The cannabis industry is showing no signs of slowing down. It’s already established itself as a billion-dollar industry, and the research of cannabis for medical conditions is ongoing. While hemp is proving to be beneficial for humans, many people are considering using it for their pets, more specifically, their dogs. Even veterinarians are jumping on the bandwagon. But is hemp for pets a good idea? What’s the benefit, why should we give dogs hemp, and when should we refrain from? Read on for answers to these questions and more.
What Is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabidiol oil is in both the cannabis and hemp plant and is otherwise known as CBD oil. CBD oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the compound responsible for producing the psychosomatic effects, or ‘getting high’ on humans. Most of the CBD oil on the market is derived from hemp. Is it Legal?
There’s much gray area around the distribution of CBD oil because it’s part of the cannabis family, but CBD oil derived from hemp is not illegal. For this to be, the CBD oil must not contain more than 0.3% of THC. If marijuana is the source of your CBD, the legality falls on the state you live in. So purchasing CBD oil for your cat or dog is definitely a great option to look into.
7 Benefits of Hemp For Pets
There are many benefits of using CBD oil for humans, but some of those benefits translate to dogs and CBD oil for cats is also a thing. Here are a few conditions that might improve your dog after giving them CBD oil.
Chronic Pain
Joint pain from hip dysplasia and arthritis plague both humans and pets. The pain associated with arthritis can make even the most active dog weary. CBD oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and works to calm the inflammation caused by arthritis and other conditions
Skin
If you have a dog with itchy skin due to allergies or other conditions like eczema or dermatitis, locally applying CBD oil can help relieve the irritation and promote healing. CBD oil also encourages the growth of new skin.
Nausea
Dogs sometimes will snub their food or suffer bouts of vomiting due to medication or eating something they shouldn’t. CBD oil works to increase their appetite so they can get the nutrients they need.
Epilepsy
CBD oil is known for controlling or reducing the number of seizures a dog has per day. If your dog suffers from epilepsy, speak to your veterinarian about introducing CBD oil to help.
Relief From Cancer Symptoms
Getting a cancer diagnosis for your pet is heartbreaking. While CBD cannot cure cancer, it can offer some comfort from the symptoms cancer brings, like pain, seizures, and slows the growth of tumor cells.
Anxiety
Some dogs are prone to stress from loud noises, meeting new people, vet visits, thunderstorms, or car rides – anything can make a dog anxious! Giving your dog CBD could cause them to become more calm and mellow, having a soothing effect on their mood.
Help With Digestion
If your dog has an upset tummy or frequent digestive issues, CBD oil can work to reduce the inflammation in your dog’s digestive tract. Some digestive upsets stem from food allergies or sensitivities, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome.
While CBD oil sounds like it will help manage many ailments for your dog, it’s always wise to consult your veterinarian on whether your dog is durable enough for CBD oil. Your vet knows your dog’s medical history and can adequately determine whether or not CBD oil will benefit your dog.
That’s Cool, But How Does CBD Oil Work?
Humans have a unique system called the endocannabinoid system or ECS, which works directly with cannabinoids. Surprisingly, dogs also have an ECS. The ECS helps regulate the body can keep it balanced by interacting with the other systems in the body using neurotransmitters and receptors and work with a type of cannabinoid called endocannabinoids. Your body (and your dog’s body) naturally produce endocannabinoids, while phytocannabinoids are in plants. When you (or your dog) ingest CBD oil, the phytocannabinoids work like endocannabinoids and go to work with the receptors to balance the body.
Things to Watch for
While CBD oil is regarded as safe, and there are currently no known long-term effects, there are a few things to be aware of when you start administering CBD oil to your dog. If you find your dog is less enthusiastic or active than usual, it could be because the dose of CBD oil was too large.
Additionally, if the dose is too high, blood pressure is likely to spike. CBD oil can cause your dog to feel more thirsty than usual because it causes saliva to decrease. If you notice your dog taking extra-large gulps of water or more than typical, take note. If you notice your dog acting strangely at all after giving them CBD oil, always contact your veterinarian.
Where to Buy CBD Oil for Dogs
Because the CBD oil is booming, many people are capitalizing on the green and selling fake CBD oil on the market. This is dangerous and may even lead to fatalities or severe illness. Be careful when selecting CBD oil for your dog. Here are tips to keep in mind when you shop for CBD oil for dogs.
Only buy from a reputable company who understands dogs and CBD oil. They should have a phone number, customer service on hand, and a physical address. Call them first and ask questions about their company before placing your order.
It helps if the company can provide you with third-party results about the purity of their CBD oil. Always read the label. If there are other ingredients added besides CBD oil, full-spectrum CBD oil, certified CBD, or pure cannabinoid, put it back on the shelf and contact the company to learn more.
The company should be transparent about its process of extraction, growing location, and its vision or mission. You can Shop CBD products here from the various well-known brands. You should always be able to speak to a knowledgeable person if you have concerns or questions.
How to Give a Dog CBD Oil
Giving a dog CBD oil can be a challenge. For one, some dogs are incredibly picky and will turn their nose up once they detect the smell of anything foreign in their precious food. Thankfully, there are a few clever and tricky ways to give your dog CBD oil
First, there are pre-made treats, like the ones from Innovet, that are already infused with CBD oil. There’s no measuring, and they already have the taste and flavors that dogs love. Plus, dogs won’t suspect any foul play with their food!
If you have a pup that isn’t too picky, try using tinctures or capsules. The tinctures work well because they go straight into the bloodstream and bypass digestion, which means you’ll start seeing results sooner. Capsules need to be digested, but some dogs won’t cooperate well with tinctures. No matter which way you choose to give your dog CBD oil, there’s a method that works for even the pickiest of dogs!
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?
It’s always best to start with the smallest dose and go from there. In general, larger dogs will do well with higher doses and smaller dogs with lower doses. Before you administer CBD oil to your dog, always check the label to see how much CBD you give per dose. This is especially important if you’re giving CBD dog treats because it’s easy to overfeed. The best way to ensure your dog is getting an accurate dose is to measure it out using a tincture.
The good news is that you don’t have to wrestle your dog to get them to take their CBD oil. A couple of drops using a tincture in their food, or a hiding a capsule in a meal or treat, might be enough to fool some dogs! Some tincture drops now come flavored, so dogs don’t have to scurry away when they see you coming with the bottle.
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There are several reasons to try hemp for pets, especially dogs. A simple Google search can lead you to best hemp oil for dogs. If you find your dog dealing with any of the above ailments, seek out your veterinarian and talk to them about using CBD oil to treat their condition. It’s an economical and natural choice, as long as it’s done safely, and under the care of a veterinarian. Are you looking to stay up-to-date on all things country music? Look no further! Our site offers you everything you need to know!
