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CBD Dog Health: What Is It and What Does It Do?

In Health
January 08, 2021
CBD Dog Health: What Is It and What Does It Do?

CBD or cannabidiol is a chemical compound that is found in the cannabis Sativa plant.   The plant has mainly two necessary ingredients CBD and THC. Amongst these, THC or tetra hydro cannabidiol is the most active element of the cannabis Sativa plant. But, the difference between both the ingredients is, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, unlike THC.

Cannabidiol oil is widely used and had also gained the attention of the scientific community in recent times. Besides, more research has also confirmed the various benefits of CBD oil for the body. It has been proven as an effective treatment for health issues like muscle pain, headache, insomnia, and similar health issues and disorders.

CBD oil has multiple uses and benefits like treating pain and inflammation, being used as a food supplement, works as an antioxidant, and is also beneficial for treating anxiety and insomnia as well.

CBD oil and pets

The most common question that arises here is, can I use cannabidiol oil for pets? the answer to this question stands in between yes and no. Because, CBD oil acts the same way in the body of animals as in humans, so it can be used on pets. It works both as an extraordinary food supplement as well as a complementary drug for veterinary treatment. This oil can be used for both cats and dogs. Whereas it is also for most of the animals as a cure to multiple health problems. Only a few drops of CBD oil can relax the muscles of animals, without having any psychoactive effects on them. In simple words, this means that the animal won’t get addicted to the oil. The CBD oil that is used in the treatment of animals contains 5% CBD. The medical issues that can be treated with this 5% CBD concentrated oil includes, asthma, arthritis, chronic infections, skin disorders, and other types of pain disorder. It is also helpful in treating appetite disorders as well.

Uses of CBD in dogs

Various research has shown that CBD is quite effective in treating various medical problems in humans. It is quite effective in conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, chronic pain, and IBD (irritable bowel disease).  But only a few reliable researchers or studies have been performed on the effects of CBD in dogs. A study published in 2019 by PubMed Central has found that some epileptic dogs who are given CBD alongside seizure medication have shown significantly fewer seizures compared to those given seizure medication and placebo.

While this study and other similar studies can confirm to a certain level the potential of CBD medication for dogs, but more studies are required to confirm the research. And meet a valid conclusion.

Effect of CBD in dogs

After giving CBD to your dog, just wait for a reaction, that could be either positive or negative.

For example, if your dog is facing mobility issues due to arthritis, you give him a CBD and wait for a week. If your dog can run and jump as they used to do before, then you may understand that the medication has high chances.

For negative effects of CBD on your dog, just look for symptoms like excessive panting, lethargy, vomiting, loss of balance, dribbling urine. If you find your pet having any of the above symptoms, this means that your pet is experiencing a toxic effect of the medication. If you are in such a situation, just do not delay in making an appointment with your veterinarian.

Ways to give CBD to dogs

CBD comes in many forms for pets like oils, creams, treats. But the efficiency of the medication varies depending upon its form. One study in the year 2018 at Colorado state university according to pub med central, on dogs having epilepsy has concluded, giving CBD oil orally to a dog is much more effective than applying a cream or gel capsule. However much more research is still required to reach a definite conclusion.

The bottom line

In the end, it is quite important to recognize that FDA has not yet regulated the use of CBD in animals. Hence there may be safety issues in using the product. But, contrary to this, some preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence show its positive effects in treating certain medical conditions animals.

In case you decide to use CBD on your pet, it is better that you first take the advice of your vet. Then you may start with a small dose of CBD and carefully and patiently observe the positive or negative effect of it on your dog.

Hemp oil although can be used for cats and dogs, but it should be taken after the advice of a veterinarian doctor only. Because he would guide you with the right quantity of CBD oil that you should give to your pet.