CBD for dogs: what do you need to know?
CBD for dogs
explained in 5 minutes
This article discusses the current research on CBD compound in veterinary medicine and how it can be used to treat different conditions in dogs and cats. But before we get into the details, let’s first clarify few important questions:
1. What is CBD (cannabidiol)?
CBD is an extract from cannabis sativa plant and it is the most analysed and discussed cannabinoid found in hemp. It is non-psychoactive and mainly consists of cannabidiol, which reduces anxiety and therefore leads to a feeling of calm. Cannabidiol is one of over 200 cannabinoids that are isolated so far in cannabis. It is the second most prevalent active compound found in cannabis, after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This is the compound in cannabis plants that has psychoactive properties. There is no evidence it has any abuse or dependence potential and to this point it is not associated with any serious side effects, according to the World Health Organization.
2. How does CBD works on dogs?
CBD has the capacity to influence in a positive way the cannabinoid receptors that are part of the human and animal Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
When the ECS is in sync, the human body achieves the so-called homeostasis state, which means your body is functioning at optimal performance. Therefore the CBD can help reduce discomfort, improve our mental state, boost overall health and result in other health and wellness benefits.
The CBD compound has become another option for those searching for natural pain relief solutions and other symptoms, but without the negative aspects of the pharmaceutical drugs. CBD oil is obtained by an extraction process from the cannabis plant, then mixing it with a carrier oil like MCT or hemp seed oil. All Elixyd CBD oils are with hemp seed carrier oil, which gives more effective final experience to our customers with the so-called Entourage effect.
3. What are the possible effects of CBD on dogs and cats?
Unfortunately, there haven’t been many studies done on the consequences of CBD on dogs and cats. So let’s work with the existing facts.
You and your dog or cat have something in common: you both have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS affects your brain, skin, heart, eyes, stomach – and even your mood. This by symple logic is valid for your dog or cat too.
What researchers do know however is that the cannabinoids affect the endocannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid system in our central and peripheral neurvous systems. Combined, the positive results lead to balance in the human body. This statement is valid for humans, but also for all other mammals – including dogs and cats. CBD interacts with the receptors in your pet’s brain for natural cannabinoid molecules like anandamide and 2-AG. As a result, CBD helps regulate their moods and feelings of pain or stress. This is why CBD is considered to have such a wide spectrum of positive effects.
4. Possible side effects of CBD for dogs?
Based on the side effects of CBD on humans, we are able to conclude that dogs may suffer from similar issues.
For instance, CBD oil has been known to cause dryness in humans and theoretically will have the same effect on dogs. CBD is also known to reduce blood pressure level in humans thus causing dizziness. Again, this might also be the case with dogs. People with anxiety use CBD to manage their symptoms. However, this might lead to a sense of lightheadedness and even drowsiness. If you give your dog CBD, chances are they could identically experience these side effects. The key for avoiding those potential side effects is the right calculation of dosage of CBD for dogs.
5. What dosage of CBD for dogs you should use?
If you do decide to administer CBD to your dog, it’s recommended that you consult your veterinarian first.
Start with a very small dose and closely monitor your dog’s reactions for several days. A small dose means between 0.5 and 1 mg of CBD per every 2 kg. If there are any negative side effects like panting, lethargy, vomiting, foaming, it’s advisable to stop the treatment. But, for instance, if your beloved dog is suffering from arthritis, and it suddenly seems to feel better, there’s a good chance CBD is actually helping him.
6. How to choose the right CBD for dogs?
If you decide to give a try to any CBD oil, you have to be certain of the product quality so that your beloved friend can benefit from it without any side effects. You should avoid products with pesticides or other harmful contaminants and toxins inside it.
What’s the solution, then?
- Buy CBD oil online from a website that can show proof of its testing. Regardless of whether your desired Elixyd cbd product is made for dogs or humans, we are independently testing it and we provide for you the lab test on our website.
- Look for broad-spectrum tincture. A lot of products out there are CBD isolate based and this is not an optimal solution for you. CBD isolate is technically the purest form of cannabidiol (CBD) alone. However, the CBD compound is only one of at least 2OO cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. So having a CBD-rich oil that still contains all the other compounds within the Cannabis Sativa flower, will be much more effective and beneficial for you but also for your best friend. We call this the “entourage effect”.
7. How to give the CBD for dogs?
Method 1: Place the CBD oil Directly in the mouth
This is considered as one of the easiest and most efficient ways to give CBD oil to your pet. It is ideal because your pet will get the exact amount of the calculated dose. This calculation should be based on the number of drops that you need to give your dog or cat, the severity of its condition, weight, or size.
Pull the oil from the bottle and move carefully to your pet’s mouth to get good visibility. Slowly squeeze in the oil drops using the dropper. To ensure that they thoroughly swallow everything, make sure that you give them a treat after the administration.
Method 2: Mix The CBD for dogs with Food
If there’s one thing all pets have in common, it’s that they adore food. If you want to give your cat or dog CBD, then you can add it to his or her favorite meal. This way will ensure that they will consume all the CBD oil.
The taste of CBD is masked with the flavor of their food. Dry foods are a better choice, having better absorption. When you are mixing this cannabis compound with food, start by using a smaller dose. As time goes by, you can gradually increase the dose. Be sure to wait a couple of minutes before giving the food, in order to achieve better absorption.
Conclusion
CBD can be a great thing to give your dog as a treatment.
With that being said, it’s important to follow many of the steps we placed in this guide to ensure you’re getting the best experience out of it.
To resume, the first thing you should do is consult with your veterinarian if this is going to be a regular experience.
Second, look into the opinion of experts and cross compare what criteria we’ve helped you learn on how to choose the most appropriate CBD oil for your dog.
Third, be mindful of how you’re dosing and treating your dog. Factoring in their weight, the type of CBD oil you’re administering, and the final result that you would like to achieve.
And finally, be patient and gradual with your approach.
Elixyd team wish you the best of luck in your journey, and we will be always here for you and your friend if any support is needed.