It is sad for dog parents to have to watch their fur baby go through so much distress and discomfort. It is even sadder that not even the dog’s favorite treats can do much to solve the problem. This is why some parents have decided to turn to natural treatments like CBD oil; especially where traditional treatments have failed.
Do you have a canine in distress and are curious to know how cannabidiol can help your baby? Continue reading to learn about this treatment.
We have answered some important questions that you may have so that you can make an informed decision about giving cannabidiol to your dog.
You can also click here for expert advice on what you should know before giving CBD to your pet.
What is CBD and How Does it Work in Dogs?
CBD is the short name for the cannabinoid compound known as cannabidiol. This chemical compound is found in cannabis or hemp plant. It is a safe, non-toxic, and non-psychoactive substance that is used as a supplement for humans and animals.
But how does it work on dogs?
Like humans, dogs have a system called the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system in canines produces its cannabinoids as well. These cannabinoids affect the system; from moods to behaviors and so much more.
So, when CBD is introduced into the canine’s body, just like the body’s endocannabinoids, the cannabidiol will affect the ECS and the dog’s body.
What are the Benefits of Using CBD Oil to Dogs?
Cannabidiol oil is known as an all-natural treatment for humans and pets. Some of the conditions that this treatment is used for include anxiety, depression, seizures, pain management, and possibly cancer. While there is still ongoing research about how effective it is for these cases, there’s scientific evidence that suggests that it is effective for such cases with even more potential benefits.
Anxiety
CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety in dogs on some occasions.
However, the role of CBD oil in treating anxiety in dogs has been misunderstood for a while. How? Well, because this treatment is useful for pain management and dealing with inflammation, it is not unlikely that by treating your dog’s pain with CBD that the treatment will reduce the pain-associated anxiety of the dog. Hence, the common misconception that it can treat any kind of anxiety.
That being said, there is no sufficient evidence to prove that this cannabidiol can treat anxiety directly, especially because it is non-psychoactive.
Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that is common in dogs. A study reveals that about 6 in 10 dogs have this condition. Click https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281442944_Canine_Osteoarthritis_and_Treatments_A_Review to read about the study.
Further research however shows that CBD oil can be significantly useful as a pain reliever for dogs that have arthritis especially when the dog is given the right dosage.
Cancer
It is not very clear how effective CBD is in treating cancer tumor(s) and their symptoms in dogs because its potential benefits in this regard are largely under-researched.
However, a study showed that CBD reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea in rats. Not much has been said about the same outcome in dogs, but the result in rats suggests the likelihood of dogs benefiting from the treatment too.
Pain
Studies have shown that since cannabidiol has shown promising signs in treating inflammatory diseases like osteoarthritis in canines, then it may be equally useful in treating other kinds of pain.
Is Cannabidiol Oil Safe for Dogs?
Yes, CBD oil is a safe treatment for canines. The only downside to this treatment is possible drowsiness which means your canine is likely going to feel sleepy after one dose.
More so, because cannabidiol is not a psychoactive drug, your canine will not get high. Unlike THC which is intoxicating and addictive, CBD isn’t.
However, recall that cannabidiol may be extracted from the cannabis plant which has THC too. This makes the plant harmful to your dog and means you should keep your fur baby far and away from any cannabis plant.
What is the Right Amount to Give Dogs?
The right quantity of CBD oil depends on the potency of the product you buy and the size of your dog. CBD oil is often measured in milligrams or droplets.
With that said, it is useful to start by giving your canine small doses and then gradually increasing it if you need to. Also, note that the smaller the dog, the smaller the quantity required.
A proper guide to follow will be the manufacturer’s dosage chart. This is because such charts are often created based on the cannabidiol’s concentration and potency while considering the variation in dog sizes. You may also want to consider hemp oil for dogs to decide which of the two may be better for your canine.
Conclusion
A cannabidiol treatment may be the solution you’ve been looking for to lessen the effect of a health challenge on your canine. It is a go-to medication for canines because it is natural and provides a wide range of health benefits without getting the animal intoxicated or stoned.
While there is ongoing research about the health benefits of cannabidiol in dogs, further investigations are still being made on its potential benefits.
Some pieces of evidence show that it is useful for treating pain, arthritis, anxiety, cancer-related issues, seizures, and skin conditions.
It is quite safe to give cannabidiol to your dog especially if the correct dosage is administered. However, it is not uncommon for the canine to start to feel drowsy after one dose – cannabidiol may cause a bit of drowsiness.
Meanwhile, it is good practice to consult a vet for expert advice on how to give CBD oil to your dog.
