CBD seems to be everywhere you go. You will hardly walk through the aisle of a grocery store without coming across CBD or a product infused with CBD. It is not surprising as the world has received it with open hands, thanks to its ability to tackle various issues in humans.
Research has established CBD as a safe and natural alternative to handle various health issues. You can get CBD via oil, gummies, balm, etc.
CBD is so valuable and practical that many wonder if they can use CBD for dogs. You might have wondered if your hurt, elderly, disabled, or anxious dogs might benefit from the use of CBD. While it is possible to use CBD for dogs, one needs to consider some factors that will allow for the safe use of the substance.
As a result, here are five things to keep in mind when giving your dog CBD:
Be Careful With the Dosage
There are not many studies exploring the safety and effect of CBD on dogs due to the lack of FDA-approved products. As a result, estimating the correct dose can only happen if more detailed research exists. For now, however, the dog owner should rely on recommendations from their vet on how to use and dose the product.
The research explored the effect of CBD on osteoarthritis in dogs. The result revealed no visible side effects when the owners gave 2 mg of CBD for every kilogram of their body weight. Further tests, however, revealed that the liver was negatively affected. This makes it essential to involve a vet in monitoring the dog.
The general rule for humans who had never attempted CBD before was to commence on the lowest dose possible. This also applies if you want to use CBD for dogs. One can start with a quarter of the dose and observe the dog. If there is no relief, increase the dose for an hour while watching the dog.
Check the Product Certification Of CBD
It is your responsibility to ensure your dog gets the safest CBD product. One way to ensure this is by requesting the Certificate of Authenticity from the manufacturer. Such a test is usually done by another lab and will help establish the presence of any chemical and other harmful stuff in the product. The COA also reveals the ingredient present in the product.
For a CBD product that you will use with your dog, one needs to ensure the following are absent:
- Pesticides: chemicals like pesticides sprayed on nearby crops might contaminate the cannabis plant. Such is harmful to your dog.
- Metals like lead and others are not suitable for your dog.
- Microbials: pathogens should not be present. They are toxic to your dog.
Think twice before buying from a dispensary that doesn’t give a COA. There is a high probability such a dispensary has something to hide.
Patronize Only Credible Dispensary
Ensure to do some background checks on any dispensary you want to patronize. Getting a fake CBD product for your dog can result in complications. As a result, you want a dispensary that will give you a high-quality product.
Also, a company with a physical address listed on the web page is good. Check for a strong internet presence; it is one of the hallmarks of a reputable dispensary. Such dispensaries will be proud of user reviews, and they will wear them like a badge for intending customers to see.
Try to contact customer care and request details of the source of their hemp plant. Interacting with them will also give a feel of their operation, assistance, and customer sense. Whatever medicinal benefit of cannabis that any dispensary is claiming has not been proven scientifically; with this, beware of any dispensary claiming that doctors guarantee their products entirely. Besides, this is against FDA rules.
Keep Side Effects in Mind
Again, there are not many scientific data on the possible side effects of using CBD for dogs. However, one cannot rule out the possibility of side effects because humans also experience some side effects, even though mild. Ensure you don’t give your dog too much to prevent the case of any adviser’s reaction.
- Drowsiness: CBD might trigger slight drowsiness due to the calming effect in higher doses. This is not surprising as CBD can help with anxiety. Watch out for the following after giving your dog CBD:
- Reduced blood pressure: when consumed in a higher dose, the blood pressure might drop. This might trigger some disorientation and lightheadedness in your dog.
- Dry Mouth: According to research, CBD might reduce saliva production. As a result, your dog will probably have increased thirst.
CBD Cannot Make Your Dog High But…
Many people have used CBD, which did not mess them up psychologically. CBD is different from THC, the psychological component of the cannabis plant. However, some users have noted that their dogs acted up a little after taking CBD. So, if your dog seems to be “high” after taking CBD, something might be off.
Check the product label to gain more information on the content. If you accidentally give your dog full spectrum CBD, that might be the reason for the “high.” Full-spectrum CBD has all the cannabinoids and other substances from the hemp plant, including THC (0.3%). As insignificant as this is, it can mess up with your dog as they are sensitive to THC, so beware.
Conclusion
You want the best for your canine friend by considering CBD. However, ensure you arm yourself with essential information on the safe use of CBD for dogs. This article has explored five tips to keep in mind in using CBD for dogs.
