Pet CBD has gained immense popularity in recent years as it has proven to be an excellent therapeutic medication for treating various health conditions in dogs. A wide spectrum of CBD products designed by addressing the troubles that pet parents may have in administering medication to their dogs is available in the market. All CBD administering methods that humans use cannot be applied in the case of pets.
In this article, we discuss some important things you need to consider before you buy CBD for your dog.
What Is CBD?
It is best to start by discussing what CBD is in the first place. In simple terms, it is a compound extracted from cannabis plants. The cannabis species have different plant varieties and the type and individual percentages of phytocannabinoids in the plants differ from each other. Although CBD is present in both hemp and marijuana plants, US law has legalized hemp-derived CBD products alone.
Hemp plants have higher percentages of CBD and a lower percentage of THC, an intoxicating cannabinoid. The reverse is true in the case of marijuana and the fact explains why the law hasn’t legalized marijuana-derived CBD.
How Safe Is It To Administer CBD To Your Dog?
Most veterinarians do not have a different opinion about the negative effects of THC on dogs. THC is not processed by the dog’s biological system like it is processed by our system. It can even be dangerous to your dog’s life.
However, CBD is regarded as safe for your dog, as it does not have any intoxicating properties. They can be used to treat several medical conditions in dogs.
What Conditions In Dogs Can Be Treated Using CBD?
Here are the medical conditions (in dogs) that can be treated using CBD.
Anxiety
Anxiety is not a medical condition exclusive to humans. Dogs may suffer from separation anxiety disorder, social interaction disorders, and more. The anxiety responses usually trigger aggressive behavior like constant barking.
CBD has anxiolytic properties that contribute to regulating the symptoms of anxiety effectively. Studies suggest that the action of CBD is similar to that of a class of anti-depressants, Selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.
Pain
The pain-relieving properties of CBD suggest that it can be used as an alternative treatment for conditions like canine arthritis, joint inflammation, chronic neuropathy, and severe pain symptoms associated with canine cancer.
CBD is also being used for handling pain symptoms in canines with hip dysplasia, lymphoma, and similar diseases that cause physical discomfort. Traditional pain killers come with various side effects, which is why more pet parents are choosing CBD over conventional pain killer drugs.
Epilepsy
Dogs with seizures are usually given drugs like potassium bromide and Phenobarbital. The drugs are effective in controlling seizures but come with various side effects including the possible damage they could cause to the liver and other organs of dogs.
Studies have suggested that CBD is quite effective in treating canine epilepsy and seizures. It has several advantages over traditional anti-convulsant medications.
Appetite Loss
Nausea may be an important reason behind the appetite loss in your dogs. When vomiting and nausea symptoms are controlled better, your dog may regain the lost appetite.
Weight loss and the habit of wasting food are common in dogs with cancer and senior dogs. Using CBD can stimulate your dog’s calorie intake and increase their frequency of eating.
How To Choose The Best CBD For Your Dog?
Here are some tips that will help you choose the right CBD product for dogs.
Do Your Research
Never fall prey to marketing hype and get tricked into buying a low-quality CBD product for your dog. Conduct background research on the CBD company before you buy from them. Also, check the ingredients label thoroughly to ensure that it does not have any ingredients that are harmful to your dog.
Do Not Blindly Believe That Natural Is Always Better
When it comes to CBD products, do not buy any pet cannabidiol product that hasn’t undergone any form of processing. All cannabidiol products will be processed in some fashion.
Moreover, “natural” does not always mean it is better. Natural things too can be dangerous. Take, for example, xylitol a natural sweetener obtained from sources like birch bark; it is highly poisonous to dogs.
If The Price Seems Too Good To Be True, Better Not Buy It
The manufacturing process of cannabidiol products requires complex machinery and involves several stages. The prices will never be low because the making of the products involves a significant investment. If you find some products being sold at prices that seem too good to be true, there is a chance that the product is compromised on its quality.
If you are planning to give CBD to your dog, you need to discuss with your vet the dosage and administering method.