CBD for Dogs: A Vet Explains the Pros and Cons

In the past few years, CBD products have been gaining popularity in both people and animals. Marijuana and other hemp products have been studied to determine their effects on people and animals. The studies show that CBD and other hemp products are beneficial for animals.

Cannabidiol or CBD is found in hemp plants. Unlike what many people believe CBD does not contain THC. THC is the compound found in marijuana responsible for the euphoric state. In recent years CBD has been explored for potential medical uses with success in both human and veterinary medicine.

CBD oil is very safe for dogs. Many dogs show improvement with their condition after taking CBD for a few weeks. Many people have reported that CBD in their dog or cat has significantly reduced or eliminated pain from arthritis or helped with seizures and other neurological problems.

Colorado State University Veterinary School has published studies showing the benefits of CBD oil in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis. The information that we have regarding the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine has come from recent studies done on laboratory rodents (mice, rats, and guinea pigs). Studied on laboratory animals has shown benefits for disorders of the cardiovascular system, cancer, pain, disorders of the respiratory system, or metabolic disorders. There has been very little published studied on cannabis in dogs and cats. Most of the studies in companion and large animal medicine are on the toxic levels, effects, and treatment rather than therapeutic applications. Currently, some of the most frequent studies of cannabis in veterinary medicine are for the treatment of glaucoma, pain, skin disorders, and cancer.

Cannabis has been shown to have a wide variety of beneficial effects on the body in laboratory and companion animals. Most cannabis has psychotropic properties, which can cause behavior effects in animals and can become addictive. However, many other medications have these same effects and are used for medical purposes today because the benefits are much greater than the side effects. Pet owners have reported the successful use of marijuana with their pets for both large and small animals. Studies are being performed to prove the benefits of cannabis in animals as well as products being produced that limit the THC content to help decrease the potential for toxicity.

There are many different problems that CBD products can help treat, such as:

• Anxiety: CBD has been shown to help decreases stress and help with anxiety. Many people will use CBD around thunderstorms or fireworks. CBD products will help keep your dog calm
• Arthritis:One of the primary uses of CBD is for pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Colorado State Veterinary School has published studies on the effects of CBD in arthritic patients. The study showed that CBD does help decrease the pain and inflammation associated with this disease.
• Cancer:CBD may help decrease the size of your pet's tumor. Also, if your pet is undergoing chemotherapy and feels nauseated, CBD products can help reduce nausea and even help increase their appetites.
• Seizures: A recent study has shown that CBD products can help decrease the number of seizures that your dog has. In the study, 89 percent of dogs who took CBD products saw a decrease in the number of seizures. CBD products are suitable for those dogs who do not respond to traditional medication or who cannot take conventional medicines due to the side effects or other diseases.
• Skin disorders: CBD has been shown to help repair a healthy skin barrier. When this barrier is disrupted, allergies, bacteria, and yeast are allowed to invade the skin causing all the skin disease that we see. CBD will help repair this layer and help your pet to feel much better.

There are studies published that show that CBD given to dog over a long period of time at very high dosages have little to no side effects. Some of the dogs taking the medication long term did show a slight increase in a liver enzyme (ALT). While most other medications used to treat dogs can have a large list of unwanted side effects. This makes CBD a great option, especially for those pets with chronic pain or other medical conditions that prevent them from taking traditional medications.

There are many different types of CBD products for dogs. These are the typical type of products that contain CBD:

• Oil & Tinctures: CBC oils are an effortless way to give your dog CBD.  The oils can be mixed in their food, a delicious treat, or dropped directly into their mouths.  Some dogs do not like the taste of oils, so combining them with something yummy helps with palatability.  Now many oils are made with flavors to mask the unappealing taste.
•  Capsules: CBD oil can be put in a capsule.  This makes it easy to hide in a treat to give your dog. 
• Treats: Most CBD companies also make treats infused with CBD.  This is an excellent option for those picky dogs.

There are many things that you need to consider when buying CBD products.  Make sure that your CBD products are organic and do not contain other preservatives.  When looking at a company, make sure that they produce high quality and pure CBD. Also, make sure that you are getting your products from a reputable source.  Most companies have their products tested by 3rd parties to show the exact makeup of that batch.  Make sure the company that you chose is selling good quality products.

CBD products are great to give to your dog for many different reasons.  If your dog is suffering from a disease, talk to your veterinarian about trying CBD products with your dog.  These products have shown so many beneficial properties that it is a great supplement to give to your dog.

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