When it comes to human health, we’re beginning to gain a greater understanding of CBD’s many claimed benefits as more and more studies are performed on CBD. What’s not discussed nearly as often is how CBD affects dogs, let alone whether or not it is safe for them to consume in the first place. To make matters worse, the available information on CBD and dog health floating around the web can vary, making it rather tricky to learn the facts.
Naturally, you want to do the absolute best thing for your beloved furry friend. Panacea Life even conducted a study lead by Josh Sosnow, D.V.M. regarding CBD and its therapeutic effects on dogs. Check out more on the study here. So what exactly do you need to learn about CBD and pets before your dog gives it a try? This article will discuss everything you need to know about CBD tincture when it comes to your dog, including whether it’s safe to use, the potential benefits it presents, and how your dog can take it.
What is CBD anyway?
CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is a particular chemical compound that’s found naturally in Cannabis plants (Marijuana and Hemp). Close to 400 different compounds exist in the Cannabis plant. However, the CBD compound carries many of the medicinal benefits that medical Marijuana has been found to offer.
CBD typically comes in the form of oil, but humans can ingest CBD tincture, pills, gummies, and other edible arrangements. For dogs, CBD generally is offered in the form of chews, dog treats, softgels or oils to be mixed in with your dog’s meal or put in its dog jowls. The CBD oil for dogs can also be rubbed into the pads of the feet of your dog.
CBD is not psychoactive
Before going any further, it’s essential to understand that CBD does not produce the “high” sensation that is associated with recreational or medicinal Marijuana use. A completely different compound called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes the psychoactive effects of Marijuana that make the user feel high. Most CBD that you’ll find available for purchase comes from Hemp, which does not contain THC.
Is CBD legal?
Yes. CBD can be purchased in all 50 U.S. states as of December 20, 2018. Although Marijuana is still a Schedule 1 controlled substance, Hemp can now be farmed as a regular agricultural crop because of the Farm Bill signed into law in 2018.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
You’ve probably heard of or seen those videos in which dogs were wrongfully given high doses of THC, causing them to become disoriented and frenzied. Indeed, veterinarians agree that your dog should not consume high amounts of THC or any THC at all.
When it comes to the effects of CBD on pets, things are a little more cloudy, though still positive overall. Most veterinarians and professionals classify CBD tincture as “most likely safe.” Although no adverse effects have been reported by any vets or pet owners, not enough studies have found conclusive evidence on CBD for dog health.
However, a few ongoing pet CBD studies are currently in progress at several veterinary colleges. The initial results are quite impressive, but the research has not provided enough data just yet to say conclusively whether CBD is safe for your dog. Therefore, as with any new trend, it is crucial to tread lightly and slowly implement CBD if you decide to use it with your dog.
Potential benefits of CBD for dog health
When it comes to human health, CBD (as well as THC) has been proven to beneficially treat several health ailments, including pain, anxiety, nausea, appetite loss, inflammation, epilepsy, and noise phobia.
While no conclusive research shows that CBD presents any benefits for dogs, anecdotal evidence from many dog owners claims CBD effectively treats pain and other ailments in dogs. CBD has been said to control seizures, prevent arthritis, reduce anxiety, fight cancer, and increase appetite, among other benefits. Panacea Life Sciences conducted a canine study in 2018 and the results showed that 86% of the dogs in the study experienced positive benefits.
How to give your dog CBD tincture
Pet CBD is available as an oil or in gummies, tablets, powders, and chews. You can even find CBD-infused toys! That being said, using CBD tincture or CBD oil is widely accepted as the best way to consume CBD for both dogs and humans because the compound is typically in its purest form. CBD softgels also makes it much easier to control the dosage you give to your dog.
Your dog likely won’t enjoy the taste of CBD alone, so you’ll have to find creative ways to help them consume it. Panacea’s products use fish oil to improve the taste. Here are a few of the most popular and effective ways to give CBD to your dog:
• Mix it with a treat. Add a few drops of CBD tincture to the outside of your pup’s favorite treat. Opt for strongly flavored treats like jerky or dog biscuits to mask the CBD flavor.
• Buy pet CBD products your dog enjoys. If you can’t give your dog CBD oil directly, it may be best to try out treats that are already infused with CBD oil.
• Add CBD oil to your dog’s food. If your beloved pet isn’t a picky eater, try mixing CBD oil into their regular dog food before mealtime.
• Give it directly. If your dog is sensitive to even the slightest change of taste in their food, it might be best to apply CBD directly in your dog’s mouth via the softgel. Direct application in the dog’s jowl is the most effective since it is absorbed into the blood stream.
Does pet CBD have side effects?
Again, it’s important to note that CBD research for pets is still ongoing. The following side effects have been found in humans, usually when high dosage is used, although rare in occurrence:
• Tremors
• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Extreme drowsiness
Contact your vet right away for proper advice and care if you notice your dog showing any signs of these symptoms.
In conclusion
While CBD’s human benefits have been proven through research studies, there is preliminary evidence that shows CBD is useful for dogs and cats. Many dog owners claim that CBD has helped their beloved pets with pain management, anti-inflammation, and reducing anxiety and seizures.
Overall, CBD is relatively safe for dog health. If you think your four-legged friend could benefit from CBD tincture, consult with your vet and give it a try.
