When your dog suffers from health problems, it hits you hard– physically, emotionally, and mentally. Of course, no pet owner can see their cute four-legged friend in pain. That is why more and more pet lovers turn towards cannabidiol (CBD) oil to help their dogs live a happy and healthy life.
If you are not aware of this amazing compound, read on to know about CBD, its benefits, and many more. Let’s begin!
CBD and Dogs
CBD is a compound in the cannabis plant naturally. This is not like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); hence, it does not produce a ‘high.’
Scientists are researching more about CBD, some anecdotal evidence and studies have found that it may help treat arthritis, joint pains, anxiety, and seizures. With all these benefits for pets, several pet owners are curious to get it for their little friends. The following are few of the advantages of CBD for dogs.
Muscle Spasms
Some dogs face the problem of muscle spasms occurred due to neurological reasons, like allergies, injuries, or side effects of medicines. CBD may lower the rate of occurrence of muscle spasms and its severity.
Moreover, CBD is known for relaxing muscles in pets. Health conditions like hypertonicity, myasthenia gravis, meningitis, and myositis tense up muscles in dogs. So, this suggests that CBD may be helpful.
Epilepsy
Another incredible health benefit of using CBD is reduced to epileptic episodes or seizure incidents in animals. More than 5% of dogs suffer from seizure conditions, either idiopathic (caused by metabolic or brain structural issues) or symptomatic (caused by a specific disease). Although pharmaceuticals and other treatments are available for seizures and epilepsy, sometimes, your pup just does not respond to those treatments or medications. In such cases, CBD comes for the rescue and reduces seizures/epilepsy to a significant extent.
Arrhythmia
CBD is also known for improving your dog’s heart health. It may normalize your favorite four-legged canine’s irregular heartbeat; this condition is called arrhythmia. CBD acts by accompanying the CB1 receptor antagonist that is also served as an arrhythmia (AM-251) medication. Reduced arrhythmia in dogs lowers the risk of severe cardiac arrest and boosts blood circulation.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that may lead to blindness in pets. Fortunately, CBD may be able to help treat this medical problem and help pet owners. CBD oil can also be administrated substantially to at least relieve the disease-related pain.
Arthritis
One of the more common conditions among pets is arthritis, especially dogs with older age. In this case, it is not suggested to treat your dog with narcotic drugs, because it may make their hearts even weaker. CBD is worth trying to treat severe arthritis because it is comparatively safer than conventional treatments or medications. Research has already indicated CBD’s efficacy in reducing arthritis pain and lowering inflammation.
Improved Circulation
Studies have shown that CBD may enhance blood circulation in dogs, yielding many health benefits such as better lethargic behaviors and healthier organs. Poor blood circulation is related to Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm), heart issues, or dull behavior. Taking adequate nutrition, walking, and CBD consumption combined may improve your pup’s wellbeing.
Osteoporosis
It is a health condition that easily breaks bones and impairs bones, and it is often found in older dogs. Common factors to osteoporosis include genetics and calcium deficiency. The bright side is CBD research shows that it has positive effects in treating osteoporosis. It may repair damaged bones and increases the new bone growth procedure. Not only that, but CBD may also help in managing the pain, which is a result of osteoporosis.
Boosted Immune System
CBD is also responsible for regulating a hyperactive immune system and lowering the occurrence of auto-immune diseases in dogs. Therefore, it may help prevent further damage to other organs of the body. Psoriasis is an example of an auto-immune disease. Since CBD contains anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory properties, it is great at reducing the manifestations of psoriasis.
Pain in Joints
One more benefit of consuming CBD is treating joint pain in dogs. Tears, strains, or sprains usually cause it. Also, joint pain is most common in senior dogs that are prone to accidents like falling. As they are not good at tolerating the adverse effects of conventional pain relievers, using CBD oil may be a good alternative. Although there is not much evidence on its application on dogs, studies have been conducted on other animals that showed to help reduce pain.
Insomnia
Just like humans, several dogs have the problem of insomnia. Thankfully, CBD is considered to have the ability to help treat this issue, especially the one caused by cognitive impairments. Canines with cognitive problems such as dementia may witness difficulty in differentiating day and night and ends up with irregular sleeping patterns. CBD stimulates the serotonin release, which helps in calming the nerves and letting your dog fall asleep.
Psychological Problems
When your little friend is suffering from anxiety or depression, you also begin feeling dull. According to a study, CBD may aid in treating depression and anxiety among dogs. CBD stimulates the releases of serotonin – which is a neurotransmitter which improves behavior and mood, and helps them to relax. Moreover, CBD may help in the regeneration of neurons in dogs.
Ways to Give CBD to Dogs
CBD comes in several forms, such as creams, oils, and edibles. The efficacy of CBD varies from method to method.
A study took place in 2018 by Colorado State University, and it was found that oral consumption of CBD is more effective than a gel capsule or cream. More research, however, is required to further justify this study.
How Much to Give a Dog
According to a 2018 study on dogs with osteoarthritis, the most effective dosage for increasing the dog’s activity and comfort levels was 2 mg per kg of weight.
This should not be considered as a dosage recommendation because this study could be biased or other studies on CBD dosage might have different results.
Every dog’s health varies, and this is why it is essential to begin with a small dose and monitor the results. It will help you determine the ideal dosage for your pet.
How to Choose a CBD Product?
Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD at the moment, there is a bit of variability in products on the market. That being said, some CBD products are more effective for dogs than others.
The best way is to go on the website of CBD manufacturers and look for “certificates of analysis” and third-party testing evidence. These certificates will help you know whether the product is heavy metal-free, pesticide, and other important factors.
Also, you may consider whether a product also has THC in it or not. To this date, there is even less research on the THC impacts in dogs than there is on the effects of CBD. But, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has declared THC as a harmful compound for both cats and dogs. Though the lethal dose of THC is more than 3 grams per kg, harsh effects may occur at lower levels.
Make sure you research each brand of CBD before purchasing and consult a veterinarian about the side effects and toxicities that these products may cause in your pet before treating.
Where to Buy CBD?
If you are looking for the original and best quality CBD product, there are several platforms you can entirely rely on. They offer CO2 extracted, 100% natural, and non-GMO CBD products to every client – all you have to do is look for the right manufacturer.