Today, CBD products are getting increasingly popular. You may have heard someone mentioning CBD, especially if you have a chronic condition, like pain or anxiety. Although there’s yet to be sufficient scientific evidence on using CBD oil for dogs, anecdotal evidence from pet owners strongly suggests that CBD in dogs can treat and help with several conditions, including chronic pain, seizures, epilepsy, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and cancer.
Here are a few reasons why you need to consider CBD oil for your furry friend.
Helps With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
If your dog has IBD, it can be hard to see them suffer. Fortunately, CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that work with the endocannabinoid system to restore homeostasis in inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike many existing medications for IBD, when using CBD oil for dogs, the oils can be used without being prescribed. This eliminates costly visits to the veterinarian for refills. Also, CBD oils can be bought directly from the website of an online health care provider that deals with remedies for pets’ physical and mental ailments.
Relieves Pain
CBD is a natural pain reliever with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Among all its uses, CBD is perhaps better known for its pain-relieving effects. An article published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that CBD works so well for pain relief that they’re considering it a new class of drugs for treating chronic pain. This being said, CBD oil for dogs can target aching joints to bring them much needed relief.
Can Help Fight Cancer
Studies of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties on animals are increasingly showing that it could potentially treat and prevent cancer. CBD may also have the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and increase the destruction of cancerous cells.
Similarly, CBD oil can:
- Enhance the ability of the body’s defense systems to destroy cancerous cells
- Inhibits or slows the growth of glioma cells.
- Increase the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatment
- Destroy cancer cells by preventing their ability to produce energy
Read More: 5 Amazing Benefits of CBD Oil
Can Help In Managing Seizures And Epilepsy
It has been estimated that close to 5% of dogs experience seizures. Potassium bromide and phenobarbital are popular drugs for the treatment of this condition. However, they’re incredibly harmful to the dog’s liver and other organs. Also, in some cases, they don’t work. On the other hand, CBD has shown its effectiveness in treating epileptic seizures, including those resistant to conventional drugs.
Can Calm Your Anxious Dog
Dogs are prone to separation anxiety and noise phobias. If your dog falls in this category, CBD oil may be just what you need. Most studies on CBD have centered around its effect on anxiety and stress. Research on CBD oil for dogs and anxiety is still in its early stages, but studies and anecdotal evidence already shows that CBD may help treat anxiety.
CBD Is Non-Psychoactive For Dogs
Both CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are compounds found in hemp or cannabis. But, CBD lacks the psychoactive properties – the one responsible for the “high” feeling associated with THC. Hence, most CBD oils are purely beneficial and don’t bring about a feeling of “high.” Using CBD oil for dogs means they’ll get relaxed without the intoxication caused by marijuana and THC.
Read More: Toxic Foods You May Be Giving Your Pets
Decreases Chronic Inflammation
Studies show that CBD can modulate the body’s immune system. It also slows down the production of T-cells and suppresses immune system memory, thus averting the likelihood of a future autoimmune attack. Besides, CBD suppresses inflammatory macrophages production and reduces chronic inflammation. It also has powerful antioxidant properties more than vitamin C or E.
Protects The Nervous System
Studies revealed that CBD has specific neuroprotection properties in humans that can help people with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, CBD oil for dogs can help protect the brains of senior dogs from cell death that results from free radicals and toxicity.
Stimulates Appetite And Helps With Nausea
If your dog’s appetite is getting poorer by the day, your furry friend may be experiencing some level of nausea. Luckily, there’s a natural remedy and a healthy solution for any degree of nausea in dogs. Studies show that CBD can be effective for treating vomiting and nausea, even in drug-induced nausea.
Promotes Cardiovascular Health
According to studies, CBD improves the cardiovascular health of dogs. CBD has been shown to protect blood vessels from damages and reduce the damage caused by damaged blood vessels and irregular heart rates while also reducing the blood pressure associated with stress and anxiety.
Read More: Why Pets Make Bad Gifts
How to Administer CBD Oil
When using CBD oil for dogs, Dope Dog recommends a variety of ways to administer it.
- Place directly in the mouth – this will ensure that your dog gets the full amount.
- Mix the oil with your dog’s favorite food. But be aware, dry foods do a better job of masking the flavor than wet food.
- Present it as a treat – place the required number of drops on your dog’s favorite treat.
Determining Dosage
Dope Dog also advises that when using CBD oil for dogs, there are a number of factors involved in determining the correct dose. Those factors are:
- Age
- Sex
- Weight
- Medical Condition
Weight is typically what is used when giving dogs treatments. Dope Dog has a chart available with general dosing instructions. You will need to convert your dog’s weight from pounds to kilograms when assessing the right dose. If you have any questions or concerns regarding how much CBD oil to give your dog, please contact your veterinarian. In general, dogs who weigh 20 lbs or less may need 2.5 mg per 75 mg of CBD Oil. Medium-sized dogs may need 5 mg per 150 mg of CBD oil and large dogs may need 20 mg per 600 mg of CBD Oil.
Possible Side Effects
The American Kennel Club does caution pet owners that when using CBD oil for dogs, the following side effects may occur.
- Dry Mouth – this may present as increased thirst in dogs.
- Low Blood Pressure – could cause dizziness in your dog.
- Drowsiness – the calming effect in CBD oil used to treat anxiety may cause your dog to become drowsy.
If you have any questions or concerns about CBD oil side effects, please contact your veterinarian.
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It’s hard watching our fur babies get older and suffer from anxiety and chronic pain. Before beginning treatment with CBD Oil, seek out a diagnosis from your veterinarian. As with many other products and treats, do your homework before buying a CBD oil. Once you settle on a product, be sure to consult your vet. Start slowly, administering small dosages to your dog each time.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on THE REALITY OF LIVING WITH A PET WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS.
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Sources: Holistapet | National Library of Medicine | Science Direct | Healthline | Fundación CANNA | Open Access Text | British Journal of Pharmacology | K9 Medibles | Dope Dog
Photo Credits: Unsplash.com | Pixabay.com