Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are common these days. The existing ingredient is a natural product that can be found in hemp and marijuana. While CBD does not produce a “high,” studies showed that it may benefit a variety of medical issues, including anxiety and insomnia.
Due to its popularity, CBD is becoming a popular alternative medicine among dog owners. It makes sense that you would want to aid your pet in any way possible. There is a lot of information about CBD Oil for dogs circulating all around the internet, and with any pet wellness topic, it can be challenging to determine what is fact and what is hype. But is CBD effective? Is it secure, too? What you should know is as follows.
What can CBD do to your dogs?
A messenger system discovered in dogs is called the endocannabinoid system. It supports the immune system, sleep, hunger, pain, and more. Along with boosting the neurological, digestive, and immune systems as well as the brain, CBD affects how these messengers in this system function. Because CBD contains endocannabinoids that are very identical to those in the dog’s body, it is capable of accomplishing this.
Ways to use CBD for dogs:
- Dogs With Joint Issues. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory that does not cause the same side effects as drugs if your dog suffers from joint pain. The brain’s cannabinoids are where it functions. The immune system is activated by these receptors to lessen inflammation. Also, cannabinoids change how the brain processes pain.
Moreover, CB2 receptors in the immune and neurological systems are bound by CBD. When this happens, the body may begin to naturally produce more cannabinoids. This further lessens inflammation and pain it causes. Researchers showed that dogs receiving CBD for arthritis were much more active and showed less pain.
- Dogs Hurting. Pain research is likely the most promising area of CBD study. It effectively relieves pain, from arthritis to nerve pain, without the negative side effects of painkillers.
CBD changes how your dog’s brain interprets pain by connecting to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the nervous system and brain. Also, CBD can help with other pain-related side effects like vomiting and restlessness. Acute pain from injuries can be treated with CBD as well.
- Dogs with cancer. According to reports, cannabinoids cause cancer cells to die and prevent them from spreading. Researchers from a university showed that CBD combined with a common chemotherapy treatment decreased cancer-cell growth in the laboratory more than the chemotherapy drug on its own. Veterinarians have reported interestingly that CBD reduced the size of cancer cells or placed pets into recovery.
What are the risks?
The hazards and side effects of CBD use in dogs are not well recognized. Researchers are still learning about appropriate dosages and what quantities can be harmful.
Only one prescription medicine containing CBD has so far received FDA approval to treat epileptic seizures in humans. Here are some possible side effects to be aware of based on human experience:
- A dry mouth. This could temporarily reduce the quantity of saliva that your dog produces. Perhaps they are thirsty.
- Lower blood pressure. Humans’ blood pressure may temporarily drop suddenly as a result of CBD. Even though a drop of CBD may appear small, it might make your dog dizzy.
- Drowsiness. If you feed your dog a lot of it, its relaxing effects might make them fall asleep.
- Fertility issues. This was observed in certain experiments in male animals given CBD. If you’re considering giving your dog CBD, always consult a veterinarian first.
How to choose CBD for dogs?
- Choose organic. Even if cannabidiol is not organic, it should not contain solvents, fungicides, or pesticides.
- Shop without focusing on the price alone. Higher quality and pure are usually more expensive. A cheaper solution can include poisonous ingredients like herbicides, pesticides, or heavy metals. Verify that there are no preservatives in your CBD products.
- Get the information. A certification confirming the quantity of CBD included in the product must be given by the manufacturer. The level of CBD in many products is very minimal. Furthermore, you should confirm that the product contains little to no THC.
- Purchase CBD liquid. While CBD-containing dog treats are available, oils or tinctures work best for treatment. This helps you to slowly change the dosage for your dog.
Is it legal?
Veterinarians are cautious about recommending CBD, but almost all are willing to talk about it once you ask. Generally, some veterinarians are more informed about its advantages and disadvantages than others. The main concern is how it can combine with prescribed medications.
Nevertheless, there is clear evidence that CBD may be able to treat at least some diseases. The safe administration of CBD to dogs and other pets, according to experts, requires additional research, regulation, and best practices. Even though CBD is not a magical medicine, it might be the miracle that your dog needs.
