CBD for Dogs: Pros, Cons, Uses & Safety

Review Summary

CBD for dogs has been the subject of lots of controversy over the years. While pet owners feel this product is a miracle, the US government has not moved to regulate it when it comes to giving it to animals. This lack of regulations leaves it difficult for your dog’s veterinarian to assist you in deciding whether it is good for your dog which leaves many pet parents worrying. Luckily, there are several studies out there that are showing strong results for the benefits of CBD in dogs with seizures, arthritis, and even anxiety.

CBD is not THC or marijuana. This is where lots of confusion comes into play. Most CBD for dogs is made from the hemp plant. This plant doesn’t contain as much THC, which is harmful to dogs but does have the cannabidiol compound which is what CBD is. It is products derived from hemp plants, with less THC, that is legal and available for use in dogs to help relieve their pain and unease. Let’s learn a bit more below so you can better understand CBD and why we think it is a good alternative to help your dog when they are suffering.

CBD for Dogs – A Quick Look

Specifications

When discussing CBD oil for dogs, there aren’t a lot of specifications we can go into. What we can discuss, however, are the different types of CBD oil and the forms these oils can come in. This will help you better navigate CBD oil and understand what you could be potentially giving your dog.

Types of CBD for Dog Products

Companies have taken the time to provide pet owners with several means of distributing CBD oil to their dogs. Here’s a quick list of a few of the products available with CBD oil you can find online or at your local pet shop to help your pet.

The Uses of CBD for Dogs

While there aren’t tons of scientific data to back the claims of pet owners who use CBD for their dogs, there are anecdotal instances. You’ll even find that several of the studies that have been done are promising. Here we’ll take a deeper look at the signs and issues most feel CBD oil can help treat so you can better understand why it is a potential addition to your pet’s health routine.

Anxiety

It is common for dogs to show signs of stress. Whether they are fearful of loud noises like fireworks or suffer from separation anxiety, seeing them upset is hard on a pet parent. Just imagine what your pup is going through. CBD has shown that it can help dogs lower the stress they go through during these times as it helps promote calmness.

Pain Management

Arthritis and inflammation are major sources of discomfort for dogs. CBD is showing signs of helping dogs with this painful issue. A study conducted at Cornell University showed signs of a significant decrease in pain suffered by osteoarthritic dogs. They even noted an increase in activities after CBD was administered.

Seizure Control

Unfortunately, some dogs may have seizures or seizure disorders. Many experts feel that CBD can be a great way of helping control these seizures and allowing your dog to continue with daily activities. While studies are still being done, a small one conducted by Colorado State University showed promising signs of seizure reduction when administering CBD to dogs with these illnesses.

Skin Issues

Dogs have issues with itchy skin, hot spots, and allergies. Many pet owners feel that CBD is a beneficial way to treat these ailments. While studies are still being conducted, CBD has shown early signs of helping repair the skin barrier and offer relief.

Stomach Issues

Another area where pet owners feel CBD is useful to their dogs is stomach problems. Many feel that CBD helps rid their pet of nausea and even increases appetite when they aren’t eating well.

Cancer

Again, while studies are still underway, there is potential that CBD can help reduce the size of tumors in a dog suffering from cancer. It is also beneficial in helping settle their stomachs and help their appetite when pets are going through chemotherapy treatments.

Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind

Like with anything we give our fur babies, there are safety precautions you should keep in mind if you’re administered CBD. Currently, studies conducted haven’t shown any long-term adverse effects but keep in mind that studies are still underway as CBD is still considered a new, and somewhat controversial treatment for pets.

Understand the Differences

It is important to understand that CBD is not THC or marijuana. THC is known to be toxic for your pets. CBD is made from hemp and goes through a process to have the THC removed. This is why giving your pets CBD that is made for humans is a bad idea. It could potentially contain harmful amounts of THC and be harmful to your pets. If you choose to administer CBD to your dog, please understand that not all CBD is the same. Only use those specifically made for dogs and follow dosage instructions carefully.

There Is No FDA Approval

While there may be tons of CBD products out there for dogs, none are FDA-approved. This means there are no regulations and other ingredients may be hiding inside the bottle. This is where sourcing comes into play. If you choose a particular CBD product for your pet, research it thoroughly. Look for a Certificate of Analysis that shows an outside, 3^rd party tested the product. You can also look for those that use domestically grown hemp as the US has strict guidelines when it comes to harvesting this product. You may also find products that mention that it was formulated by a veterinarian. This could mean that the company reached out to ask a veterinarian to approve what they’ve added to the CBD before selling it.

Your Vet May Not Be Able to Help

Unfortunately, CBD is not a subject some veterinarians can talk about. With so many federal and state guidelines in place when it comes to this product, it isn’t easy to call up your vet and get approval for use. They cannot write a prescription or promote the products due to CBDs categorization by the DEA.

That said, they can definitely help you with advice on potential uses, latest research, and dose recommendations. In addition, your vet can also diagnose your dog for a condition or ailment that may be better managed with CBD; therefore, it’s very important to consult with your veterinarian before choosing to give your dog CBD oil for several reasons:

FAQ: CBD For Dogs

Is CBD considered safe for dogs?

So far, studies on doses of CBD do show some side effects once a safe threshold is surpassed, however, controlled doses tend to show minimal to no side effects for the entire duration of some studies. However, it is important to note that not all dogs will react the same to CBD and studies are still being conducted that could show different results.

Can my dog be given too much CBD?

Yes, they can. If you choose to provide your pet with CBD, make sure to read all labels and packaging for the exact dosage and follow them closely.

I use CBD. Can I give my dog some of mine?

No. CBD made for humans is not the same as that made for dogs. You could potentially give your dog something that could be considered toxic for them. Stick with CBD formulated for pets to ensure their safety.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a great number of benefits, both studied and observed, that make CBD a viable option for dogs who are suffering from pain, seizures, and even anxiety. If your pet is going through any of these issues, you should take CBD into mind as an option. Of course, you can speak to your veterinarian about it to see if they can lead you down the right path or share their thoughts on it. Just keep in mind that there are safety precautions you should follow with the most important being to know the product you are choosing before you give it to your pet.

Related Read:

• Hemp Oil for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Benefits and Uses
• How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog (CBD Dosing Guide)

Featured Image Credit: Erin_Hinterland, Pixabay