With the recent increase in popularity of using cannabidiol as a remedy for a myriad of illnesses and conditions, it is only natural that pet owners are becoming curious about the potential benefits of CBD oil for dogs.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural chemical compound that is extracted from the cannabis, or hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Whilst the hemp plant is closely related to the marijuana plant, help contains only negligible amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound responsible for making people “high”. CBD oil is the compound in oil form. Discount Animal Products CBD oil does not contain any THC, so it does not cause any sort of “high”.
What are the potential benefits of using CBD oil for dogs?
There are a number of reasons why pet owners may choose to use CBD oil for dogs. Even in the absence of outright physical or mental illness, CBD oil can offer our pets a number of general health benefits (just as it does for us humans!). Some of these benefits may include:
- Having a calming or relaxing effect
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Strengthening the immune system
- Improving general neurological function and mobility
- Improving digestion.
A number of illnesses and conditions may be helped by the use of CBD oil for dogs as well. Some of these may include:
- Separation anxiety
- Pain, including chronic pain such as arthritis1
- Epilepsy and seizures2
- Allergies and skin conditions3.
Dogs appear to have more CB-1 receptors than any other animal. Therefore, the administration of CBD oil (as phytocannabinoids, cannabinoids produced by plants) shows promising potential in activating a response in these receptors.
What dose rate should I use for CBD oil for dogs?
Whilst we will always recommend that you consult with your veterinarian when it comes to getting the dose rate of CDB oil for dogs correct, we understand that not all veterinarians will be comfortable with the idea of recommending, or even aiding and monitoring treatments involving CBD. Some vets may have researched into the benefits of using CBD oil for dogs, whilst others may not be aware of the medical applications at all.
Consequently, it is not uncommon to see pet owners making their own decisions and dosing their animals based upon their own judgement by close observation; seeing how your dog reacts. We always recommend starting at the lowest dosage and gradually increasing the dose rate if necessary.
The general rule of thumb is 0.3mg per kilogram of bodyweight for your dog. For example, a 15kg dog would need 4.5mg per day. The accepted upper limit of dosing for dogs is 10mg per kilo; you should not exceed 10mg per kilo of CBD oil for dogs.
As we mentioned previously, the body of scientific evidence regarding the use of CBD oil for dogs is currently limited, however anecdotal evidence and early pilot studies show that the minor side effects of CBD oil usage in both humans and dogs are very minimal. These side effects include dry mouth and drowsiness but tend to occur rarely at very high doses. If your dog is currently on other medications, you will need to bear in mind that CBD oil may affect the way those medications are metabolized.
Where can I buy CBD oil for dogs?
As a pet owner there is nothing worse than seeing your dog suffering or in pain. Discount Animal Products is THC-free, making it safe to use our CBD oil for dogs. We only stock the highest quality, organic, non-GMO CBD oil from the whole plant extract.
To purchase CBD Oil, click here: CBD Hemp Oil.
References
1Gamble, L., Boesch, J. M., Frye, C. W., Schwark, W. S., Mann, S., Wolfe, E., Brown, H., Berthelsen, E. S., Wakshlag, J. J., (2018), Pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of cannabidiol treatment in osteoarthritic dogs, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 5, pp. 165.
2 Clinical Trials, Colorado State University, Efficacy of cannabidiol for the treatment of epilepsy in dogs, access via http://col.st/VVAhc
3Campora, L., Miragliotta, V., Ricci, E., Cristino, L., Di Marzo, V., Albanese, F., Della Valle, M. F., Abramo, F., (2012), Cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2 expression in the skin of healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis, American Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 73, pp. 988-995.
The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness, nor should it be taken as general advice. We recommend consulting with your pets’ health professional for an accurate diagnosis and medical opinion.
