CBD and other essential oils are making quite the buzz around aromatherapy enthusiasts who use it to treat a variety of health conditions. While there are still concerns about the safety of CBD oils for humans, it would be wrong not to ask if it is equally safe to use on dogs and cats.
There have been constant debates as to whether it is right to use CBD on pets, and many dog owners claim that it does have its benefits. The main reason for the scrutiny is due to the relationship between THC and CBD. A lot of folks can’t tell the difference between THC and CBD, and once they hear a product contains hemp, they are quick to run for the hills. You can check here for more info on the different types of cannabinoids.
Another reason why dog owners are skeptical about CBD products is that the industry is not regulated. But just in case you are giving it a thought lately, here are a few reasons why CBD oil may be safe for pets.
Available in different varieties
You can find CBD products for pets in a variety of flavors, types, and shapes. Some are available in the form of edibles that taste so good, and dogs find them hard to resist. There are others in the form of tinctures, capsules, and topicals which are easy to use. You can also find those that are from entirely organic sources without additives like artificial sweeteners.
Experts suggest that it is best to use full-spectrum CBD products for your dogs. The reason for this is that they contain the right ratio of terpenes and cannabinoids that could be beneficial to animals. Those made from isolates do not have the correct dose of THC to balance out the entourage effect. You should avoid using products with more than 0.03% THC and only use products from hemp and not marijuana. You can read up below on how to spot the best CBD products or go to this link https://petcbdcommunity.com/cbd-oil-for-dogs-treats/.
Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD oil is essential in veterinary medicine as it helps to treat a host of conditions that may put your dog at severe health risk. And some of the uses of CBD oil for pets include
- Treating Arthritis
It is common for older dogs to suffer from recurring seizures, which could include loss of consciousness, stiffening, muscle twitching, and foaming in the mouth. And CBD oil could help relieve the symptoms due to its anticonvulsant properties. It acts by reducing the nerve impulses that cause seizures, thereby slowing down the length, severity, and frequency of the seizures.
- Anxiety
Most dog owners use CBD to relieve symptoms of anxiety, which include panting, pacing, aggressive behavior, loss of appetite, and difficulty finding quality sleep. It acts by reducing excitatory impulses and boosting serotonin levels, which results in a calmer dog.
- Cancer
Dogs also suffer from cancer, and they usually manifest in the form of a lump or bump. Some of the symptoms could also include abnormal bleeding, swelling in the bones, or wounds that don’t heal. Cannabis could help kill cancer cells or slow their spread and growth. Ordinarily, you would have to rely on chemotherapy or surgery, which could take a toll on your dog.
- Pain
You could also administer CBD oil to treat both mild and chronic pain in dogs. In mild cases, which could involve difficulties walking or climbing up the stairs, a few tinctures of CBD oil administered orally could prove to be effective. For chronic conditions, you may need to treat for an extended period before you can notice any positive changes.
Potential Side Effects of Cannabis for Pets
There haven’t been any scientific findings to prove that using CBD is terrible for dog health. But still, you want to look out for some of the following side effects when using cannabis products on pets.
- Dry Mouth
It is common for dogs to suffer from a dry mouth when administered CBD oil. The reason is that cannabis decreases the production of saliva in dogs, which could make them thirsty. And the best way to avoid this is to ensure they drink enough water after treatment.
- Drowsiness
Another potential side effect is drowsiness, mainly when you use CBD in excess. To avoid this, you would have to use the recommended dose, and consider the weight of your dog. You can always find the information on how much to use on the product packaging.
- Low Blood Pressure
The calming effect of hemp oil may result in a brief feeling of light-headedness in dogs. It can also lead to low blood pressure in dogs. While there may not be any need for worry, you may want to keep an eye on your furry friend until the effect wears out.
Final Note
In conclusion, we could assume that CBD products are safe for dog use since there are findings to prove otherwise. But you should also know that there is no regulation on the use of CBD. So it would help if you spoke with a veterinary doctor before using hemp products on your pets. Lastly, ensure that you get your supply from organic sources since they are free from unwanted contaminants.
