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Pets How To Choose The Best CBD Oil For Dogs
20
Aug

CBD oil for dogs is a rising trend in the pet wellness market. Naturally, all those who love their canine friends want to buy the best CBD oils for pets. But do you know about what CBD oil can do for your dog? And what is the best CBD oil for dogs?

Dr. Jerry Klein is the Chief Veterinary Officer at the American Kennel Club (AKC). He makes it clear that no formal study has yet explored how CBF affects dogs. All scientists know today is that cannabidiol and other cannabinoids (found in cannabis plants) interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in humans and pets. These receptors are usually found in the body’s central and peripheral nervous system. The ECS (endocannabinoid system) helps in maintaining the balance of a lot of body’s functions.

What Is CBD Oil? Is It Legal In The US?

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the many chemical components found in the cannabis plant. Legally, cannabis plants having less than 0.3% THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are classified as ‘industrial hemp’ in the U.S. Industrial hemp and hemp-derived products are legal across the U.S. under the 2018 Farm Bill. In most states, CBD hemp oil for dogs come under this category and is hence, legal.

Cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC are considered ‘marijuana’. Some marijuana plants may contain as much as 30% THC. THC is the compound that gives you a high when you smoke weed.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. It does not cause intoxication. Yet, it has many therapeutic benefits. It should be noted that cannabidiol in hemp plants and cannabidiol in marijuana plants is ‘same’. The reason CBD hemp oil is considered safer for dogs because hemp-derived CBD oils for pets do not contain THC. They do not cause intoxication. CBD oils for dogs derived from marijuana plants may be contaminated with THC.

The best CBD oils for dogs do not contain THC at all. 

Legalization of marijuana has also made considerable progress in the U.S.  Thirty-three states have legalized marijuana. These include 11 states where marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational purposes. The states where marijuana is now legal for medical or recreational purposes are:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington, DC
  • West Virginia

We can safely say that soon, sales and purchase of the CBD oil for pets will be legal in these states. One should keep in mind the state-levied constraints on the THC limit of the CBD oils you feed to your canine friends.

Canine Health Problems In Which Dog CBD Oils Can Help

An AKC-sponsored study is evaluating the potential benefits of CBD in dogs with epilepsy. 

Scientific evidence suggests that cannabidiol oil might be of help in the following medical conditions in dogs:

  • Osteoarthritis: 

A study done by the College of Veterinary Medicine of Cornell University explored the efficacy of the cannabidiol treatment in dogs with arthritis. It was found that during the CBD treatment:

  • the arthritic pain in dogs decreased, and
  • their activity increased.

The CBD oil dosage used in the study was 2 mg of CBD oil per kg of dog’s weight. The dose was administered orally twice a day during the treatment period.

  • Epilepsy:

The latest case study on three dogs explored the potential benefits of CBD oil as a dietary supplement in dogs with epilepsy. Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs. TCBD oil was administered as a dietary supplement to three epileptic dogs. Pet owners of the two dogs reported that the frequency and severity of seizures reduced considerably. The third dog owner reported no improvement in his dog’s condition.

More studies are needed to verify the positive effects of CBD oil in epileptic dogs.

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) encourages research on the use of cannabis in animals. It said:

A growing body of veterinary evidence suggests that cannabis can reduce pain in chronically ill animals without making them dull. It can improve the quality of life for many dogs with life-threatening ailments.

Different pet CBD oils in the market claim that they can cure everything – from inflammation to cancer therapy’s side-effects. They claim to prevent spasms, pain, anxiety, and nausea in dogs. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning letter to a company for selling online CB oils with unsubstantiated claims. The clinical trials related to effects of CBD in pets are still going on.

How CBD Affects A Dog's Body?

How CBD Affects A Dog’s Body?

Like humans, dogs have two cannabinoid receptors – CB1, and CB2.

CB1 receptors are situated in the nervous system, organs, and glands. They are essential for the brain to work properly. They regulate:

  • moods,
  • memory,
  • motor function, and
  • perception of pain.

They also play a role in regulating digestion, cardiovascular health, production of hormones, and pregnancy.

CB2 receptors are found in the immune system of the body. They help in responding to the pathogens by producing inflammation in the body. 

CBD triggers CB1 receptors and suppresses CB2 receptors. Use of cannabis in dogs with an overactive immune system may help in fighting the symptoms of:

  • asthma,
  • arthritis,
  • allergies,
  • digestive issues, and
  • autoimmune disorders.

It needs an extensive amount of research to confirm how CBD oils affect a pet’s body. Many pet owners believe that CBD treats help in calming down their dogs. Their online reviews also recommend CBD pet oils for:

  • fighting pain of cancer in dogs, 
  • reducing seizures in canines, and
  • helping pets fight anxiety and depression.

What Is The Right CBD Dosage For A Pet Dog?

Pet parents often wonder,

“How much CBD should I give to my dog?”

The best way to reach the right dose for your dog is to start with the lowest amount possible. Veterinarians advise that a dose of 0.5 mg of CBD per kg of dog’s weight per day is a good starting point. Gradually increase the dose every 5 days until you reach the higher limit. 

You should never give more than 1 mg of CBD per kg of dog’s weight orally to a dog on any given day.

In the case of arthritic dogs, you may consider an upper oral dose limit of 2 mg of CBD per kg of dog’s weight per day. You should only go for a higher CBD dosing if your dog:

  • suffers from severe osteoarthritis, or 
  • requires severe palliative care.

If you suspect that the CBD pet oil you chose may contain THC, you should start with a smaller oral dose of 0.1 mg per kg per day. Dogs have a stronger reaction to THC than humans. Hence, one must be very careful in administering pet products that contain THC.

The fastest way to see the CBD effects is to take the CBD tincture oil sublingually. It takes 10 minutes to two hours for the cannabidiol to show its effects and calm down pets.

But it may be difficult for the pet owners to pour the oil drops under the tongue of the dog’s mouth especially if it is expressing aggressive behavior. 

In such cases, it might be a good idea to try CBD treats. Oral consumption of CBD might take up to three hours to show its effects.

Does CBD Exhibits Side Effects In Dogs?

In humans, CBD is generally considered safe. But CBD is known to indulge in drug-to-drug interactions. Based on the side-effects of the component in humans, dogs may experience:

  • dry mouth,
  • lowered blood pressure, and
  • drowsiness 

on the consumption of CBD oils.

Research shows CBD decreases the production of saliva. This may make your dog more thirsty than normal. High doses of CBD may calm an anxious pup but it may also cause light-headedness and make it sleepy.

More studies are needed to research the safety and risks of using CBD for dogs. The FDA does not approve any pet CBD product. It also does not recommend a dosing chart for dogs or cats. If you want to try CBD oil to keep your dog healthy, it is advisable to:

  • consult with your veterinarian first, and
  • always start with the lower limit of the recommended CBD dosage for dogs.

A higher dosage of THC-containing CBD oil to dogs may cause:

  • disorientation,
  • vomiting, and
  • excessive sedation

in dogs.

If pet owners observe their pets experiencing any of the side-effects, they should stop giving cannabis oils to their pets immediately. Normally, pets should feel better within a day or two. But in extreme cases, it may take up to four days for the side effects to subside.

How To Pick Up The Best CBD Oil For Dogs?

CBD oil is not just any OTC (over-the-counter) product for pets. Giving it to your dog is a complicated decision that might require a prescription from your veterinarian. Plus, you need to be sure of the CBD laws in the state regarding the pet product you choose.         

Today, many low-quality CBD products are available in the market. Since the CBD industry is an unregulated one, some of them can be dangerous for your pets.

Pet owners are advised to hunt for the highest-quality CBD oil. Best CBD oils for dogs are the ones with:

  • high bioavailability,
  • organic and natural ingredients,
  • third-party lab test certificate to prove the purity and potency of the pet hemp oil,
  • zero THC, and
  • pet-specific formulation.

Some CBD oils may have as low as 6% bioavailability. WTPHemp pet CBD oils are extracted from high-quality America-grown hemp. They have 97% bioavailability. 

While CBD treats of dogs are quite popular, most of them have extremely low bioavailability. If your dog is healthy, you may try them. But if you are looking forward to the therapeutic benefits of CBD for a sick dog, experts advise you to always go for CBD oil or a tincture. It is easier to regulate the CBD dosage when you put the oil drop-by-drop in your dog’s mouth.

CBD treats might be a good idea for healthy dogs. They come in different flavors too, such as bacon, steak, and meatballs. Bone-flavored CBD dog biscuits are quite popular with some breeds. Make sure that the company uses the best CBD oil in the dog treats they make.

Make sure that the dog CBD oil you choose is free of anything that might be toxic for your dog. Some of the things that should not be on pet oil’s ingredients list include pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. You should also avoid pet CBD oils with additives, heavy metals, and/or harmful solvents.

 Do not jump at cheap CBD pet oils. Many of them contain substances that might act as a poison for your furry friend.

Different states have placed different restrictions on the amount of THC CBD pet oil can have. But until the things clear up, it is advisable to buy a pet hemp oil which has ‘no’ THC.

Veterinary experts also suggest that you must always pick up CBD oils meant for pets when you intend to use them on your dogs or cats. Oils for human use are more concentrated. Pets need a different CBD dose. It is also advisable to discuss CBD oil for your canine or feline friend with a veterinarian first.

You might have heard that the FDA has issued many warning letters to different companies for mislabeling their products. The pet products of these companies may not be inferior. But they are certainly not using the correct terminology on their labels and in their marketing material.   

An analysis of veterinary CBD-rich oils for product integrity revealed that many of the commercially-available oils were mislabeled. They had inaccurate information regarding:

  • concentration of cannabidiol in the product, and
  • presence of other cannabinoids in the product.

Most of the labels of the medicinal pet oils indicated 20% higher levels of CBD in the product than the actual CBD level in it.

A 2018 study noted that cases of accidental exposure of cats and dogs to THC-containing products are increasing in the United States. Large doses of cannabidiol may also produce a marijuana-intoxication like effects as the poor-quality CBD oils for pets may still be contaminated with THC.

Hence, one must remain extremely careful and cautious in buying a pet CBD product.

Posted in Pets; Tagged Pets Health

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