CBD oil has become increasingly popular as a natural treatment for humans, and now pet owners are exploring its benefits for dogs as well. CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant that does not produce psychoactive effects.
CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant, most commonly from hemp. Hemp plants are cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC, so hemp-derived CBD oil will not get your pet high. The CBD is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant through various extraction methods. The most common methods use carbon dioxide or ethanol as solvents. The result is then added to a carrier oil, like coconut or hemp seed oil, to create CBD oil.
Benefits of cbd oil for dogs
While more research is still needed, initial veterinary studies and pet owner anecdotes indicate CBD oil provides the following benefits for dogs:
- Pain Relief – CBD has been shown to help reduce inflammation and ease pain related to arthritis, joint issues, injuries, chronic illnesses, surgeries, and more. It activates cannabinoid receptors involved in managing pain both in the brain and immune system.
- Reduced Anxiety – CBD affects receptors involved in mood regulation which eases anxiety in stressful situations like separation, travel, loud noises, etc. Studies show it can help dogs cope with situational anxiety.
- Anti-Seizure – In some dogs with epilepsy, CBD has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. More research is still needed to understand CBD’s anti-seizure effects.
- Cancer-Related Symptoms – Research in rodents shows CBD has anti-tumor effects. While human clinical trials are still needed, pet owners are using CBD to manage the side effects of cancer treatments in dogs, like nausea, pain, and appetite issues.
- Gastrointestinal Issues – CBD interacts with the gut endocannabinoid system and helps regulate digestion, stomach acidity, gut motility, and more. This eases symptoms of common GI issues like colitis, gut inflammation, diarrhea, etc. However, more research is still needed.
Talking to your vet about cbd oil for your dog
As with any supplement or medication, it’s essential to talk to your veterinarian before giving best cbd oil for dogs.
- Possible drug interactions and monitoring needs
- Sourcing safe, tested CBD oil formulated for pets
- Appropriate dosing directions based on your dog’s weight, health condition, medications, etc.
- Ongoing monitoring for benefits, side effects, and dosage adjustments
- Legal implications in your region – check local regulations on CBD use for pets
Your vet is your best resource for ensuring CBD oil will be safe and effective for your dog’s needs. They can help tailor an appropriate dosing schedule and treatment plan while monitoring long-term effects. Open communication will be key for navigating the still-developing research on CBD in veterinary medicine.
CBD oil dosage for dogs
For any supplement or medication, proper dosing is very important for both safety and effectiveness.
- Always follow your veterinarian’s dosing instructions first
- Start with the lowest suggested doses and gradually increase if needed
- Give consistent daily doses for the first 2-4 weeks before increasing
- Use a dosage calculator or chart from the product brand or your vet
- Dosages are based on your dog’s weight – the heavier your dog, the more CBD they’ll typically need per dose
- Start around 2-5mg CBD per 10 pounds of body weight
- For anxiety issues, an even lower dose of around 1-2mg/10lbs best
- For severe issues like cancer pain, up to 10mg/10lbs+ used under veterinary guidance
Monitor your dog for improvements as well as any possible side effects after starting CBD oil or adjusting the dosage. Record their responses to share with your vet during follow-ups for making any needed changes. Consistent use and proper dosing are key to getting the most benefits from CBD oil for dogs.