What Do You Need to Know About CBD Oil for Dogs?

Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are rapidly gaining popularity among humans and animals. Veterinarians and pet parents are now wondering whether CBD could be an alternative option for several pet health conditions.

There’s a lot of information available on the internet about CBD oil for dogs, just as there is with any pet wellness trend, and it’s hard to discern what’s accurate and what’s exaggerated. Before using CBD for dog seizures, you must have ample information about the supplement.

How does CBD affect dogs?

Dogs have an endocannabinoid system affected by the cannabinoids in the CBD oil. This system is robust and almost ubiquitous in the nervous system. The cannabinoid receptors found in various brain regions regulate numerous aspects of neuronal activity.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces a wide range of behavioral and psychological effects in dogs.

Can CBD benefit dogs?

The benefits of CBD are numerous. While you may be aware of some, there are still many that you will find below. CBD prevents or improves various ailments such as:

Seizures

The most common illness in dogs is seizures, and when you see your dog in this state, it makes your heartache. While CBD for dog seizures does not have psychoactive effects, some studies have shown its positive effects on specific body systems. Studies have also shown that CBD reduces seizure frequency in dogs.

CBD oil might act on CB1 receptors to stop seizures. These cells are located in the nervous system and regions of the brain involved in memory.

Inflammation and pain

There is some promising evidence for CBD oil in various studies to reduce inflammation and pain in dogs. Neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. CBD may help reduce chronic pain through endocannabinoid receptor activity, inflammation reduction, and neurotransmitter stimulation.

Skin condition

Similar to humans, dogs can suffer from various skin conditions. CBD assists with the differentiation and growth of skin cells. It has anti-inflammatory properties. CBD oil can boost skin health and relieve symptoms of certain skin conditions in dogs due to hormonal changes. It will also soothe itching and swelling caused due to allergies.

Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are more prevalent in dogs as compared to other pets. While they are alone, separation anxiety can make your dogs seriously ill. Dogs can undergo stressful conditions as well. They show various signs of anxiety and stress, such as barking or howling when the owner isn’t home, panting and pacing, shivering, etc. CBD oil modifies the brain’s response to serotonin to reduce anxiety. You can provide CBD supplements to your dog to make them relax without intoxicating them.

Glaucoma

Dogs with glaucoma can benefit from CBD by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and reducing pain and inflammation. CBD accomplishes this through interaction with the endocannabinoid system. You can use it to relieve your dog’s pain and ultimately prevent him from losing his sight due to inflammation in the eye.
Precautions to take before giving CBD to your dog

Discuss with your veterinarian

Please consult your veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog since it can interact adversely with certain drugs. Cannabis has components that are similarly metabolized in the liver as other medications. It could decrease or increase the effectiveness of those medications, leading to toxicity in some cases. Even though cannabis is natural, it is not harmless. Veterinarians can always refer you to a veterinary cannabis counselor specializing in CBD for pets.

Do research

CBD pet products are available almost everywhere. However, store personnel is unaware of what’s inside these products, and some of them do contain harmful additives, such as xylitol. The safety of products varies from item to item, so you need to ensure that the item you buy has a certification of analysis. Also, consult with a veterinarian to be on the safe side.

Do not take it lightly

You may not see the results you are hoping for if you give the wrong dosage or product. Despite its potential to work well, you failed to do it correctly, leading to a lack of effective treatment.

As a general rule, start low and move slowly. Although packages include dosing instructions, these instructions are of little use since every animal is different. When you don’t give enough, you won’t get any benefit, but if you give too much, you might experience side effects. Thus, the best way to effect is to give too little initially and then progress slowly.

You need to monitor your pet

Monitoring your pet’s behavior is essential whenever you implement something new, but with the potential side effects of CBD, it’s even more critical. For example, do you notice any differences in your pet’s stool after giving CBD? How are they eating after receiving CBD? You can also use a journal to track whether you are using the right dose. Do not forget to record what you give your pet, how much you give, and when you provide it. Make notes of any changes in your pet.

Tinctures are more effective than treats

Tinctures have several benefits, including allowing you to dose precisely. There’s no confusion about how many drops you’re giving your pet. Meanwhile, chews contain other ingredients and require digestion in the stomach to be absorbed. Choose what’s right for your pet.

Choose CBD with no THC

Hemp and cannabis plants both contain CBD. However, CBD in cannabis has a higher level of THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.” There is evidence that CBD from cannabis is not psychoactive, but it still contains a small percentage of THC. Even small amounts of THC are toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other adverse effects. Ensure your dog’s CBD product contains no THC.

Conclusion

Dog owners are increasingly turning to CBD for various health conditions, such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures, and arthritis, following the rise of interest in the legal cannabis industry. Veterinary expenses also push dog owners to use natural alternatives to treat their dogs. It is essential to learn everything about CBD before buying it for your dog. Your veterinarian can give you much information on the supplement, so don’t forget to discuss it with them.