How Can CBD Help Your Dog?
In 2020, the sales of CBD products in the US totaled $4.6bn. Experts say the CBD market will grow to $16bn in value by 2026! And CBD is just a fraction of the cannabis market.
As cannabis grows in popularity and becomes more legally available, its usages are also multiplying. But, with so many CBD and cannabis products available, how do you know which ones to choose?
Today, we’re talking about everything you need to know regarding CBD for your dogs. So, let’s dive in.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis, or marijuana, is a group of three psychoactive plants. They are:
- Cannabis Sativa
- Cannabis Indica
- Cannabis Ruderalis
Cannabis (weed, pot, etc.) is one of the most common drugs in the world. It has more than 120 components, called cannabinoids. Two of the most common are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD is a psychoactive cannabinoid, but it’s non-intoxicating and non-euphoric. That means you don’t get high from it. On the other hand, THC is the primary psychoactive compound and gives users a high.
Cannabis Products for Pets
If you want to buy cannabis products for your dog, make sure you buy CBD products. THC can cause toxicity and even death in dogs. And since dogs are smaller, they will require a different dosage of CBD than humans.
Some vets recommend using CBD oil for dogs to help treat conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Itchiness
- Cancer
- Anxiety
- Seizures
Several scientific studies show promising results in helping treat these ailments using CBD. Still, there are many studies and peer-review processes that scientists need to do before CBD is more routine in pet care.
Some evidence suggestions CBD may be effective in:
- Promoting bone healing
- Fighting infection
- Treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Slowing degenerative myelopathy
- Suppressing nausea
Experts agree vets need more science on these findings. They also agree that vets need more regulation and standard practices before frequently giving dogs CBD.
Side Effects
There are some side effects to watch out for if you purchase cannabis products. CBD can cause diarrhea and changes in some liver enzyme values in dogs. It may also cause:
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness
Thus, it’s best to speak with your vet about how much CBD your dog can consume and how often. This is especially true if your dog takes other medications. By law, vets cannot always recommend dosing information. It’s best to read up on your state’s regulations regarding CBD.
The Best Cannabis Products for Pets
The most common CBD products for dogs come in oils and treats. A few drops of oil or a CBD treat may help relieve the symptoms mentioned previously.
To find the best CBD dog treats, make sure you read each product’s ingredients list, potency, and reviews. In addition, it would be best if you also looked for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of quality assurance.
Never give your dog CBD products formulated for human consumption, as they could have ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Cannabis Products for Your Dog
CBD products like oils and treats are relatively safe cannabis products to give to your dog. But, the science is still evolving, so it’s best to speak with your vet before trying any product.
If you found this article interesting or helpful, make sure to check out more CBD-related content in the Health section.
