Scientists have been testing CBD in dogs, and the results are in — CBD has a good deal of health-boosting, even life-saving benefits for dogs, as it has for humans. VIN News Service surveyed 2,131 veterinarians and found that 63% of the respondents said their customers asked about CBD oil for pets at least once a month.
In a recent study, 56% of dog owners used CBD products for their pets. Several sources state CBD may help decrease pain, anxiety, and stress. CBD’s positive effects on pets make pet owners eager to research it because they see how good it is for their furry friends.
For your beloved dog, you might add CBD oil to their diet as a supplement, or you might purchase hemp dog treats. But before you give it to your dog, there are several things to consider. It would help to keep a few things in mind when considering CBD for your dog. Here are the five most vital considerations to note.
1. Licensing and Certification
If you are concerned that the product might contain harmful chemicals, it will help to request a COA from the manufacturer. A COA is a certificate of analysis typically performed by a third-party laboratory. To determine the products’ ingredients, a lab will collect and test specimens from the products.
You can request this report to find out what is inside the product. If you’re purchasing CBD for dogs, make sure it doesn’t contain the following ingredients:
- Pesticides — Some organic cannabidiol oil products may have pesticide contamination because of being sprayed on nearby crops. Your dog is at risk of these pesticides
- Metals — Ensure that the product is free of lead and other pollutants
- Microbials — Make sure there is no pathogen present. Dogs are susceptible to pathogens such as E.Coli and Salmonella
Avoid buying from a dispensary that refuses to provide you with the COA or does not have one. When you buy a product made from high-quality ingredients, your dog will have the opportunity to be able to benefit from the product.
2. The CBD Product’s Source
A credible dispensary will provide its consumers with high-quality products. It is essential to research before deciding to purchase any cannabidiol product from a manufacturer.
You can check the company’s website to see if it has a physical address. Check out their online reputation and ratings. Most credible producers and wholesalers have an active online presence. As a result, previous customers may have already tried their products.
In addition, these manufacturers encourage their previous customers to leave online reviews since it will increase their credibility. You can speak to customer service to know more about where they source their canine CBD oil products. Additionally, you can see how loyal and helpful their customers are.
No manufacturer can guarantee to achieve any results with cannabidiol because scientists haven’t made conclusive medical reports.
FDA guidelines and rules prohibit manufacturers from claiming that scientists and doctors have thoroughly tested their products. There is a possibility that CBD products will give dogs and humans results, but there is no guarantee.
3. Method of Administration
The method of administration also matters before using CBD on your dog. For example, soft chews are more convenient than droppers under the tongue. If you administer hemp oil orally, it will deliver twice as many active ingredients as hemp oil digested by chewing. Oral administration of hemp oil is a concern for many pet parents.
For safe and accurate dosing, hemp oil has an eyedropper with graduated markings. When you administer CBD oil under the tongue, it absorbs more active ingredients digested through the stomach. Your mouth and your dog’s bottom have thin skin. In this way, CBD can enter the bloodstream more rapidly.
4. CBD Capsules and Pills for Pets
They make capsules in much the same way as regular CBD oils for pets. However, the final product is suspended within a gel capsule. The advantage of these options is that they are suitable for pets who dislike the taste of CBD oil or are picky eaters. In addition, they make a great travel companion. It is easier to carry around and less messy.
CBD capsules for pets have two downsides. Similarly to chews, you cannot adjust tablets for dosing (up or down). Pets’ bodies cannot absorb these products as efficiently as oil products.
Place a CBD capsule directly in your pet’s mouth or a tasty treat such as nut butter, cream cheese, or a pill pocket to make administration easier.
5. Level of Administration
It’s challenging to understand dosing. An ethical hemp company will provide accurate dosage instructions, warnings, and cautions. If you are considering starting a CBD supplement for your pet, we advise you to speak with your veterinarian first.
You’ll find dosage instructions on all the labels and listings of our products based on the weight of your animal. The same should be valid for all pet supplements.
Cannabinoid receptors are more abundant in dogs and cats than in humans. CBD is less necessary for them, and they will often release additional cannabinoids. It only takes a little to make a big difference! You can start small and add more as you go.
Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs
Despite the lack of scientific data, CBD could potentially have side effects on dogs based on how it affects humans. You must follow the proper dosage to minimize the possibility of side effects.
The impact of CBD on dogs can differ from those on humans. Although it seems safe for humans, you should know how your dog may react. Some of these effects might include:
- Dry mouth — There is evidence that CBD may reduce saliva production in dogs. As a result, dogs would become thirstier.
- Lowered blood pressure — CBD can cause temporary drops in blood pressure when taken in high doses. Despite the slight decline, it may cause light-headedness for a moment.
- Drowsiness — Dog owners use CBD to treat anxiety. CBD can also cause slight drowsiness in high doses due to its calming effect.
- CBD Dose for Dogs — Your dog’s weight and the severity of their condition will determine the dose of CBD you give him. It would be best to start with a paltry amount and escalate it as needed.
Conclusion
CBD usage has snowballed in the last few years. Besides humans, people have also introduced it to their pets, especially their dogs. However, before using CBD on your dog, there are several things to consider. This post presents some of the most crucial ones to know.
