Cannabidiol, or more commonly known as “CBD”, is becoming more common in the pet market. But, why? What does CBD have to do with pets? How does CBD affect a dog? There are plenty of questions, and we here at Panacea Life Sciences have researched them for you. At the end of this article you will know what CBD is, if CBD is safe for dogs, the benefits of giving CBD to your dog, and how to administer CBD to your dog. While you read this article, it is important to be aware that the research on CBD is still in its adolescence and pet owners report varying levels of success for a variety of conditions. Doing your own research is strongly recommended. Read on to find out how CBD may be helpful for your perfect pet.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
There are two predominant compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa L. plant. One of these compounds, that most people have heard of, is tetrahydrocannabinol, more well-known as THC. This product of the Cannabis plant is the psychoactive substance that gives users the “high” feeling. For a Cannabis Sativa plant to be classified as hemp, it must have less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Industrial hemp is the plant almost all CBD products are derived from. CBD is the compound that may have certain positive attributes for wellness. People often mistake CBD for THC. Products high in THC are still considered to be a Schedule 1 Narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency while CBD is legal in all 50 states. If you live in a state that has legalized THC for recreational use, it is important to read all labels carefully when purchasing CBD as high doses of THC can be toxic for dogs.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
Like humans, dogs will not get high from using CBD. But there are precautions that should be taken before purchasing and administering CBD to your pet. In this blog post we here at Panacea Life Sciences, explain what makes a good CBD product for your dog. Most CBD product labels will show less than 0.3% of THC. Although this minimal amount will likely not cause any adverse effects for most dogs, high doses THC has been known to cause ataxia in dogs. It is also important to note that some items that are found in CBD gummies could be harmful, such as Xylitol which can cause hypoglycemia, liver failure, and seizures in dogs even though it is safe for humans. Tinctures are a popular CBD product for dogs as they are easy to administer and don’t need to be taken orally. We recommend rubbing the balm inside the ear so Fido can’t lick it off! (Licking it won’t be harmful, but may not taste so good.)
Why give your dog CBD?
The reasons you would want to give your dog CBD are the same reasons you would give yourself CBD. There is no conclusive research on the effect CBD may have on your dog, but a lot of pet owners have seen benefits. CBD has been reported to give a sense of calmness to dogs who may experience anxiousness. CBD has also been reported to improve in dogs’ joint health. There have been reports that show CBD may assist in minimizing seizures and increasing appetite. A 2018 study done by Panacea Life Sciences showed that 86% of users experienced positive benefits, you can read more about it here. It is also important to speak with your veterinarian to see if CBD may be right for your perfect pet.
What are the effects of CBD in dogs?
There are a lot of positive effects of CBD that have been reported by pet owners. Along with the positive effects, there has been reports of some negative effects. These negative effects that are reported are when CBD is not 100% THC free. This is because high amounts of THC are toxic to animals. Some of the effects of CBD in dogs are assistance in ease of movement, a sense of calm, increased appetite, seizure management, and overall health and wellness. Every dog is different, and the effects CBD may have on them will be different as well. It is important to do your research when choosing and administering CBD for your dog or other furry friend.
How do I give my dog CBD?
Like humans, there are many ways to give your pet CBD. There are treats that have CBD extracts formulated into them. There are also tinctures that you can add to your pet’s already favorite treat. Owners can also place an amount in their dog’s mouth right by the gum line so that it may be absorbed. There are also soft gel capsules that pet owners can hide in favorite treats or if your dog takes pill-sized objects well, you can just pop one right in their mouth! Just like humans, every dog is different and reacts differently to CBD. It is important to start the amount administered to your dog low and keep a close eye on your pet to see how they react. Always speak to a veterinarian to make sure that the CBD you give your pet will not interact with any other conditions or medications.
In conclusion
There may be positive effects for your dog if you administer CBD into their systems. These effects may include a sense of calm, improved mobility, less severe seizures, an increased appetite for those puppies who may be on the smaller side, and to increase their overall wellness. Although there is minimal specific research complete on dogs and CBD, other dog moms and dads have reported positive effects. Like humans, dogs vary in size and weight. Their ECS (Endocannabinoid system) appears to be different than our own, so it is important to start with a small amount of CBD. Always find the CBD at a reputable CBD retailer. If you’re looking for a way to assist your puppy in a more holistic approach, this may be for you!
Links Used:
https://panacealife.com/what-makes-a-dog-cbd-product-good/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
https://panacealife.com/cbd-theapeutic-option-for-canine-osteoarthritis/
