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Is CBD for dogs safe and effective?
CBD is gaining popularity for its use in reducing the symptoms of epilepsy, anxiety, and other conditions in humans. In fact, it has similar effects on most pets as discussed in our “CBD Oil for Pets” article. Here we’ll discuss why CBD oil can be particularly useful for our canine friends.
CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a type of cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a system of neurotransmitters responsible for maintaining homeostasis (equilibrium) and it regulates many functions including pain, inflammation, and emotions. CBD stimulates the ECS and promotes homeostasis, improving overall health. The ECS is present in all mammals, and humans and dogs have a 70% biological homology with each other, suggesting CBD is likely to have similar effects in both.
Scientific research on the effects of CBD oil on dogs is still in its early stages. However, there is a wide range of anecdotal testimonials from dog owners suggesting CBD oil for dogs can help treat a wide range of conditions, as in humans. This is supported by preliminary results from veterinary clinical studies on dogs. In fact, a study in the Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior Journal found that CBD binds to endocannabinoid receptors “for a longer duration in dogs”. This suggests the response to CBD in dogs may even be longer-lasting than in humans.
What can CBD oil for dogs be used to treat?
⦁ Anxiety
Many dogs suffer from some form of anxiety, whether it is fear of thunderstorms and fireworks, separation anxiety, or long-distance traveling. CBD has proved very effective in relaxing dogs and relieving their anxiety.
⦁ Cancer
Studies have shown that CBD can have an anti-tumor effect. In some cases, it is also able to stop cancer cells from growing and increase tumor cell death! In addition, CBD has proven to be effective in relieving the symptoms of chemotherapy, particularly nausea.
⦁ Joint and Mobility Issues
As dogs get older, the prevalence of joint pain increases. CBD for dogs has been found to be useful in relieving these pains and treating issues such as sprains and torn ligaments.
⦁ Arthritis
A prominent use of CBD in dogs is in treating arthritis. As well as several anecdotal testimonials showing effectiveness, a clinical trial giving CBD to dogs with osteoarthritis found that it decreased pain and increased activity.
⦁ Pain and Inflammation
CBD demonstrates incredible anti-inflammatory properties, due to the inhibition of the production of inflammatory macrophages. In addition, CBD is a potent painkiller and relieves pain through a number of different methods.
⦁ Epilepsy and Seizures
One of the main uses of CBD in humans is to treat epilepsy, with scientific studies showing remarkable levels of efficacy without the side-effects of synthetic prescription drugs. It is estimated that up to 5% of dogs suffer from seizures. Like in humans, CBD for dogs has shown to be effective in reducing seizures.
⦁ Autoimmune Disease
Many dog owners claim CBD has helped to relieve symptoms of their dog’s autoimmune disease. CBD is able to decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are able to cause autoimmunity.
⦁ Promotes Cardiovascular Health
CBD has been linked to promoting a healthier heart in dogs. Research shows that CBD is able to protect blood vessels from damage, reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce the damage from damaged blood vessels.
⦁ Others
CBD for dogs has also been shown to help improve: Sleep, Appetite, Digestive issues, Allergies, Skin problems, and Bowel disease.
A large number of the above conditions are treated using prescription synthetic drugs for dogs, which often have many side effects. CBD oil for dogs could help remove the need for dogs to take these synthetic drugs, or lower the dose which dogs have to take.
Finally, even dogs not suffering from any of the above conditions may benefit from CBD. Several dog owners give their dogs CBD oil as a supplement, to promote the ECS. This encourages homeostasis and improves the overall health and wellbeing of dogs. Veterinary studies confirm that CBD oil has a wide range of health benefits in dogs, including improving emotional behavior and promoting a healthy heart and joints.
Is CBD oil for my dog safe?
CBD is not psychoactive, so will not make dogs high. Another common cannabinoid is THC; this is the psychoactive component in cannabis that results in a high. Therefore, as long as the CBD oil administered to the dog has no THC, the dog will not experience a euphoria.
Several scientific studies confirm that CBD is non-toxic, and thus will not cause an overdose in humans or dogs. In addition, CBD has very few side effects, which is confirmed by many dog owners who give their dogs CBD oil. Overall, CBD appears to be completely safe, even when taken in high doses and over extended periods of time.
The only potential issue arises when giving CBD oil to dogs who are taking other medication. CBD has been shown to sometimes decrease the activity of liver enzymes used to metabolize many prescription drugs. Therefore, it’s best to check with a vet before using CBD oil if your dog is already on medication.
How should I administer CBD oil to my dog?
CBD oil can be mixed with water or dog food, or can alternatively be administered directly to the dog’s tongue. The dosage required to produce an effect varies between dogs, depending on weight and metabolism. It’s best to start with a low dose and increase as necessary. Another option is buying CBD treats designed for pets. Explore our CBD dog treats and CBD pet oils for your pet from our store.
Testimonials from dog owners
- Carole’s dog Coco has dysplasia in both hips and severe arthritis in both knees. After trying CBD oil: “She has been on it for a month now and is a totally different dog. She is no longer in pain and not spaced out all the time.”
- “My 12 yr old Leonberger started having seizures. She had a massive seizure and we were losing her. A client of mine suggested CBD so we gave it a shot. Within 3 days she was walking and even trotting. We were able to get the seizures under control.”
- Annie’s dog Cubbie was terrified of storms and fireworks, and no medication was effective. After trying CBD oil during a thunderstorm: “Within about 10-15 minutes, Cubbie was laying by our feet on the couch as we watched TV and listened to the thunder roll. It was amazing.”
Summary:
- CBD oil could potentially help relieve a wide range of conditions in dogs, as well as improving overall health.
- Many dog-owners claim incredible results after giving their dogs CBD oil.
- Early results from veterinary clinical trials are promising, and confirm that CBD is safe for dogs and there are minimal side effects. Please consult your veterinarian for more information.