Dog owners are utilizing CBD to treat their dogs for various health issues, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures, and arthritis. This has been fuelled by the growing interest in the legal cannabis market as the demand for alternative healthcare grows and the exorbitant costs of bringing pets to the vet continue to rise.
Dog owners and some physicians think that CBD can help dogs since both people and dogs have an endocannabinoid system with cannabinoid receptors in their bodies. So what exactly is CBD and how does it work with pets?
CBD
CBD is a chemical naturally obtained from hemp that is the rope and fabrics or the stuff used for fun, cannabis. It is readily available and tags along with many health benefits for you and your pets. It is available in various forms ranging from tablets and oils to specialized chews and CBD Dog Treats. CBD is most commonly found in an oil or soft chew that can be used orally, but there are additional items available online such as crackers and pills. Most significantly, unlike THC (CBD’s psychoactive cousin), it is non-psychoactive; hence it will not cause your dog to become euphoric.
CBD research is still advancing though creeping slowly from its early stages; studies and anecdotal data suggest that it may be beneficial in treating diseases such as panic attacks, chronic pain, cancerous tumors, and arthritis. CBD pet products are advertised as a natural method to treat these diseases in dogs, which has piqued the interest of pet owners.
Does My Dog Need CBD?
If your dog has been acting strangely lately and exposing certain behaviors such as chewing on everything it comes across, frequent urinating within the home, unnecessary barks; this might be a clear indication that your beloved friend is suffering from anxiety. This is the part CBD comes into play as it contains anti-anxiety properties that will help calm your dog’s nerves.
On the contrary, this doesn’t mean you rush and get CBD for your dog; you need to learn everything and anything about CBD first and consult with your veterinarian. From there, you may weigh on the options and proceed to certified dealers, including Lazarus Naturals CBD, and get the CBD oil or tarts for both of you.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD, like other cannabinoids, interacts with a mechanism known as the endocannabinoid system upon entering the body.
Consider the endocannabinoid system similar to any other regulating system in the body, such as the immune system or the central nervous system. The endocannabinoid system, in particular, regulates essential physiological functions, including hunger, sleep, pain response, and mood.
We and our pets, apart from the mutual bond and love, also have an endocannabinoid system. In reality, the system is present in all mammalian bodies. Its purpose is to correct any imbalances to establish homeostasis, which is defined as the state in which the internal systems are optimal, functioning efficiently, and are all at constant equilibrium with the other.
Is It Safe For Pets?
While the advantages of CBD for people are vast, high-quality CBD oil can also be beneficial for your animal companion, perhaps helping them to stay calm or alleviating joint or movement difficulties that come with aging.
Giving CBD to your dog is typically harmless, although minor adverse effects may occur. For example, until your dog metabolizes the CBD, he may be sluggish or clumsy. Your dog may also have diarrhea, although this is more likely to result from a high CBD dose than a usual CBD symptom. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, begin slowly and gradually lower the amount of CBD oil you give them.
Because dogs have fewer endocannabinoid receptors than humans, effective CBD doses may be higher concerning their size than a human would require.
Though minor side effects may occur, there have been no reports of long-term harmful consequences linked with administering your dog CBD oil, provided standard dose limits are followed. Consult your veterinarian to verify you’re giving your dog an appropriate dose of CBD oil.
Possible Side Effects Of CBD In Dogs
There is no scientific research backing up negative cases in which CBD affects dogs, but CBD affects people. You will need to be extra careful to administer the right dosage to your furry friend to avoid unwanted adverse effects.
Here are some of the expected side effects:
- Drop-in blood pressure: CBD administered in large doses has been linked to a transient decrease in blood pressure. Even if the dip is modest, it may cause a transient sense of dizziness.
- Drowsiness: CBD has been used to alleviate anxiety in dog owners. CBD’s relaxing impact might induce mild sleepiness, especially at larger dosages.
- Dry mouth: CBD has been found in studies to reduce saliva production. This might appear as increased thirst in dogs.
Giving The Dog CBD
Most individuals think CBD only exists as CBD oil. This is because CBD oils come with droppers which have proven to be an excellent choice in determining the correct amount. CBD oils can be administered orally or blended with food or a treat.
The potency of oils, however, and the number of terpenes will differ. You may opt for broad-spectrum CBD oils as they include various plant components that lead to increased efficacy.
Your furry companion may be sensitive since most CBD products have a distinct grassy taste; you may opt for chicken or Beef flavored CBD oils. Most dogs are fond of them, and they may be administered as they are or mixed in food and dog treats. It can also be issued to the exposed skin inside a dog’s ears for transdermal absorption.
CBD snacks for dogs are handy, and your dog is sure to like them. They can, however, become costly if you have a large dog or intend to use them for an extended period.
Giving My Dog CBD And Other Medications
Before administering CBD oil, if your dog is already under anxiety medications, it is best to consult with your veterinarian first. Holistic and integrative veterinarians are typically highly knowledgeable with CBD and will be able to address your queries readily.
Hemp CBD has been the drug-free solution for many dogs seeking a better, more peaceful existence. It is likely to become even more popular as more canines benefit from its soothing characteristics.