The CBD market is rapidly growing, offering immense benefits to humans and pets. In the modern world, people seek relief from ailments like cancer, anxiety, seizures, and pain from cannabidiol. But pet parents wonder whether CBD products suit their furry friends.
There’s a lot of information about CBD floating on the internet, and it’s hard to know whether the hype is real. So what’s CBD, its safety concerns, and its benefits for your pup?
CBD vs. THC for Dogs
As the cannabidiol market booms, pet owners have a responsibility and desire to know more about their pets’ wellness. Although the medicinal and recreational marijuana industry is growing, it’s separate from the CBD industry. THC and CBD are cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, but THC is not recommended for dogs.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is an element found in cannabis and appears in various concentrations. The plant-based cannabinoid may have effects on pets, including managing anxiety, controlling seizures, and alleviating pain. CBD has extremely low THC levels and appears safe for dogs. You can click here to get the best CBD products for your pet.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a compound in cannabis that causes psychoactive effects. The sensation can be unpleasant, dangerous, and disorienting for pets. Dogs that consume THC may experience side effects, such as:
- Agitation
- Sensitivity to touch and sound
- Dilated pupils
- Stumbling
- Lethargic and dull look
- Peeing uncontrollably
- Shakes and tremors
In some cases, your furry friend can go into a coma. Then, you must ensure your pet consumes CBD containing less than 0.3% of THC.
Cannabidiol has been extensively accepted as a valuable tool for wellness in pets. CBD products designed and formulated for dogs should not cause negative experiences. The products should also help your pet have a steady sleep routine, remain comfortable, and have an active lifestyle.
Benefits of CBD for Your Dog
You may be wondering if CBD can help your dog. The truth is that cannabidiol benefits pets as it to humans. CBD offers a variety of benefits, from managing pain and seizures to alleviating arthritis and anxiety symptoms.
Arthritis Pain
When the cartilage between joints gets damaged or becomes less smooth, the surface of the bone rubs together, causing joint pain. It leads to an inflammatory, long-lasting disease called arthritis. These symptoms restrict your dog’s mobility.
Although arthritis is more prevalent with old dogs, young pups can also get arthritis due to injuries. Your dog may seem okay going out for walks and eating normally. But you can notice some changes, including:
- Showing unwillingness to walk or get up
- Tiredness
- Limping before or after walks
- Chewing or licking painful areas
- Slowing down
Preliminary studies on humans have shown that CBD products are great for pain relief. This can be of the same effects on dogs and other pets.
Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death in senior dogs but can also appear in younger pets. The most common types are mast cell tumors, melanomas, and anal sac tumors. Cancer symptoms in dogs are the same as those in humans.
You may notice an enlarged lymph node, pain, or limping. Some dogs have decreased appetite and weight loss and seem fatigued.
In humans, cannabidiol has been used in patients with cancer to treat tumors and the side effects of chemotherapy. The anti-nausea effects of cannabidiol for patients who have gone through chemotherapy are also recorded in rats. It’s believed that dogs undergoing chemotherapy can also benefit from CBD products.
Seizures
Watching your furry friend have a seizure can be a terrifying experience. Twitching, heavy breathing, rapid eye movements, or whining are some indications of seizures. If your dog has episodes, you can opt for a natural remedy.
Cannabidiol has anticonvulsant properties to relieve the pet from uncontrollable fits. Derived from hemp and legal, CBD has no known side effects and won’t make your dog high.
Countless endorsements and testimonials from pet owners show that CBD has helped their pets overcome seizures. Regular use may also decrease the severity and frequency of seizures.
Give your dog CBD regularly to reduce seizures. The best results can be achieved by dosing the pet twice a day. Keep in mind that CBD is not toxic but avoid overdosing.
Cannabidiol can also help your ease:
- Excessive barking
- Muscle spasms
- Fear of loud noises, thunderstorms, and fireworks
- Aggression
- Lack of energy and vitality
- Separation anxiety
Choosing CBD for Your Dog
Choosing reliable CBD products can be an uphill task in an ever-growing market. And since FDA does not approve CBD, some products can be misleading. Knowing the facets to consider on the packaging to promote your pet’s wellness is important.
THC-Free
As you rummage through online stores searching for CBD for the pet, you may find “THC-free” products. The legally accepted CBD should not have more than 0.3% of THC. So, a THC-free label means that THC levels are at the lowest to be detected using scientific analytical tools. It’s a safe indication to show that every effort was made to eliminate THC elements from the final product.
COA
A certificate of analysis means an independent, third-party lab gives an unbiased report about CBD. It’s a guarantee that the enlisted ingredients and formulas are accurate, honest, and transparent.
Hemp-Derived
Cannabidiol products are extracted from hemp and not marijuana. They also contain less than 0.3% of THC, a psychoactive element. With this label, you’re assured that the product won’t be a health risk for your pet.
Reliable Brand
Picking a reliable CBD brand is as important as choosing an effective product. Ensure you test their products for molds, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Wrapping Up
It’s essential to note that studies on cannabidiol in dogs are sparse. CBD products are also unregulated by FDA, so conniving manufacturers inaccurately label some products. But anecdotal evidence and studies indicate that CBD can treat certain ailments in pets.
As you plan to incorporate CBD into your dog’s wellness routine, talk to your vet first. Ensure you start with a low dose while monitoring negative or positive effects.