CBD for Dogs? Important Facts About Pet Supplements
Considering supplements for your pet? You’re not alone.
The pet supplements market is projected at $3.73 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. This comes as no surprise, with 33% of households owning pets worldwide. These numbers explain the increasing spending on pet supplements that promise to correct nutrient deficiencies and boost other aspects of the animal’s health. One increasingly popular trend is cannabidiol treatment, with CBD products emerging as alternative supplements for pets.
CBD for dogs? But what Is cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is a naturally occurring compound from cannabis or hemp plants. Synthetic CBD can also be produced in a laboratory without plants. Hemp only contains a small quantity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive property in marijuana that gets you high.
Unlike cannabis (marijuana plant) which contains 12% THC, hemp has 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol. That means that CBD is not and should not create a psychoactive effect.
CBD comes in different forms, including oil, tinctures, and soft chews. If you want to measure the CBD drop by drop, oils are ideal since they’re administered inside the cheeks or under the tongue.
Additionally, CBD oil enters the bloodstream faster than soft chews that have to be digested. Another benefit is purity–while treats can lose some cannabinoids through cooking, CBD oil is more likely to retain its natural form.
Possible Benefits
Here’s how pet owners hope that CBD might help their dogs:
Pain
Several studies back the claim of cannabidiol as a pain reliever:
Cornell University researchers noted decreased pain levels and increased activity in arthritic dogs after two daily doses of 2 mg/kg CBD oil.
The Baylor College of Medicine and Medterra researchers discovered lower pain scores after treating canine osteoarthritis with CBD.
Seizures
Eighty-nine percent of dogs experienced fewer seizures according to a past Colorado State University study. Even so, all the animals were still on phenobarbital and other anti-seizure medications at the time of the research.
Anxiety
Past research reveals that one oral dose of 4 mg/kg CBD can reduce loneliness and travel anxiety. The dogs who received CBD capsules exhibited lower cortisol levels, less whining, and a calmer emotional state than those on placebo.
Potential Side Effects
Here’s what happens CBDif overwhelms your pet’s system, and creates some side effects:
Low Blood Pressure: CBD can temporarily lower blood pressure and cause lightheadedness.
Dry Mouth: CBD may temporarily reduce saliva production, making the dog thirsty.
Drowsiness: CBD’s calming properties can make your pet sleepy.
Elevated Liver Enzymes: According to a recent study, full-spectrum CBD raised canine ALP (alkaline phosphatase) levels from 133.3 U/L to 264 U/L in 12 weeks.
Gastrointestinal Issues: New substances can irritate the animal’s gut, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and cramping.
CBD Toxicity
Dogs may get intoxicated when the CBD oil is substandard or contains THC.
Contact your vet in case of the following signs:
Lethargy
Rapid breathing
Restlessness
Fast or slow heart rate
Poor coordination
Vomiting
Pale gums
Diarrhea
Buying CBD for Dogs
CBD for pets isn’t regulated by federal agencies, making it only available over the counter. And because products vary in quality, use your vet’s instructions and the following checklist to guide your purchase.
THC-Free
According to past studies, dogs have a higher THC sensitivity than humans. THC-free means the tetrahydrocannabinol content is undetectable, making the product safe for your pet buddy. Additionally, ensure the supplement is free of pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic chemicals. The same applies to additives–even flavor enhancements can affect the product’s purity.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
According to a past study on 84 CBD commodities from 31 manufacturers, over 50% of products weren’t labeled correctly. A third-party COA confirms the product is tested by an independent lab for THC levels and heavy metal traces. You can verify the certificate’s legitimacy by comparing the laboratory and manufacturer’s information. If the name, logo, and contact details match, chances are both entities are connected. You could also contact the lab about their report’s accuracy and the safety of the CBD product.
Full Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum products and CBD isolates have fewer cannabinoids than their full-spectrum alternatives, reducing THC content and altering the plant's effectiveness. Even a 0.3% THC content is enough to activate other cannabinoids. As such, avoid products labeled “No THC” or “Pure CBD”.
Instructions
The manufacturer should explain how to use the product for safety and maximum effectiveness. While a low dosage doesn’t yield the expected results, an overdose might result in complications.
Knowledge and Reputation
Manufacturers shouldn’t just sell products, they should also educate buyers on CBD wellness. Additionally, ensure the manufacturer is available via call, text, or email. This way, you can contact them whenever you have concerns or need clarification about the product.
Bottling It All Up
Whether you’re helping your pet sleep better, relieving pain, or addressing their separation issues, consult your vet before putting your furry friend on CBD. This is especially true if your dog is on any medication. What’s more, monitor their response to cannabidiol and discontinue its use in case of any complications.
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