How Good Is CBD For Your Pet?

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Every dog owner wants to give the best treatment possible when their beloved furry friend is sick. CBD oil is one of the alternative treatment options that is believed to help manage many health conditions in dogs ranging from stress, anxiety, nausea, seizures and chronic pain. While CBD oil is available in liquid and pill forms and is also incorporated in pet treats, many dog owners are confused about whether CBD oil is safe and effective.

very dog owner wants to give the best treatment possible when their beloved furry friend is sick. CBD oil is one of the alternative treatment options that is believed to help manage many health conditions in dogs ranging from stress, anxiety, nausea, seizures and chronic pain. While CBD oil is available in liquid and pill forms and is also incorporated in pet treats, many dog owners are confused about whether CBD oil is safe and effective.

What is CBD?

CBD is the short form of Cannabidiol and one among 104 chemical compounds that are extracted from the marijuana plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is normally associated with the “high” from marijuana, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties.

CBD oil could be beneficial in managing joint pain, nausea, stress and anxiety, seizures, and in preventing tumor growth.

What conditions can CBD treat?

Anxiety: CBD oil has been found to have heart healthy and anti-anxiety effects in clinical studies. Studies show CBD can reduce blood pressure and control fast heart rate associated with anxiety and stress.

Pain and inflammation relief: CBD was found to be effective in managing pain in some clinical studies. Other studies also showed CBD oil could reduce inflammation that is one of the major concern in chronic health conditions like pancreatitis and irritable bowel disease. CBD oil can also help manage nerve-related pain in dogs.

Bowel health: CBD oil may help prevent and manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colitis in dogs while improving the gut function. Some studies show CBD oil can act as an antibiotic.

Antioxidants: CBD is known to act like an antioxidant that fights toxicity in the body. Toxins can cause cell damage in the brain leading to conditions that usually affect senior dogs like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

What is the right dosage?

While the exact dosage for treating various health conditions is still being researched, some studies show a dose of less than one milligram per 2.2 lbs (1 kilogram) could be safe and effective. Side effects are reportedly rare but excessive dosage can cause drowsiness, vomiting, disorientation or hyper excitement in your pet.

Is it safe for my dog?

Many dog owners are skeptical and concerned about the safety aspect of CBD oil. One survey showed while 70 percent of pet owners had not given CBD oil to their pets while one out of three dog owners were considering using it in the near future. It is important to thoroughly research the various CBD oil products for their quality and the amount of CBD they contain before purchasing them. Consulting your vet before starting CBD oil is important as allergies or intolerance to CBD could be possible.