CBD or Cannabidiol is among some active compounds present in Cannabis Sativa. A different active compound is THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is very famous because of its psychoactive effects that give its users the feeling of getting “high.”
However, CBD is not only for humans; many are now curious about the benefits of CBD oil for dogs. Accordingly, the American Kennel Club said that there isn’t any official study about CBD oil benefits for dogs.
What are the experts saying?
The chief veterinary staff and senior vice president of North Shore Animal League America, Mark Verdino MD, explained about using CBD oil for dogs.
“Does it actually help with pain, or does it just make them not care? We don’t know, but they seem to be less reactive to low level pain stimuli, for example, arthritis and things like that, when they take the product.”
“And certain anxieties, they seem less reactive to certain things,” Verdino said.
“The psychotic ingredient in it that makes people high is not present at CBD oil, and they’re not entirely sure how the CBD, the Cannabidiol, actually works to do the things that they’re claiming that it does,” Verdino added.
“We don’t know, but they seem to be less reactive to low level pain stimuli, so like arthritis and things like that, when they take the product. And certain anxieties, they seem less reactive to certain things.”
Basically, CBD oil doesn’t have psychoactive properties, yet it has the exact benefits of THC. So, you can make the most of the health benefits for your dog without getting worried that they may get the “stoned” feeling that is usually experienced in using THC- that could be very distressing for your pet.
Doctor Mark Verdino also mentioned that he is using CBD oil for dogs for his pet, which usually gets agitated during night time, and it actually works for his dog because it makes the animal more relaxed.
CBD Oil for Dogs: The Risks
What are the risks of using CBD oil for dogs? At present, we can’t tell yet. FDA didn’t approve the use of CBD oil for dogs and humans and hadn’t given any dosing recommendations. So, any supplementation and medication of CBD oil could have a possible risk, this is why it’s crucial to test on a very small dose firsthand and to observe the way your dog responds to it.
Here is Doctor Verdino’s advice for people who would like to try CBD oil for dogs:
“I recommend people use a pet-specific product just so that they know that the concentration is appropriate, that there’s nothing else in it too… because look, this is a fairly unregulated industry.”
How can you give CBD oil to dogs?
There are many different ways that you can give CBD oil to your dog. Below are the top four methods that you can try to see what works best for you and your pet.
1. Infuse it with the favourite treat
Every dog has a much-loved treat because, obviously, every dog loves to eat. And so, it is effortless to hide and mix CBD oil for dogs in your dog’s favorite treat. Infusing CBD oil on your dog’s food will hide the texture and the flavor of the oil, making it the easiest way to get the medicine inside their system. The best dog treats could be dog biscuits or chicken jerky or just anything that they will love and suitable for their health.
2. Look for a CBD product that your dog will enjoy
All CBD produces are precisely the same, yet they differ on textures and flavor. Well, it is a bit tricky to choose the best product that your dog will love. Pick the product that masks the taste and texture of CBD oil so your dog can eat it like typical dog food.
3. Give it directly
Dogs are sometimes picky that they immediately notice when there is something unusual on their food. When your dog is like this, perhaps the best way is to give the CBD oil for dogs directly on their mouth using a spoon or a dropper. This could be harder than it may seem, but this way really works on getting the oil inside the dog’s system.
4. Mix it to your dog’s daily food
Food is number one among dog necessities, and they always leave their food bowl empty. The simplest way to give CBD oil for dogs is by mixing it on your dog’s everyday meal. One benefit of this is they won’t just be eating dog treats all day but their regular food, which is way healthier. Try the dry dog foods because it best hides the texture and taste of CBD oil.
What are the CBD oil benefits for dogs?
Just like human beings, your pets also have an endocannabinoid system that enables them to take advantage of CBD oil. The endocannabinoid system consents the hemp’s active ingredients that are in charge of relieving many chronic symptoms.
CBD oil for dogs can give relief to a lot of health conditions that may occur sometimes or continuously, such as:
· Stress and anxiety
· All levels of pain
· Inflammation
· Joint pain and arthritis
· Seizures
· Upset stomach or digestion problems
· Nausea
· Cancer symptoms
The bottom-line
CBD oil for dogs and any other CBD products for dogs and pets have shown some subjective shreds of evidence that it gives relief to some health issues, including anxiety and chronic pain. However, there are only very few researches and studies that convincingly say it does help. Moreover, it is still best to speak with your veterinarian first and get his recommendations about your dog’s health issues.
Also, there are a lot of CBD products for pets out there, and you have to thoroughly assess them all to discover the best CBD product for your dog. It is best to research and read product reviews so you will know the ingredients, the pros and cons, the price, and a lot more information that you need to know. CBD is such a great thing if used correctly. If you still have more questions regarding CBD oil for dogs and how much to give them, check out our CBD dosing chart.