CBD can be mixed into many types of products nowadays—from wine to skincare products!
Derived from the marijuana plant, its popularity has grown significantly over the past few years. This is due to the fact that it’s associated with various, possible health benefits.
As it turns out, however, it may not just be for humans—manufacturers are now making CBD products for our four-legged friends! That’s right, CBD doggy treats are a thing.
What is CBD oil for dogs? What are its benefits? Want to know? Then make sure to read the rest of the post!
What is CBD Oil For Dogs?
CBD oil is a compound that may be used to treat various conditions in dogs. It’s made by extracting CBD, a cannabidiol that’s known for its various health benefits. Once it’s extracted, it’s diluted with either hemp seed or coconut oil.
It’s important to note that recommended CBD products contain less than 0.3 percent THC, the compound that’s responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive abilities.
The Effect of CBD On Dogs
While there haven’t been any formal studies on how it affects dogs, scientists believe that its effects are similar to those seen in humans.
That is, it interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors that are located in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In doing so, it produces various effects on the body.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?
The exact dosage depends on various factors. For one thing, you have to take into consideration your dog’s weight and underlying health issues.
In addition to that, the dosage may also differ depending on the condition that you’re treating. For example, lower doses are generally recommended for occasional anxiety whereas higher doses will be needed for more serious health problems.
Note: As a general rule, you always want to start with the lowest possible dose. From there, you can eventually work your way up over a few weeks. That way, you can see what works best for your dog.
What Conditions Can CBD Oil Treat?
Despite the lack of scientific data, there’s anecdotal evidence that suggests it can be used to treat different conditions in dogs. We’ll be going over a few of them below.
Pain
CBD oil can help alleviate pain in dogs. It does this by binding to special receptors in the brain that are part of the endocannabinoid system.
For example, it can be used to treat arthritis. In some cases, it can also serve as a general pain reliever, which may allow them to recover faster after an injury.
Epilepsy and Seizures
Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. While there are various medications that can be used to treat the symptoms, they typically come with serious side effects.
That’s the reason why many people have turned toward CBD oil—anecdotal evidence shows that it’s effective and safer. With that said, more studies are needed to determine its exact effect.
Allergies
Dogs are similar to us in that they can also have allergies. Put it simply, they occur when the immune system reacts to a harmless substance such as pollen or mold.
As a result, the body produces histamine, which leads to swelling and itchiness. That’s where CBD oil comes in—it has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent that from happening.
Not only that, but it may also be able to prevent the body’s mast cells from releasing histamine.
Anxiety
Many dogs suffer from stress and anxiety. Left untreated, it can lead to various symptoms such as barking, pacing, and excessive licking. Some may also exhibit destructive behaviors.
The good news is that CBD oil can help treat the condition. In fact, many holistic vets recommend it for those with separation anxiety.
How does it work? It interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors, which causes the body to relax and release tension.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the GI tract. While it can affect all dogs, it’s often seen in those who are older.
Given that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory effects, it’s not surprising to know that it can help with IBD. Since it’s non-prescription, you won’t have to keep bringing your pet to the vet either.
Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil In Dogs
CBD oil is typically well-tolerated. However, it can cause some side effects—drowsiness being one of them (especially at higher doses).
In addition to that, some dogs may experience dry mouth or lowered blood pressure. Considering that, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet first before giving your dog a dose.
Choosing a CBD Oil Product For Your Dog
There are various CBD oil products that you can choose from. For example, you can buy treats that are infused with CBD. Keep in mind, however, that dosing may be difficult as different treats will contain different amounts of CBD oil.
If you plan on giving your dog a specific dose, oil tinctures or concentrates may be a better option. With those, you can adjust their dose drop by drop.
For more information, you can check out CBD Pet Medicine.
Giving Your Dog CBD Oil
Hopefully, that answers the question of “what is CBD oil for dogs.” As you can see, it can be used to treat various conditions from anxiety to epilepsy. The best part? It has minimal side effects!
Looking for more CBD-related posts? If so, make sure to check out the rest of our blog!
Trevor Anderson wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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