Whether you have spent some time researching cannabis for dogs or any other pets, you might still be feeling confused as to whether this type of product might be the right one for your companion.

Luckily for you, we have decided to put together a post specifically on this topic. You’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions about pet CBD Oil answered below. Additionally, we’ll give you some guidance on what CBD can do if it has any side effects, and how it is supposed to be used.

What is CBD for pets, and what forms is it available in

CBD is a type of medicinal oil that is extracted either from cannabis or from hemp. In fact, most of the pet products that you will find available for sale have a very tiny amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or none at all. Instead, most of them are extracted from hemp, not marijuana.

Therefore, it is wrong to assume that, if you give your canine buddy CBD products, he or she will experience some type of intoxication or another. Naturally, CBD oil still has soothing properties, which is why many anxious or nervous dogs will feel calmer. But they will not ‘get high’.

So, what are the various forms that CBD products come in? Some of the most popular ones are oil tinctures, capsules, infused treats, and soft chews.

Oil tinctures come in glass bottles outfitted with a small dropper, so you can measure the dosage without too much effort. On the other hand, capsules are filled with a predetermined amount of CBD, so once again, you aren’t going to have any headaches with giving your dog the right dose.

Finally, some of the most popular forms are chews and treats, which can range from biscuits to soft chews or the more recently developed pet ice cream.

Which CBD form should you pick

It depends on what you are looking to treat. If you are looking for a remedy for anxiety, you might be able to use treats and chews, especially since they are so easy to give to dogs.

If, on the other hand, you have a geriatric dog that experiences chronic joint pain, you might want to give your pet a higher dosage, in which case the oil is the best option. This happens because the straight oil form is easier to control in terms of the dosage.

Besides, the oil seems to be more potent than its counterparts, especially since it wasn’t cooked so as to become a treat.

What health issues can CBD treat

To date, there isn’t enough scientific data available on using CBD for pets, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from pet parents. All of this data suggests that it can treat or at least alleviate the symptoms of neuropathic pain, which is why it is very popular with dog guardians whose Fidos have arthritis.

CBD has other properties, such as the following:

• Anti-nausea effects
• Anti-anxiety effects
• Anti-inflammatory capabilities
• Cardiac benefits
• Seizure control (so it’s particularly helpful for epyleptic pets)
• Appetite stimulation

How to give your dog CBD products

One of the most effective ways of giving your dog CBD oil would be to squirt it under his or her tongue. If your dog allows this, doing so will make it easier for the ingredients in the oil to get into the pet’s blood flow a lot faster.

Some pets don’t like the taste of the oil, so you can teach them to accept it by giving them a treat right after squirting CBD oil into their mouths.

Another way of giving your pooch CBD oil would be to squirt it onto an absorbent treat or onto canned food. You can even add it to kibble if that’s the type of food your canine friend prefers.

Is it safe to give your dog CBD products

The vast majority of vets agree that CBD products aren’t dangerous, so long as you pay attention to the dosage.

Even so, you should know that the companies that manufacture CBD oil for pets don’t make their products too concentrated. This, of course, can give you the reassurance that you aren’t going to exceed the dose even if you make a mistake. However, you should still be cautious when giving your dog CBD oil, but less so if you choose to give your dog chews or treats instead.

Risks and side effects

Since the number of studies on CBD is still too low and there hasn’t been nearly enough research done, the side effects of this pet product are still being assessed. However, some pet parents have noticed the following adverse reactions:

• Drowsiness
• Lower blood pressure
• Dry mouth

Most dogs that are given too much CBD can become a little light-headed and also show increased thirst. Nevertheless, this happens only in situations when the dosage was a bit too high. To date, there have been no reports of pets showing severe adverse reactions to this type of product - meaning some that could put their life in danger.

If you decide to give your canine companion CBD oil, you should be aware of the fact that its safety and risks haven’t been researched enough. The FDA hasn’t approved any CBD products until now, and that’s why there is no universally available dosing chart.

As such, it’s a good idea to start your dog on the smallest dose possible and assess the way that he or she reacts to it. You can increase it if your dog still experiences pain, anxiety, or nausea, but always be mindful about doing this.

Can CBD be used to treat pain

Many pet parents that have tried CBD products say that they work well for treating or at least alleviating the symptoms of chronic pain.

Aside from arthritis and a variety of other inflammatory processes that affect senior dogs, it has been linked to reducing pain in cancer cases, acute pancreatitis, and even irritable bowel disease, the latter of which is associated with generalized intestinal inflammation.

So, in a nutshell, CBD oil can be used to decrease a dog’s general discomfort and pain levels.

Final thoughts

Even with the large amount of controversy that has gathered around CBD products in the past couple of years, whether they are developed for people or for pets, you should know that they are actually quite effective when it comes to managing painful conditions.

As a final piece of advice, we would like to suggest that you choose an organic product so that you are at least aware of how clean its ingredients are.

Ideally, you should choose CBD oil over the other forms simply because it is more bioavailable, meaning that it absorbs into your dog’s body much faster and more effectively. Be wary of CBD products that are made by brands you’ve never heard of or that haven’t gathered enough reviews. Always check the opinions of other pet parents as they can tell you important information, such as whether that option is more or less risky for your dog.

Author: Cristina Vulpe