What Is CBD Oil For Dogs? A Guide to Your Dog’s Health
What Is CBD For Dogs?
So you’ve heard about CBD and you’re wondering if it’s just a trend or if it lives up to the hype.
Many people know about the effects of CBD on humans but not so much on dogs. We’re here to answer all the questions you’ve had regarding CBD for dogs.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is the second most prevalent active ingredient in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the components of marijuana but doesn’t cause a high by itself.
A report from the World Health Organization on the state of controlled substances deemed CBD to have no effects indicative of abuse or dependence potential. So don’t worry―you won’t be drugging your dog by using CBD on them.
Before you start using CBD on your dog, it’s important to understand how it works to make an informed purchasing decision in support of your dog’s health.
We’ll walk through the CBD products available in the market, the health benefits, side effects, and what to look for in CBD products.
Which CBD Products Should I Use For My Dog?
The CBD product to use on your dog depends on the purpose. CBD products are available in four types; topicals, tinctures, and treats. Here’s an overview of each product and what it’s used for.
Topicals Treatments for Skin Conditions
Topicals refer to products that are applied directly to your dog’s skin such as creams, balms, and oils. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it takes 26 seconds for a topical product to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Topicals are best for dealing with skin conditions and pain relief, especially when applied to the affected area. Products used on the skin also have a therapeutic effect as your dog inhales the properties.
CBD oil can be used orally or topically. Furthermore, for every purchased bottle, Cannanine donates 7 healthy meals for shelter dogs funded through Greater Good & Rescue Bank.
Tinctures With Low-Concentration CBD
Tinctures are alcohol-based extracts containing 60-70% alcohol, meaning they have a lower concentration of CBD. The alcohol content gives them a bitter taste and manufacturers add sweeteners, vitamins, and other ingredients to mask the taste.
Tinctures are taken sublingually for faster absorption or added to food and drinks for oral ingestion. The best use of tinctures is in dogs with stomach sensitivities to ingesting oils.
Nutritious Dog Treats
Dogs enjoy snacking just as people do. Dog treats are packed with nutrients and vitamins and aid in digestion. CBD treats are a great way to add nutritional and medicinal value to snack time.
Giving your dog CBD treats regularly helps to regulate their endocannabinoid system, and reduce risks of metabolic syndrome.
Here are the main differences between oral and topical products.
| Oral CBD Products | Topical CBD Products |
| Lower CBD concentration | Higher CBD concentration |
| Absorbed after digestion | Faster absorption |
| Effects kick in in a few hours | Faster relief |
| Targets the internal cannabinoid receptors | Targets the skin’s cannabinoid receptors |
| Longer lasting effects | Effects wear off quickly |
What Are the Health Benefits of CBD for Dogs?
There are several benefits of CBD including relieving anxiety disorders, depression, managing seizures, treating skin conditions, and more.
Calming Dogs With Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is the body’s innate response to a perception of danger. The brain responds by triggering the body to release a flash of chemicals, hormones, and increased blood flow which causes a general sense of restlessness.
Just as humans are sometimes riddled with anxiety, the same happens to dogs. Many dogs are afraid of thunder and loud noises, triggering anxiety episodes.
Anxiety disorders affect dogs of all breeds and it’s difficult to naturally calm them. A dog with anxiety exhibits the following symptoms:
- Barking or howling when you’re not home
- Panting and pacing
- Shivering when it isn’t cold
- Cowering by the corner
- Digging
- Running away
- Destroying furniture
- Self-harm, including excessive licking or chewing
- Not eating
- Frequent urination
- Inability to settle
Hemp contained in CBD products activates brain receptors that reduce symptoms of anxiety. By increasing blood flow to the regions of the brain linked with anxiety, CBD can help reduce anxiety in dogs.
Serotonin is a hormone in dogs that regulates heart and lung function, pain perception, and behavior. CBD oil increases the levels of serotonin in the body which induces a sense of calmness to reduce anxiety.
Managing Seizures
Canine idiopathic epilepsy, also known as epileptic seizures, is a common neurological disorder that affects most dogs. The main cause of seizures in dogs is currently undetermined. Anecdotal studies show that seizures are either genetic or structural problems in the brain.
Proper treatment of seizures in dogs is widely dependent on an accurate diagnosis of the type and cause of seizures. There isn’t a widely accepted classification system available for seizures in dogs. Veterinarians use a system adopted from the human model which can be problematic.
Therapeutic treatment is prescribed based on where it begins in the brain and other features specific to the seizure. That said, CBD oil comes in handy in reducing seizure activity in your dog.
When you rub CBD on your dog, it’s absorbed into the skin and travels through your dog’s bloodstream. When CBD reaches your dog’s brain, it inhibits the CB1 receptors, calming overactive neurons and improving seizure control.
The AKCCHF’s CBD study saw a breakthrough in CBD clinical trials that aimed to reduce epilepsy in dogs. The study’s results found that 89% of dogs who received CBD in the clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
Reducing Chronic Pain and Inflammation
Inflammation is the leading cause of chronic pain which results from a weakened immune system. Inflammation happens when there’s an increased blood flow to one area of the body. Short-term pain increases blood flow to your dog’s wounded area to promote healing.
However long-term inflammation can cause further damage to the wounded area, causing chronic pain that persists for months, sometimes years.
CBD works in three ways for managing pain and inflammation:
- An anti-inflammatory agent
- Blocking pain signals
- Promotes regeneration of connective tissue
Cannabis-derived compounds have anti-inflammatory properties. Dogs suffering from chronic inflammation, pain, or other related diseases such as joint pain and arthritis can get relief from CBD oil or CBD treats.
Vallinoid pain receptors and opioid receptors work together to control the level of pain perception in the brain. CBD binds to these receptors, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, thereby reducing pain.
Chronic inflammation causes deterioration of the cartilage that protects joints from friction. Topical and oral use of CBD in dogs reduces cartilage degradation, facilitating cartilage repair, thereby reducing pain and possibly preventing arthritis.
Studies show the efficacy of using transdermal cannabidiol in reducing inflammation and pain-related behaviors in animals with arthritis.
Treating Skin Conditions
Proper hygiene protects your dog from parasites such as ticks and fleas which cause skin diseases. However, your dog may still contract skin diseases from food or environmental allergies, fungus, or underlying health issues like lupus.
It’s important to see a veterinarian whenever you notice the following symptoms in your dog:
- Excessive scratching
- Redness and irritation
- Biting at their skin
- Sore or rashes on the skin
Veterinarians may offer traditional treatment options such as antibiotics and topical creams. CBD oil being a natural extract from the cannabis plant is a more natural alternative to treating your dog’s skin conditions.
CBD oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help reduce skin inflammation and promote wound healing. Rubbing CBD oil on your dog’s skin will promote blood flow through the endocannabinoid system and help rid your dog’s body of toxins that cause inflammation.
A 2012 study showed that the use of CBD targets the endocannabinoid system. As a result, cannabimimetic compounds helped protect against the effects of allergic inflammatory disorders in various species of mammals.
The research further indicated that the endocannabinoid system can be targeted for the treatment of immune-mediated and inflammatory disorders such as allergic skin diseases in dogs.
Treating Depression
Did you know that dogs get depressed too? The symptoms of depression in dogs are similar to those in people. How do you know if your dog is depressed?
To understand how CBD helps treat depression in dogs, it’s important to first know the causes of depression in dogs and how to spot the signs and symptoms.
Causes of depression in dogs include:
- Physical illness
- Loss or bereavement
- Environmental changes
- Phobias
- Owner’s depression
Symptoms of depression in dogs are:
- Your dog will become withdrawn
- Inactivity
- Change in eating and sleeping habits
- Not participating in activities they once enjoyed
- Long periods of hiding
As with people, exercise and a change of environment can help elevate mood in a depressed dog. When other mechanisms don’t work, turn to CBD. CBD is proven to affect over 65 different chemical receptors in the brain and body, including serotonin.
Depression lowers endocannabinoids, which are important for mood regulation. CBD serves as a supplement for endocannabinoids, activating the receptors and elevating your dog’s mood.
Treating Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by a sudden increase in eye pressure. The pressure causes severe pain and loss of vision and is more prevalent in purebred dogs. Glaucoma affects humans too but the pain is more severe in dogs than humans.
Dog breeds prone to glaucoma include:
- Akitas
- Cocker Spaniels
- Chow Chows
- Dalmatians
- Great Danes
- Chihuahuas
- Schnauzers
- Poodles
- Swedish Vallhund
- English Springer Spaniels
- Samoyeds
- Basset Hounds
- Beagles
- Jack Russell Terriers
40% of dogs are affected by glaucoma, therefore preventative measures are important to put in place. Since dogs don’t show pain as humans do, it’s hard to tell when they’re in pain. Watch out for eye redness and excessive scratching in the eye.
Anecdotal studies show that CBD oil helps prevent glaucoma and reduce glaucoma-related symptoms in affected dogs by lowering intraocular pressure. Since CBD oil is proven effective in pain management, it goes a long way in reducing severe pain caused by glaucoma.
Improves Your Dog’s Appetite
Food is important for your dog’s health as it supplies their body with nutrients and gives them energy. Healthy dogs are naturally very active and that’s why they eat a lot. Unlike most dog health issues, appetite loss is an easy one to spot.
If you’ve ever smoked or ingested medical marijuana, then you’re familiar with ‘‘the munchies”― enhanced appetite as a side effect of brain interaction with THC in the cannabis plant. Now, before your jaw drops, no, your dog won’t get the munchies from CBD.
So what happens?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and metabolism to reduce the symptoms of the underlying cause of their appetite loss. The temporary feeling of relief provides a window for them to feed, improving their appetite and preventing them from wasting away.
Now that you understand how beneficial CBD can be to your dog’s health, it’s natural to wonder if there are side effects.
Does CBD Oil Have Any Side Effects on Dogs?
Yes, it does. The use of CBD in dogs has grown in popularity for its many health benefits, but it comes with a few side effects, as most drugs do.
Here are some signs you need to be on the lookout for when using CBD to treat your dog.
CBD Causes Drowsiness
Extensive research has been done on the benefits of CBD in reducing stress and anxiety. CBD works in humans by altering serotonin levels and inducing a feeling of calmness. CBD is also proven to be effective in the treatment of anxiety in dogs.
Although Cannanine CBD oil doesn’t contain THC, the calming effect it has on dogs causes drowsiness, especially when used in higher doses. When your dog shows signs of drowsiness when dosed with CBD, consider reducing your dosage size and monitor the changes.
Your Dog May Experience Dry Mouth
CBD oil causes dry mouth in dogs which manifests itself as increased thirst. When you notice your dog drinking more water than usual, know they’re experiencing a side effect of CBD oil.
One of the challenges of keeping pets is cleaning. Dogs naturally produce a lot of salivae and it can be hectic to clean after them. When using CBD oil on your dog, you’ll notice a substantial reduction in the amount of saliva they produce. However, this doesn’t call for celebration.
Production of saliva helps with your dog’s dental hygiene and digestion. To prevent deterioration of your dog’s health, reduce the dosage or lay off usage for a while.
CBD Lowers Your Dog’s Blood Pressure
CBD is known to have vasodilatory effects in humans and rats. Studies show that CBD helps lower blood pressure in people dealing with hypertension. Similarly, using CBD on dogs lowers blood pressure by widening blood vessels and promoting blood flow.
Although this is a desirable effect in humans, it may be harmful to your dog. Consult your veterinarian if you notice your dog becoming more sluggish when you use CBD oil on them to determine if they’re reacting to CBD or not.
Noteworthy: The benefits of CBD far outweigh the side effects. Always consult your doctor when you notice significant changes in your dog’s behavior.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a CBD Product?
Before you start using CBD, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Purpose of the product
- Contents
- Extraction method
- Country of origin
CBD is important in supporting a healthy lifestyle for your dog. It’s important to know what to look for in a product to avoid purchasing products that may sabotage your dog’s health.
What’s the Purpose?
The type of product you’ll choose depends on its intended purpose. Different products are best suited for different usage. For instance, treats are better suited for general health purposes, while CBD oil is better for the treatment of specific ailments.
CBD oil is easily broken down and absorbed into the body. A small portion of oil contains high CBD content that will cause undesired side effects on a healthy dog.
Organic vs Inorganic CBD
The whole point of using CBD on your dog is for a natural alternative to improve their health. While other drugs may work just fine to treat your dog, they contain other chemicals and unhealthy substances that disrupt your dog’s system.
There are many benefits of using organic CBD products. They are safer for use and have higher value from a nutritional standpoint. Moreover, they’re also safer for the environment as they don’t contain pollutants.
Check the Contents
Before buying any product, we always check the label and scrutinize the ingredient list for unwanted substances. Well, the same applies to CBD products. The products contain additional ingredients, so it’s important to confirm if they’re all beneficial to your dog’s health.
Melatonin and MCT oils are two of the most common healthy additional ingredients in CBD products. Melatonin aids in sleep and MCT oils provide an energy boost and improve brain function.
Some CBD products contain glycol, propylene, and vegetable glycerin which are elements known to cause seizures and severe neurological symptoms at toxic levels.
Extraction Method
Extraction methods determine the contents of the final product. There are two main CBD extraction methods; solvent and carbon dioxide extraction.
Solvent extraction uses butane, propane, ethanol, and alcohol to extract CBD. While this method is quick and inexpensive, it’s not only dangerous and toxic but also destroys plant tissue and cannabinoids.
Carbon dioxide extraction is the most advanced and efficient method. Although it’s expensive, it produces high-quality CBD, retaining all the desired properties of cannabis. In addition, it allows for the isolation of specific cannabinoids with no residual contaminants.
Country of Origin
CBD is derived from the cannabis plant and the best quality starts right from the source. Plants absorb elements from the air, soil, and water, so it’s important to ascertain that the source is free of pollutants, lest it ends up in the final product.
The Netherlands, Mexico, and Jamaica are the three leading countries that produce the best cannabis Sativa. Your dog’s health matters, so when sourcing CBD products, check for ones extracted from hemp from world-renowned growers to get the purest, healthiest product.
Price Comparison
Price is an important factor to consider when making any purchase. From a marketing standpoint, there are instances where price determines the value of a product, and this is one of them.
There’s a lot that goes into hemp plant extraction and manufacturing to provide you the purest form of a CBD product. The processes are expensive and a percentage of the cost is transferred to the customer.
Compare the price with the market range. If the price tag is significantly lower than competitors’ products of the same value, that’s a red flag.
FAQs
Is CBD Legal For Dogs?
Yes. CBD derived from hemp is legal in the United States with a content limit of no more than 0.3%THC. Cannanine CBD products do not contain THC and are legal in all 50 states of the US.
How Long Does it Take for CBD Oil to Work on Dogs?
CBD takes about 30-45 minutes for the effect to kick in for dogs when taken orally. Oils kick in faster because it’s easier for the skin to absorb the contents into the bloodstream.
Can I Give My Dog CBD Every Day?
CBD is safe for everyday use. Depending on what the treatment is, regular administration will improve their endocannabinoid system. Always administer the right dosage to prevent adverse side effects.
What Should I Do When I Give My Dog Too Much CBD?
Allow the effects to wear off and lay off using CBD for a while as your dog’s system adjusts. If your dog experiences adverse symptoms, see a veterinarian.
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