Since the Farm Bill was passed in 2018 that legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp at the federal level, CBD products have exploded onto the American market. You can find them at high-end boutiques, at your corner gas station, and everywhere in between.
According to a 2019 Gallup poll, one in seven Americans used CBD products themselves for one reason or another. Interestingly, though, people have also started giving CBD to their pets with the hope that it will help them find relief from a variety of ailments.
Are you interested in the benefits of CBD tincture for dogs?
Let’s take a look at what the research says about giving your dog CBD oil.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. The second most prominent cannabinoid (or active compound) in the plant after THC, there is growing interest in the potential uses of CBD that offer some of the benefits of cannabis without the mind-altering effects of THC.
Why Do People Use CBD Tincture For Dogs?
At this point, there is still a lot of research to be done about the potential benefits of CBD. That being said, there are a number of conditions that people use CBD for when it comes to their canine companions.
Arthritis
CBD is thought to share the same metabolic pathways as anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are finding yourself googling things like “best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis”, you’re not alone. One of the most common inflammatory conditions that occur in dogs is osteoarthritis, with one in four dogs diagnosed with the condition in their lifetime.
There is research that suggests that CBD can significantly reduce pain in dogs who are suffering from arthritis.
Seizures
One of the most studied applications of CBD in humans is for seizures. At this point, there isn’t a ton of research regarding CBD and the potential to treat seizures in pets.
That being said, there is some research that suggests that dogs who suffer from idiopathic epilepsy might find some relief with CBD. It’s worth noting that the benefits of CBD for this purpose were only found in canines that were also receiving traditional anti-seizure medicine simultaneously.
Pain
Some preliminary studies in humans have found that products with both THC and CBD tend to be more effective for pain relief than either cannabinoid on its own. However, there hasn’t been research on this topic regarding dogs and so you should avoid giving your furry friend THC.
Cancer
Cancer is a term that refers to a wide variety of diseases. Some researchers are optimistic that CBD might be helpful in treating both the secondary symptoms of chemotherapy and cancer as well as treating the tumors directly. At this point, there isn’t much in the way of research regarding dogs with cancer and the potential use of CBD.
These are only some of the conditions that people use CBD oil for dogs for. Others include:
- Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Digestion issues
Are you wondering if CBD products could help you manage your dog’s weight? Follow this link to learn more about using CBD to help pets maintain a healthy weight.
At this point, the FDA hasn’t approved any CBD-containing products for use in animals. There is only one drug approved by them for humans that contain cannabinoids, which is used to treat a rare form of epilepsy.
What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil in Dogs?
It appears that CBD is very safe for both dogs and cats. One thing you will want to know about though is that CBD might cause an elevation of a certain liver value that is called alkaline phosphatase. It isn’t clear at this time whether there is any medical significance to these elevated liver values.
There have been some anecdotal reports of dogs that become sedate or sleepy when given very large doses of CBD. However, it seems that those effects get better after a bit of time. It also is thought that CBD doesn’t have contraindications with dog anti-inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before you give your dog CBD. This is because there is always a potential risk of drug interaction, so it’s best to do your due diligence.
How Do You Give Your Dog CBD?
There are a number of ways you can give CBD to your dogs. These include oils, treats, and creams.
At this point, there isn’t a great amount of research about the efficacy of these different methods of ingestion and application for dogs.
CBD Oil For Dogs: Is It Right For Your Furry Friend?
There is a lot of excitement and optimism about the potential benefits and uses of CBD for both humans and our animal friends. However, the world of CBD research is still in its infancy. This means that we can expect to learn more about the benefits and risks of this cannabinoid in the years and decades to come.
It appears that giving CBD to pets is a very safe thing to do that rarely results in side effects. That being said, it’s always best to check with your vet before giving your dog any type of new supplement or medication.
Did you find this article about using CBD tincture for dogs useful? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more informative and interesting content!
