Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil for short, is rapidly rising in popularity as a home remedy to alleviate the effects of many different ailments for both humans and their pets,
But, what exactly is CBD oil?
CBD is a compound extracted from the hemp plant that has seen use in the treatment of pain, nausea, anxiety, and even cancer and arthritis in humans. These advantages can also be extended to your four-legged-friends!
Many concerns go through our minds when trying CBD oil for dogs and cats, such as will this supplement have the desired effect, will my dog or cat experience any discomfort, and, most importantly, is this product safe and tested?
Is CBD Oil Safe for Your Pets?
Unlike THC, another commonly extracted compound from the hemp plant known to be psychoactive in humans, CBD has no psychoactive effects. CBD oil is safe for use in supplementing the treatment of your pets.
What Does It Do?
While the effects of CBD oil is not reported by the FDA, there are many, well-documented first-hand accounts of pet-owners using CBD oil to great effect in junction with traditional medicines and treatments.
CBD oil, when used as a dietary supplement, is reported to help alleviate minor pains and anxiety in dogs and cats, such as those experienced from arthritis or separation anxiety.
CBD oil has also been used to supplement the treatment of cancer and to alleviate the negative effects often experienced from more conventional cancer treatments such as nausea or a diminished diet.
What to Look for in a CBD Oil Supplement
As CBD oil is not regulated by the FDA, it is very important to take great care in choosing the right CBD product for your cat or dog.
The most important questions to ask yourself while shopping for CBD supplements are: Is this product all natural? Does this product contain any THC? Has this product been tested and found to be safe for my pets?
CBD for Anxiety
If a dog suffers from anxiety such as separation anxiety, the outcome could include the dog barking, howling, urinating, defecating and even chewing, which can lead to the destruction of shoes and furniture.
CBD oil comes from the hemp plant and does not contain THC. Dogs should never be given THC as that is the psychoactive compound that can have disastrous effects on the dog’s health.
Both humans and canines have endocannabinoid receptors located throughout their bodies. The cannabinoids found in the CBD oil interact with these receptors providing relief to such ailments as pain, nausea, and anxiety.
Research shows that dogs have a higher number of cannabinoid receptors in their brain compared to humans. Therefore, dogs are more susceptible to the toxic effects as well as the beneficial effects.
Dosing Methods of CBD Oil
o Hemp Oil – This is the safest and most efficient method as it allows you to measure the content precisely. Hemp oil can be administered either over food or directly in the cloys mouth.
o Tinctures – Tinctures are the liquid extracts of the hemp plant. The liquid is hemp oil with added flavorings. Administering tinctures is the same as for hemp oil.
o Edibles – If you chose to get the edibles like biscuits or cookies, make sure they do not contain chocolate or the sweetener xylitol.
It is best to start off with the lowest dosage and then gradually increase it. The first dosage may take a few hours for the results to take effect. This website gives the correct CBD oil dosage.
Although veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe cannabis products, pet owners can purchase CBD hemp oil products. CBD for dogs with anxiety can be enlightened, easing their suffering and yours.
CBD for Dogs with Cancer
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), one of the leading causes of deaths in older dogs is cancer. When your dog is affected by cancer, you just want to make them comfortable so that they can live out their days without pain and discomfort.
CBD can be beneficial for dogs with cancer as it helps fight pain and can help relieve any anxiety your dog may be feeling. Taking a maintenance dose of CBD may increase the ability to fight off cancer-causing agents and help with the healing process.
Pain in Dogs
One of the main concerns for those with older dogs is the pain their dog might be in. General pain affects older dogs just like it affects elderly humans. Bones may become brittle and break more easily, and simple tasks, such as walking outside may cause them much distress.
CBD may help reduce the pain your dog is feeling and help them with their simple day-to-day activities.
Joints and Arthritis
Just like humans, when dogs age, their joints aren’t as healthy as they used to be and arthritis may develop. They may not be able to jump up on the couch as easily, if at all, or go downstairs.
Getting to their favorite place might just cause too much pain. CBD may drastically improve their quality of life by allowing them to do the simple tasks they did when they were a younger pup, such as go visit their humans upstairs or welcome them home with excitement.
Try CBD Oil
It is important to remember that while CBD oil can supplement your pets’ health when used regularly, it is not regulated by the FDA. This makes it of the utmost importance to research any product you intend to use on your pet to ensure their safety and health.
CBD oil for dogs is widely used by many pet owners and its safety and effects have become apparent to many, but it is important to choose the right product.