in the product. This means that not all CBD oils are created equal. Dog owners should be vigilant in selecting reputable brands that provide transparent information about their products' CBD concentration and quality.
- Lack of FDA Approval: Despite the safe nature of CBD and its many benefits, the FDA has not approved CBD for use in dogs. While many dog owners have reported positive experiences, it's essential to exercise with caution. We advise you to consult with your veterinarian first before starting any new treatment for your dog.
Can CBD Oils Help my Dog With Health Issues? While there's no definitive scientific data on using CBD oils to help treat your dogs’ health issues, there is anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting the best CBD for dogs can treat pain, most notably neuropathic pain, as well as helping to control seizures.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation is sponsoring an ongoing study to evaluate the use of CBD in epileptic dogs that are resistant to treatment. The CHF hopes that this study will be the first to collect scientific data to conclude whether CBD is helping to treat dogs with this condition or not.
How to Choose the Right CBD Oils for Dogs? With hundreds of CBD oils on the market, and little regulation of them, it can be difficult and overwhelming to choose the right CBD oil for your dog. Our experts at CBD2GO advise looking for a product with:
- The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Seal of Quality Assurance.
- A third-party certificate of analysis that lists potency, all ingredients, and discloses the possible presence of mycotoxins, pesticides, or heavy metals.
- Other cannabinoids and substances known as terpenes.
Edible products formulated for human consumption can be toxic to dogs because they often contain harmful ingredients such as xylitol, so please avoid them at all costs. Also, stay away from full-spectrum products that include THC.
When you administer CBD oil for dogs, aim for about 0.1 to 0.2 mg per kilogram of your dog’s weight and give two doses daily by mouth. We advise increasing the dosage gradually because more is not necessarily always better. CBD may sometimes elicit a biphasic response, meaning that the dosage will not work if you give too much or too little.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Dog CBD Oils? Despite CBD oils’ purported benefits for people and relative safety, there may be side effects. Particularly if given too much, your dog might suffer as a result of too much of this compound or may have a bad reaction. When giving CBD oil for dogs, side effects can include:
- Dry Mouth
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Increased Tremors
- Itchiness
- Upset Stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Changes In Liver Enzymes
If you plan on administering CBD oil for dogs in Canada, you should consult with your veterinarian before doing so.
How Do You Introduce CBD Oil to a Dog? Introducing CBD oil to dogs can be overwhelming since there are so many different CBD products for pets on the market, from treats to salves to tinctures and more. Our CBD2GO experts explore the different CBD oils and the best ways to give each to your dog.
CBD oil, or CBD tinctures, consist of a blend of a carrier oil and CBD oil. This mixture allows for a convenient way to give your dog CBD, with several methods of administration. You can easily give your dog CBD tinctures since dosing is straightforward and they are also known for their rapid absorption and enduring benefits. You will know exactly what is in your CBD dog product because reputable CBD oils will also come with a Certificate of Analysis.
Transmucosal administration is directly giving CBD oil on your dog’s gums. This is considered the best way to give CBD to dogs. This method is most effective because the medicine is absorbed through the mouth’s mucous membrane (transmucosal), and the full spectrum hemp extract (CBD) then goes directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract altogether. This also minimizes the number of cannabinoids or active compounds that are lost or killed off in the digestive tract.
You can also introduce CBD for dogs through oral administration. This is where the pet owner will add CBD oil to their dog’s food or treats. Transdermal administration is another option where you can rub CBD oil into your dog’s ears. Finally, you can micro-dose CBD oil for dogs too.
