Wondering if CBD oil is safe for your dog?
In recent years, CBD oil, also called cannabidiol oil, has become the go-to natural treatment for humans – and pets as well. Producers extract the oil from cannabis and hemp plants. However, it’s very different from marijuana.
CBD oil doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the active chemical ingredient in marijuana, and its effects include an increased appetite, euphoria, and increased sensory feelings. On the other hand, CBD’s effects help health conditions such as anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Here, we give you the rundown on what it is, the benefits to your furry friend, and any side effects if you are looking to buy CBD oil for dogs.
What is CBD Oil?
Manufacturers distill CBD oil from the buds and flowers of the cannabis plant – it can either be hemp or marijuana. As CBD doesn’t contain THC, any human or dog that consumes it won’t get the ‘high’ effect that comes with marijuana.
While both hemp and marijuana are derivatives of the same plant, they contain different volumes of THC. Marijuana has upwards of 25% THC, while you can only get a maximum of 0.3% THC from the hemp plant. For this reason, CBD oil for pets and people should always be hemp-derived.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Your Dog?
CBD oil isn’t approved for use in dogs by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, nor has it released any dosing recommendations for animals. However, a peer-reviewed study by the Colorado State University discovered dogs could benefit from small amounts of CBD.
There were reports of mild diarrhea and slightly increased liver enzyme levels. However, more large-scale studies might be needed to determine any long-term toxic effects on dogs.
Anecdotally, the evidence on online pet forums and social media overwhelmingly points to the fact that there are no adverse effects or concerns from the long-term use of CBD oil in dogs.
Because of this, there are now companies like Innovet that produce CBD oil specifically for pets.
How Can My Dog Benefit from CBD Oil?
Similar to humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system. This system lets them enjoy the benefits of CBD oil. Their body system can process CBD’s active ingredients and relieve conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Moderate to severe stress
- Pain relief
- Tackle chronic inflammation
- Relieve older dogs of joint pain and arthritis
- Prevent epileptic seizures
- Help with digestive issues
- Relieve nausea and vomiting
- Support cancer management
How to Buy the Right CBD Oil for Your Dog
Finding high-quality CBD oil can be tricky. Especially when you consider it’s an unregulated product for pets. Here are some crucial factors to consider when shopping for safe and potent products for your pet:
#1: Is it grown organically?
Make sure to buy CBD oil that is extracted from organic hemp seeds. These seeds are free of toxins and have more potent effects.
#2: How is it extracted?
The extraction method is also an important consideration. Procedures such as cold press extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction are the safest ways out there. Some CBD oil producers use low-cost and toxic methods such as using hexane and propane to extract CBD oil from the cannabis plant.
#3: What’s the THC level?
The THC level could be the difference between a potentially harmful dose and a beneficial one. Higher THC levels can be toxic to pets in specific doses, and you should avoid any product with high THC levels. Only buy hemp-derived CBD pet products that contain less than 0.3% THC.
#4: Has it been independently tested and certified?
Look out for CBD oils that have been tested and certified by independent bodies. The product should carry a certificate of analysis (COA) on the packaging and marketing materials. Testing is usually on levels of mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, microbiological toxins, and more.
The Bottom Line
Everyone wants the best health for their pet. So, if you think your pooch could benefit from using CBD oil, source some pet-safe products, read the labels, and proceed according to your vet’s advice.
Image by Erin Stone from Pixabay