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CBD Oil for Dogs: The Bark Side of CBD

Written By : Trevor Baum
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🕑 6 mins read
Small dog standing outside next to a large red ball with white spots

CBD is all the rage these days. You can find it in products for humans, ranging from oils to topicals and cosmetics, and now it's even being used for our furry friends. You may be wondering if this is just another trend that will come and go, or if CBD oil really does have benefits for our furry friends.

But what is CBD oil for dogs, exactly? Is it safe for dogs? Let’s dive right into the ‘bark’ side of CBD.

CBD Oil At A Glance

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a natural, non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike its more famous counterpart, THC, CBD does not make users high.

CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate things like mood, pain, and appetite. CBD is believed to offer a range of health benefits, including reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving health.

CBD oil has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments in humans. The first recorded use of CBD was in 2737 BC by the Chinese emperor Shen Nung. Shen Nung noted the medicinal properties of cannabis and recommended it for a variety of conditions, including gout, rheumatism, malaria, and poor memory.

CBD oil didn't gain widespread popularity in the Western world until the mid-1900s. In 1940, chemist Roger Adams isolated CBD from cannabis plants for the first time. Adams was working on finding new uses for hemp when he made his discovery. However, it would be another 20 years before scientists would learn how to extract CBD oil from plants.

What Does CBD Oil Do for Dogs?

Dog jumping off a pool deck chasing a ball in the pool

CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system in dogs to help keep them healthy and in balance. Dogs have an endocannabinoid system just like humans do, and CBD oil can interact with it to promote wellness. CBD oil doesn't have any psychoactive effects, so it won't make your dog feel high, but it can help keep them comfortable and healthy.

Anxiety is a common issue for dogs, and it can manifest in a variety of ways. Some dogs may become withdrawn and shy, while others may become destructive or aggressive. CBD oil can help to ease anxiety in dogs regardless of how it manifests itself, by interacting with their endocannabinoid system.

CBD oil can also help with pain relief and inflammation. It's a natural way to help your dog feel more comfortable without the use of potentially harmful drugs.

How does it work? Researchers aren’t quite sure, but they think that CBD oil for dogs works by binding to receptors in the brain that may help reduce pain and inflammation, while also having calming effects.

CBD oil is safe and effective for dogs, and it can be a helpful addition to their care regimen.

Is CBD Good for Dogs? Some Key CBD Benefits for Dogs

While we all know pets can't exactly talk (sad), there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that CBD products help improve quality-of-life for dogs. For example, pet owners use it for pain management and inflammation from their pet's acute and chronic pain or anxiousness.

CBD Benefits for Dogs Anxiety

Every dog owner knows the feeling of dread of having to leave their beloved doggo at home during a thunderstorm or fireworks, and their pup is shaking with fear because of the loud noise. It's the sound of thunder that first alerts them. Their ears perk up and they start to tremble. They pace back and forth, looking for a way to escape the coming storm.

It may seem like a small thing, but imagine the panic that floods your pet's body when they feel like there is no way out. It can be frightening for dogs who often suffer from anxiety.

Other users have found that giving CBD to their dogs for separation anxiety they get by waiting by the window every day. CBD oil can be used to help reduce feelings of anxiety and make it easier for dogs to stay at home.

So the next time a thunderstorm is on the horizon, you don’t have to despair.

With CBD pet products as a natural calming option, you might just find yourself with a less nervous pooch on your hands - because we all know how much our favorite furry friends enjoy being happy :)

CBD for Dogs Joint Pain and Inflammation

Large dog taking an eyedropper full of CBD

If you have ever watched a dog struggle to get up from its nap, then you know joint pain is a very real issue for our furry friends. This can be because of inflammation and bone-related conditions like osteoarthritis where there's an accumulation of fluid around the joints that causes stiffness as well discomfort when moving your muscles throughout everyday activities such as running or climbing stairs.

While CBD cannot be claimed as a cure for arthritis, dog parents are reporting significant pain relief after using it for their pets!

For dogs with joint pain, CBD can help to reduce inflammation and improve mobility1. It can also be used to manage pain and stiffness which can come with age.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs? Potential Side Effects of CBD for Dogs

CBD oil is generally considered safe for dogs, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

The most common side effect of CBD oil is drowsiness. If your dog seems tired or sleepy after taking CBD, it's best to limit their activity and let them sleep it off.

Other rare potential side effects cases may include dry mouth, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.

How much CBD oil to give your dog

The exact amount will vary depending on your pet’s weight and the level of support they need. Always start with a small dose and increase the amount given gradually as needed.

Graphic showing the serving size of CBD based on pets weight

CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs and Cats is the same, it varies by weight:

As with any new supplement, always start with a small dose and gradually increase as needed. If you notice any adverse reactions in your pet after giving them CBD oil, stop giving it to them and consult your veterinarian immediately.

What to Look For In CBD for Dogs?

Here are some helpful tips when shopping for CBD oil for dogs:

  • The product must come from organic hemp, not cannabis.
  • Make sure there are third party tests verifying purity and potency in order to ensure you're getting what's advertised!
  • Brands with certification of analysis will have their products verified through independent laboratories evaluating extraction methods like CO2; this ensures that no toxins were extracted during production which makes them safer than other types such as solvent castor extracts or even smoking marijuana flower
  • Choose Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs for the full spectrum of hemp benefits.

FAQs about using CBD oil for dogs

How does CBD oil make a dog feel?

The effects of CBD on dogs can vary depending on the size, breed, and severity of the condition being treated. In general, however, most dogs will experience a calming effect from CBD oil, both physically and mentally.

What happens when dogs take CBD?

Dog in downdog position playing in the snow

CBD oil is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in mammals, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. When CBD oil is consumed by a dog, it binds to receptors in their ECS and helps to regulate various bodily functions, including pain perception, appetite, and mood.

How long does it take for CBD oil to affect dogs?

The initial effects of CBD oil can be seen within 30 minutes to an hour. These effects may last for 4-6 hours. Within this time frame, your dog may become more relaxed and have a decrease in discomfort and nervousness.

However, this can vary depending on the size of the dog and the amount of oil consumed.

Is there a difference between pet CBD products and human CBD products? Can I give my dog human CBD oil?

Yes, there are differences between pet CBD oil and human. Pet CBD oil is typically lower in concentration and may contain different ingredients to cater to the unique needs of animals. Human CBD oil is not recommended for pets, although it is unlikely to be harmful.

  1. Lima Tde M, Santiago NR, Alves ECR, Chaves DSde A, Visacri MB. Use of cannabis in the treatment of animals: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Animal Health Research Reviews. 2022;23(1):25-38. doi:10.1017/S1466252321000189 ↩︎
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