Do you have a furry friend who suffers from anxiety, joint pain, or seizures? If so, you may be wondering if CBD oil could help.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that has been proven to provide relief for various medical conditions in humans and animals.
CBD oil offers comfort and increases activity in dogs by providing pain relief. Here is the information if you want to know about CBD for dogs, when to use it, its benefits, and how to calculate the CBD dosage for dogs.
What is CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid used for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. CBD is short for cannabidiol and is one of over 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive element. Simply put, it will not make your dog high.
CBD oil can be derived from both hemp and marijuana plants, but most CBD oil products today are derived from hemp. Hemp plants contain less than 0.03 percent THC, while marijuana plants contain higher levels of THC. CBD is extracted from the plant in the form of oil and is then added to various products, including tinctures, edibles, capsules, and topicals.
When to Use CBD Oil for Dogs?
CBD oil can be effective in treating different medical conditions in dogs. Here are some common medical problems that can be treated with the correct CBD dosage for dogs.
- Anxiety
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, storms, or other forms of stress can be given CBD to help them relax. The recommended dosage is 0.25mg/kg twice daily.
Here is how CBD works for anxiety.
When a person or animal experiences anxiety, their body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode. It causes the release of stress hormones like cortisol. CBD helps regulate the levels of these stress hormones, which reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. CBD has also been proven to improve other symptoms associated with anxiety, such as:
- Restlessness
- Lack of focus
- Panting
- Shaking or trembling
If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, CBD may be able to help.
- Arthritis
It is a common condition that CBD treats in dogs. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. CBD can greatly help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain. It also helps to improve mobility by reducing stiffness.
The recommended dosage for CBD for dogs with arthritis is 0.25mg per pound of bodyweight daily. If you use CBD oil, start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase as needed. You should see results after regular use.
- Seizures
CBD is effective in treating seizures in dogs. It helps reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Epilepsy can occur due to various factors, including genetics, head trauma, and brain tumors. CBD helps reduce seizures by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Here is how it works.
The endocannabinoid system is the body’s own network of receptors and neurotransmitters that regulate various functions in the body, including pain, inflammation, and seizure activity. CBD binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system and helps modulate these functions.
- Chronic Pain
CBD effectively reduces chronic pain perception in dogs without any adverse side effects. If a dog suffers from chronic pain, CBD could be a safe and effective way to help them find relief. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that CBD could reduce chronic pain perception in rats without adverse side effects.
Chronic pain includes:
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Post-operative pain
- Cancer
CBD may help dogs with cancer by reducing tumor size, relieving pain and nausea, and stimulating the appetite.
Cancer results in abnormal cell growth. Cancer cells grow and divide rapidly, which can lead to tumors. CBD may help reduce tumor size by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
CBD dosage for dogs may also relieve pain and nausea associated with cancer and stimulate appetite.
- Cushing’s Disease
The disease is caused by the overproduction of cortisol, leading to several problems, including weight gain, skin issues, and mood swings. CBD can help regulate the production of cortisol, providing relief for dogs suffering from Cushing’s Disease.
Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Lethargy
- A potbelly
- Hair loss
- Thinning skin that bruises easily
If you think your dog may be suffering from Cushing’s Disease, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of using CBD as part of their treatment plan.
What are the Types of CBD Oil for Dogs?
There are two types of CBD oil for dogs:
- Full-spectrum
- Isolate
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all of the compounds found in the hemp plant, including THC. Isolate CBD oil contains only CBD. Neither type of oil will get your dog high.
The choice between full-spectrum and isolate depends on your dog’s needs. If your dog has anxiety and wants to use CBD oil to treat it, you may want to try full-spectrum first. The THC in full-spectrum may help increase the effectiveness of the CBD. On the other hand, if your dog is sensitive to THC or you are concerned about the possibility of your dog getting high, isolate may be a better choice.
Look for third-party tested products made from organic, Colorado-grown hemp.
How to Administer CBD Oil?
- Tinctures: CBD oil tinctures are one of the most popular and effective ways to give CBD to your dog. Apply the desired amount of oil under your dog’s tongue and let them hold it there for 30-60 seconds before swallowing.
- Capsules: CBD capsules are another way to administer CBD to your dog, especially if they are not a fan of the taste of the oil.
- Topicals: If you are not looking to give your dog CBD internally, topicals are a great option. You can find CBD-infused topical creams and balms that can be applied directly to your dog’s skin. Topicals are often used to target specific areas of the body, such as joints or muscles that may be causing pain.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of using CBD for your dog, always consult with your veterinarian first, and make sure you purchase CBD products from a reputable source.