Dog parents are now using CBD to treat an array of conditions and ailments, such as allergies, seizures, and anxiety. However, one of the most common reasons CBD is used for dogs is to help with inflamed and painful joints. This is not too surprising since about 20% of all dogs will suffer from the degenerative joint disease at some point in their lives.
If you’re looking for ways to help your pet, there is no question that CBD may be the answer. However, before using CBD, be sure to learn about using it for pets.
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CBD from Hemp Oil and Hemp Aren’t the Same
Some companies produce “hemp seed oil” or just “hemp oil” at lower prices compared to “CBD from Hemp.” If it is not possible to verify the amount of CBD that is in a hemp product, it should not be purchased. Hemp will vary wildly in the total amount of CBD that is in it.
One of the best ways to make sure that the highest quality, therapeutic CBD products are purchased is by purchasing one with a COA, or certificate of analysis, from a third-party lab. This third-party testing is going to verify the quality and strength of the CBD and also report traces of THC that are in it, along with mold, bacteria, or heavy metals.
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CBD Is a Safer Option Than More-Traditional Pain Medications
Dogs that are dealing with chronic joint pain may be given non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. There are others that are given opioids or corticosteroids. Even though these drugs are effective, they do come with some serious and long-term side effects. These can range from small issues, such as weight gain in the dog, to more serious concerns, such as organ failure or diabetes.
CBD oil is considered a much safer option. In fact, research has proven it offers anti-inflammatory properties that will target pain in joints and that these products don’t cause any side effects. If side effects do happen, they are typically mild and include things like increased appetite and sleepiness.
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Results Vary from One Dog to Another
Just like people, no two dogs are going to respond to CBD the same. With some pets, the effects are more obvious and show up within an hour. However, for others, it may take days or weeks to see any change or improvement.
Another factor is if CBD oil is given by mouth or if it is hidden in the dog’s food. These factors are going to impact absorption time. Remember, dosing CBD isn’t considered a precise science, so it is important to be patient until the dog’s right dosage is found.
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CBD Will Not Take the Place of Proper Diet and Regular Exercise
If a dog is overfed and overweight, there is no amount of pharmaceutical drugs or CBD that is going to mask the underlying issue. It is essential that a dog gets the right amount of exercise each day, and talk to the vet to ensure that the animal is not being overfed.
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Even Trace Amounts of THC May Pose a Danger
THC is the substance that is responsible for the “high” sensation that is produced by marijuana. By law, CBD products that are made for pets are allowed to contain as much as 0.3% THC. However, there are companies that don’t include any THC, which may be an even safer option for pets.
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Organic Hemp CBD Is Best
Hemp is able to be called organic if it has been grown with no use of some of the most common fertilizers or pesticides that include synthetic ingredients. The growing process should also be free of ionizing radiation, bioengineering, and sewage sludge.
Purchasing organic is something that matters even more for specific types of plants. Since hemp can pull toxins out of the soil, selecting a product that is fully organic is a must. This is something that the manufacturer of the product should disclose to customers, so be sure to look for this information when purchasing CBD.
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There May Be Some Side Effects with CBD
While CBD side effects are rare, and they typically are not severe, they can occur. For example, the dog may experience dry mouth. A pet parent may begin to notice that their dog needs additional water to properly deal with the reduced production of saliva. Another potential side effect is drowsiness. This is especially true if CBD is used in higher dosage amounts. Sometimes, the use of CBD can result in lower blood pressure. This may be seen as lightheadedness or dizziness. If this happens, make sure the dog is in a safe environment so they do not harm themselves.
Getting Started with CBD for Dogs
If a pet owner wants to try CBD for their dog to help with arthritis, severe anxiety, or some other condition or disorder, they should begin the process by speaking to the animal’s vet. If they are comfortable making recommendations or talking about dosing requirements, the pet parent can go from there. They will likely want to start out with a much lower dose, usually just enough to help with triggering situations such as car rides, fireworks, or other activities that cause anxiety. This will allow the pet owner to see how the pet reacts and if any adjustments are necessary.
Selecting the Right CBD Product for Pets
When shopping for a CBD product for dogs, never make this decision based on the cost of the product alone. Today, there are too many paid influencers and fake reviews that can make it extremely challenging to get through the reviews and ratings to find out which of the CBD products is the best or highest quality. While this is considered a booming new industry, it is often difficult to sort through all the brands that have no established reputation. Cannabis market research has shown that, by 2022, the industry for pet CBD products will exceed $1.16 billion. This means there are some quality products out there, and it is just up to pet owners to find them.
Tips for Giving CBD to Dogs
There are a few methods that a person can use to give CBD oil to their dog. Some of the most common are described here.
Put the Product Right Into the Dog’s Mouth
For many, this is considered the easiest and the best way to give a dog CBD. Direct placement is great because the pet will get the right amount. It is important to note that most CBD oil products are going to be dosed. This may be based on the total number of drops to give a dog, the dog’s condition, their size, or weight.
Get the oil needed and carefully aim it into the dog’s mouth. Be careful not to make the dog gag while doing this. Squeeze the recommended amount of oil into the dog’s mouth using the dropper. This is going to help ensure that everything is swallowed, and be sure to give the dog a treat after administering it to ensure they associate the oil with something positive.
Mix the CBD Oil with Food
Most dogs have one thing in common: they love food. Chances are most dogs would eat all day if they were allowed to. Since dogs love their food, another way to administer CBD oil is by adding it to their food. This helps ensure that the animal will consume all the CBD.
This method is usually effective because the taste of the CBD will usually be masked by the flavor of the food. Dry foods are extremely effective in masking the texture and the taste of the CBD product. Wet foods may not completely blend with this organic substance. This means the pet may notice a change in the taste and the appearance of their food. It is important to make sure the food will be able to pass as the dog’s typical food.
When mixing this cannabis compound with a dog’s food, begin with a smaller dose. As time passes, it is possible to increase the dose gradually. Make sure that, after the oil is added, a few minutes pass to let it soak in completely. After that is done, the dog can eat the food.
Mix CBD with Something That Tastes Good
While mixing the CBD oil with food may seem like a good way to lose it, in some cases, it is not as easy. Foods are full of an array of molecules, and in some cases, this organic compound may not blend with the molecules properly. However, it can be mixed with good tasting treats, too. Just make sure the right dose is given.
Being informed and knowing about CBD dosage requirements for dogs are the best ways to ensure that the desired results are achieved. Be sure to keep the information above in mind to get the desired results.
