Ways To Use CBD Oil For Dogs
In recent years, CBD has gained popularity for its potential health benefits in humans. And for good reason. This naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants is believed to have properties that make it a promising option for future health and wellness therapies.
But what about man’s best friend? Can CBD benefit dogs as well?
As pet owners, we all want to ensure that our dogs are healthy and happy. And as further research uncovers more about the potential benefits of CBD, it's natural to wonder if it could be a viable option for our four-legged companions.
Fortunately, while conclusive answers are yet to be reported, there is growing anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD may possibly provide health benefits for dogs.
Some pet owners have claimed to see positive results in using CBD oil to manage mental and physical discomfort in their canine companions. Again, research on CBD’s effect on dogs is still limited, but there are ongoing clinical trials to further explore its potential uses in veterinary medicine.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about CBD for dogs, including its potential benefits, possible side effects, and how to choose a safe and effective CBD product for your furry friend.
If you're curious about whether CBD could be a viable health alternative for your pet, then read more below.
How Can CBD Affect Your Dog?
Dogs and other mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that, in theory, can be positively affected by CBD. The ECS is responsible for regulating various bodily functions such as mood, appetite, pain, and immune response. CBD is believed to interact with the ECS and possibly assist with maintaining internal homeostasis and overall health.
A survey conducted within the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) reports that most veterinarians support CBD’s potential to possibly assist with mental discomfort symptoms in dogs. However, all of them also agree that more studies need to be done to ensure conclusive efficacy and safety.
In the same survey, veterinarians believe that CBD’s calming effects can possibly assist in situations where dogs may experience mental discomfort, such as during thunderstorms or fireworks.
CBD has also been found to possibly assist with physical discomfort in dogs. Dogs that suffer from physical issues may potentially find relief through the use of CBD when administered twice a day at appropriate doses.
So, can CBD really be a natural alternative for dogs who deal with mental and physical discomforts? As always, it's important to consult with a veterinarian before starting your dog on any new treatments. This is especially true if your pets are already on certain medications that may react negatively to CBD.
How to Administer CBD Oil for Dogs
Picture this: You've just come back from the vet, and your dog has been prescribed CBD oil to help with their physical discomfort. However, your dog seems uninterested in the oil, and you're not sure how to get them to take it.
While CBD oil is considered safe for dogs at appropriate doses, getting them to take it can sometimes be a challenge. Some dogs may not enjoy the taste, or may simply not be comfortable when being forced to take anything in general. If you are struggling with administering CBD oil to your furry friend, don't worry.
Here are a few suggestions on how to make administering CBD oil easier:
- Mix It With A Treat: One of the easiest ways to give your dog CBD oil is to mix it with their favorite treat, such as peanut butter, cheese, or even fruit. The tastier the treat, the easier they will accept it.
- Add CBD Oil Into Foods: Another option is to mix CBD oil directly into your dog's food. Most dog foods are infused with flavors that can make CBD a lot more tolerable. You can add it to their wet or dry food, and they won't even notice it's there.
- Place CBD Oil Directly In Their Mouths: If your dog is comfortable with you placing the dropper directly in their mouth, you can administer the oil this way. However, be careful not to squeeze their mouth too tight.
Remember that in order for your dog to embrace CBD, you have to make the entire experience as comfortable (and even enjoyable) as possible. By mixing it in with their favorite treat or food, or by placing it directly in their mouth, you can ensure that they receive the full benefits of CBD oil without any added stress.
Get CBD Products That Your Dogs Will Love
Now, you may be thinking, “Can I give my dog human CBD oil?”
Giving human CBD oil to your pet may be considered “safe”, but it’s always a better and safer option to give them CBD products specifically formulated for them. This is because more targeted products will have added ingredients and flavors designed to entice your dog and will be free from chemicals that are toxic to them in general.
Two of our top recommendations for dog-friendly CBD products are:
- Broad-Spectrum CBD Soft Chews for Dogs: At Zatural, our Broad-Spectrum CBD Soft Chews for Dogs are perfect for canines who may not enjoy the taste of CBD oil. These veterinarian-formulated soft chews come with mouth-watering bacon and chicken flavors and contain 2mg of CBD per chew — perfect for dogs who are just starting out on their CBD journey. Since they are also made with Broad-Spectrum CBD, each bite contains all the beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant without the THC.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs: Our Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs is another great option for pet owners who want to give their dogs the benefits of CBD oil. This oil is easy to administer and contains 375mg to 1,800mg of CBD per bottle, depending on your canine’s needs. This oil is perfect for four-legged companions who need help with mental and physical discomforts, as well as other issues. Even better? Our Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil is not just for dogs, it’s perfect for cats and horses, too.
CBD Oil for Dogs: Possible Side Effects
Of course, any health alternative has different effects for everyone, including our furry friends. And while both animal and human studies have not found any fatal CBD side effects when administered in the right doses, it still pays to be careful.
At too high concentrations, CBD oil can give dogs dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and even drowsiness. In severe cases, too much CBD can trigger nausea and vomiting. This is why speaking with your veterinarian first before giving your dog CBD should always be the standard, especially when they are already taking medications.
For example, one study shows that phenobarbital CBD interaction in dogs can present some positive effects. However, these results have not been replicated enough by other independent studies to get a conclusive answer with regard to pet safety. Your veterinarian can help you determine whether your dog can or cannot safely take CBD alongside their current medications, ascertain appropriate dosages, and/or help you monitor your dog for any potential side effects.
Key Takeaways
CBD oil is a promising natural health alternative that pet owners can consider when treating their furry friend's health needs.
Thanks to CBD oil’s potential benefits for dogs, experts in veterinary medicine are starting to push for more studies in order to get more valuable insights into the full effects of CBD and develop new CBD-based treatments for various health conditions in the future.
For now, with guidance from their veterinarians, CBD oil may possibly offer pet owners a safe and effective way to help improve their dog's overall health and well-being — just as long as they choose high-quality, third-party tested, organic pet CBD products that can provide their furry friends with the best possible care and ensure their overall health and happiness.
For educational purposes only.
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.