Why I Recommend CBD for Dogs

Have you ever heard of a “soul dog?”

A soul dog is basically a person’s soul mate in dog form. I’ve had many dogs in my lifetime, and I’ve loved them all deeply. But my current dog, Roxy, is my soul dog. We have such an incredible connection.

About two years ago, Roxy was diagnosed with cancer. Her veterinarian said he could put her down that very same day. I was beside myself. I couldn’t believe that I was losing my best friend.

Honestly, I didn’t believe it. I knew this wasn’t the end of the road for Roxy. So, I threw myself into research, trying to learn everything I could about this disease.

In my research, I kept seeing one recommendation: CBD for dogs. I figured we had nothing to lose, and everything to gain. So, we gave it a go.

Suddenly, Roxy had the energy of a puppy again. Her pain seemed to melt away, and she was sleeping well. You would never guess she was living with advanced cancer. But, of course, she did have cancer. She still does. CBD isn’t a miracle drug, but it can offer some relief. Let’s explore some of its benefits and see if CBD is the right fit for your dog.

Is CBD Right for You?

As a dog trainer, I have seen a rise in pet parents using dog CBD. It may not be the best product for every dog, but I have seen it greatly benefit dogs in several ways. It could help dogs with pain or other health-related issues, and it could assist with behavior concerns, such as anxiety.

Consulting Your Veterinarian About CBD

If you think hemp for dogs might be a good product for your furry friend, I always recommend consulting your veterinarian first. They can help determine if CBD is safe for your dog’s individual health and lifestyle.

What is CBD Oil for Dogs?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, comes from hemp plants. For dogs, it’s usually served as oil or soft treats. CBD oil benefits dogs without causing a “high” because CBD pet products contain little to no THC. Rest assured, they’re not addictive for your furry friend.

Hemp vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?

Both hemp and CBD come from the cannabis plant, but they’re extracted from different parts. Hemp oil typically refers to hemp seed oil, which is extracted from the seeds of cannabis plants. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant.

Both products have some overlapping effects on dogs. Generally speaking, hemp products are more about nutritional support, while CBD products focus on specific health issues and therapeutic benefits.

Are CBD Products Safe for Dogs?

Some studies show that CBD pet products are safe for dogs and good for the central nervous system. However, long-term studies are still lacking, and the FDA has not approved CBD for pets.

While more research still needs to be done on its effectiveness in veterinary medicine, many dogs have experienced health and behavior improvements after taking CBD oil. For best results, always follow your vet’s advice and recommended dosage.

Only Use Dog-Specific CBD Products

You should only give your dog CBD products made specifically for dogs. Cannabis plants themselves aren’t safe for dogs, so avoid giving your dog a hemp plant or CBD products made for humans. Choose CBD oil for dogs, CBD pet treats, or another form of pet-specific CBD.

Is CBD for Dogs Legal?

CBD oil and CBD treats for pets are legal in most places because they contain little to no THC. However, CBD is not currently approved for use in medications. Further research may change that in the future.

Potential Benefits of CBD for Dogs

I’ve observed pet parents giving CBD oil to their dogs for a variety of reasons, including the following potential health benefits. Even healthy dogs can experience a better quality of life with CBD.

Soothing Joint Inflammation

Dog CBD oil may reduce pain and inflammation, especially around the joints. The hemp plant contains ingredients like omega fatty acids and gamma linolenic acid, which have anti-inflammatory properties. So, CBD products could help reduce pain and improve mobility for dogs with arthritis.

One of the first dog CBD studies, completed by Cornell University College, showed that CBD could be used for canine pain management. This could work for short-term pain symptoms or chronic pain.

Reducing Anxiety

Hemp products can also help dogs feel relaxed, even in stressful situations. Dogs with separation anxiety or car anxiety can benefit from CBD administration. Its properties help your dog feel calmer, which can lead to less anxiety-related behaviors, such as whining, panting, and chewing.

It’s best to give CBD to your dog at least 30 minutes before a stressful event. Yet, you should have them try CBD a few times beforehand to make sure they react well to it. Vet visits, fireworks, and car rides are all situations where you might give your anxious dog CBD.

Promoting Healthier Sleep

If your dog is restless at night, CBD may help her relax. It can soothe anxiety and make dogs feel more at peace. Even if your dog doesn’t have anxiety, CBD could simply help her sleep through the night better. Healthy sleep patterns lead to healthier dogs.

Reducing Nausea

CBD can be good for your dog’s tummy, preventing nausea-related symptoms. This is another reason pet parents sometimes give their dogs CBD before long car rides. If your dog sometimes gets car sick, a CBD product could calm his stomach. By reducing nausea, CBD could also improve your dog’s appetite.

Improving Heart Health

Some people believe that CBD could promote healthy heart function. This is because CBD can be relaxing, reducing the risk of a rapid heart rate related to stress. It’s important to know that there is not enough scientific evidence to conclusively state that CBD improves heart health in dogs.

Reducing Allergy Symptoms

CBD can benefit the endocannabinoid system in your dog’s body. Endocannabinoids can help soothe allergic inflammation and boost the immune system. So, taking CBD oil could help soothe a dog’s allergy symptoms.

Dogs taking CBD may experience less redness, itchiness, and inflammation related to allergies. It can help with food allergies, environmental allergies, and seasonal allergies.

Preventing Liver Disease

Since CBD can reduce inflammation in your dog’s body, it can also affect liver enzymes. It could raise liver enzymes and remove inflammation near the liver, keeping your pup’s liver healthier overall.

Please note that more studies must be completed in order to claim that CBD prevents liver disease.

Controlling Seizures

According to a study from Colorado State University, CBD could reduce the risk of seizures in dogs. The study worked with dogs that had epilepsy, a seizure-causing condition. Colorado State University found that 89% of dogs taking CBD in the study had less frequent seizures.

While more research is needed, signs point to CBD being good for pets experiencing seizures. This could significantly improve a dog’s quality of life.

Slowing the Growth of Cancer Cells

Preliminary research suggests that CBD use may slow the growth of cancer cells or kill those cells completely. However, further research and scientific evidence is still needed.

If your dog has cancer, you should talk to your veterinarian about treatment options. They may suggest CBD or recommend a different treatment plan that’s better for your dog’s needs. In Roxy’s case, I’m glad we gave it a try.

Downsides of CBD for Dogs

While I believe that CBD products can be beneficial for our canine companions, no product is perfect for every dog. It’s important to acknowledge the potential risks and downsides before giving CBD to your pup.

May Not Be Effective for All Dogs

Unfortunately, the benefits of CBD don’t affect every dog. The receptors in a dog’s endocannabinoid system may react differently for every canine. Some dogs may take a long time to feel the effects of CBD oil while others may not feel it at all. It’s similar to how some pets react differently to certain medications.

Could be Costly

CBD for dogs can be expensive, especially if you plan to give it to your pup frequently. Compare different CBD products to determine which one best fits your budget and your dog’s needs.

I personally think it’s really important to buy high quality, organic CBD products. Although it can be more expensive, I don’t want to increase Roxy’s toxic load with a supplement that was treated with pesticides.

There are Potential Side Effects

Like any consumable product for dogs, such as a dietary supplement or medication, side effects are possible. In some cases, dogs could experience side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and a reluctance to eat. These side effects are most common if you give your dog more than the recommended dose of CBD.

The risk of side effects is also higher if your dog is taking other drugs too. Before giving your pup CBD, talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s current medications and supplements. They can help you determine if it’s safe to add CBD products to her diet.

More Research is Needed

Not all veterinarians recommend CBD oil for dogs because they believe further research is needed. Some CBD studies have been conducted, but there isn’t enough consistent scientific evidence to confirm the benefits of CBD for pets.

Hopefully, ongoing studies will help veterinarians feel more confident about CBD for veterinary medicine.

Currently, pet CBD products aren’t FDA-approved. Once enough research is conducted for the FDA to approve these products, more veterinarians may start recommending them.

Symptoms of CBD Toxicity in Dogs

If you give your dog more CBD than recommended, he could experience CBD toxicity. In the event of CBD toxicity, he may display the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Slow or fast heart rate
• Restlessness
• Rapid breathing
• Pale gums

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms after giving your dog CBD. Even if symptoms are minor, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How to Serve CBD to Dogs

Dog CBD products come in a variety of forms, and the most common are CBD oil and CBD chews. Both forms have similar benefits, such as relieving pain and treating anxiety.

CBD Oil

There are several ways to serve CBD oil to your dog. First, you’ll want to look at the serving size on the container to determine how much to give your dog based on her body weight. You may want to start with a smaller than normal dose just to be safe.

You can apply the CBD oil directly to your dog’s mouth, but many dogs won’t enjoy that. If your dog dislikes when you put things in her mouth, you can drop the CBD oil on pet food or treats instead. Most CBD oil for dogs has no flavor, so your dog will likely eat her CBD-covered food with no issues.

CBD Chews

If mixing CBD oil into your dog’s food doesn’t work, CBD chews are a great alternative. They look, smell, and taste like regular dog treats. So, as long as your dog isn’t too picky, he’ll likely eat the CBD treats with no issues.

You can give this type of CBD product to your dog like a normal treat. If they don’t want to eat it, you can try breaking it up and mixing it with your dog’s food or covering it in something your dog loves, such as peanut butter. Check the container to find out how many chews to serve daily.

Hemp Balm

Hemp balm is a unique topical product for dogs. It can be applied to your dog’s skin to soothe cuts, skin irritation, and dry skin. Hemp is commonly included in dog balm that’s meant to soothe dry, cracked skin on a dog’s nose or paws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Give My Dog Hemp Every Day?

Most dogs can have a CBD product daily. Just make sure you follow the recommended dosage and consult your veterinarian before giving it to your dog for the first time.

How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog?

Every CBD product is different. Look at the information on the package to determine the correct dosage. Most CBD products recommend 1 to 5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. CBD oil usually comes with a dropper to make it easy to measure out.

How Long Does it Take for Dog CBD to Work?

The effects of CBD usually kick in about 30 to 45 minutes after your dog takes the CBD product. Different factors, such as your dog’s metabolism and feeding schedule, could affect this.

How Long Do the Effects of CBD Last for Dogs?

After you give your pet CBD, the effects should last about six to eight hours. Of course, it depends on the content of the specific product.

Do Vets Recommend CBD for Dogs?

Many veterinarians don’t recommend CBD for dogs because they believe more research is needed. The ones that do recommend it need to make sure dog guardians are aware of the potential risks associated with CBD. If you’re interested in CBD for dogs, ask your veterinarian for more information.

Consider CBD Oil for Your Dog’s Health

I’ve seen many pet parents using CBD to treat anxiety and chronic pain in their dogs, and these products seem to be effective. By soothing common health and behavior issues, CBD can make training and socialization easier. It could also improve their quality of life.

However, like with any consumable product, you should consult your veterinarian before giving your dog CBD. Your veterinarian can help you determine if CBD will be effective for your dog. They can also advise how much to give your dog based on age, weight, and medical history. CBD can be beneficial for many dogs, but it’s always a good idea to proceed with caution when serving your dog something new.