CBD For Dogs

CBD product sales are on the rise, and that doesn’t hold true simply for human consumption. 

A growing number of dog owners are considering whether or not this is a viable form of treatment for their canines.  

Did you know it can cost tens of thousands of dollars to care for a dog over the course of its life?

Not all of these costs are related to medical expenses, but many of them are. And for that reason, it’s natural to look into cost-effective alternatives to traditional medicine.

And that’s where CBD products for dogs come into play.

CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol, is a product derived from cannabis. Even though cannabidiol is found naturally in marijuana plants, it doesn’t create a high - either in humans or dogs - which is the case with THC (another well-known cannabinoid).

While there is a lot of gray area regarding the effectiveness of CBD oil in dogs, owners are still looking into the potential health benefits (as well as the cost savings).

Just the same as human use, there is no guarantee that CBD oil will work to treat your dog’s health ailments. However, as it’s legal for purchase in the United States, many dog owners are experimenting with it and closely tracking the results. 

To date, there is no definitive scientific data on effectively using CBD to treat dogs.

Right now, there’s no definitive answer as to whether or not CBD is successful in treating ailments in dogs. 

On the plus side, studies and research continue, such as this one sponsored by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and managed by the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

The goal of this ongoing study is to better understand the impact of CBD on treatment-resistant epileptic dogs. 

Dr. Mary Smith, Chairman of CHF’s Scientific Review Committee, is excited about the study and its potential to gather scientific data:

“This study has the potential to provide a much-needed new tool for veterinarians to treat dogs with epilepsy. A study of this scope is required to prove the efficacy of this plant-based therapy for dogs, and CHF is proud to take the lead on this research effort.”

Even though we may be several years away from a better understanding of how CBD can treat ailments in dogs, things are moving in the right direction. 

Just the same as the benefits of CBD use in dogs, there’s no scientific data to back up any claims about side effects. 

Dog owners who have used CBD to treat ailments, have reported a variety of side effects.

• Drowsiness: Dog owners often use CBD. But upon doing so, they may find that the claiming effect of CBD can also result in drowsiness and the need for more sleep. 
• Dry mouth: In humans, CBD has the potential to decrease the production of saliva, thus resulting in a dry mouth. This may also be a concern in canines. 

As with any medication that you or your dog takes, it’s important to receive medical guidance. 

It’s natural to have concerns about the side effects of CBD in dogs. Talking to your veterinarian about these potential side effects can put your mind at ease.

The word “best” means something different to everyone. So, when shopping for CBD treats for dogs, it’s a good idea to buy based on your knowledge and research, along with the specific wants and needs of your dog.

Here’s the good thing: there are thousands of CBD treats for dogs on the market, making it easy for you to find one (or more) that meets your requirements.

On the flip side, this large selection can make it difficult to sift through your options and make an informed and confident buying decision.

Here are some questions you can answer to guide your purchase:

• Are you looking for something in particular from the CBD brand and its products?
• How long has the brand been in business?
• Does the brand have good, bad, or neutral online reviews?
• What ingredients are used to make the product?
• Does the brand use an independent third-party lab to test its products?
• How are the products priced? 
• Do other people believe that the products are effective?

Some of these questions are easy to answer, while others will take some digging. But when you’re making such an important purchase, it’s critical that you do your homework. 

Just the same as CBD products designed for humans, those for dogs come in a variety of forms.

The way you administer CBD to your dog depends on preference. And of course, you must also take into consideration the responsiveness of your dog.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Place the product directly in your dog’s mouth. This is easiest with CBD oil because you can gently open your dog’s mouth and administer it with a dropper. Once your dog gets used to this, it’ll become easier for you. In fact, they may even enjoy the product, which turns this into a fun experience. 
• Mix the product with food: In the event that you find it difficult (if not impossible) to place the CBD into your dog’s mouth, this is the next best option. Add the CBD oil to its favorite dog food or treat and let them have at it. Just make sure they consume it in its entirety. 
• Mix it with human food: You don’t want to do anything that jeopardizes your dog’s health, so don’t mix its CBD oil with something dangerous. However, you can consider a taste treat, such as peanut butter, every so often. When you do this, you never have to worry about your dog ingesting the CBD. 
• Add it to your dog’s water bowl: If the presence of CBD oil is scaring your dog away from eating its food and/or treats, consider diluting it in water. Since most oils are odorless with no taste, it’s easy to mix in CBD to ensure that your dog gets the proper dose. 
• Make your own treats: Pet owners have been making their own treats for many years. And now with the growth in CBD use, this is becoming even more popular. All you have to do is add CBD oil to any recipe that you already use. Just remember this: you can’t add the oil to baked treats, as it has the potential to evaporate it. As a result, your dog won’t get any potential benefits. 
• Dog chews: Just the same as treats, dogs love to chew on toys. And that’s why hemp chews for dogs are growing in popularity. If your dog is the type that’s always chewing on something, you may consider this one of the best ways to administer CBD. 

In 2019, 48 percent of pet owners in the United States purchased cannabidiol treats for their pets. This is in addition to 27 percent that purchased CBD oil.

There’s no guarantee that any CBD product will work for your pet, but there’s a growing trend among dog owners who are willing to experiment with various products.

Should you have questions about giving your dog CBD, consult with your veterinarian for more information and guidance.