Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

Currently, CBD is a very popular supplement to give your pets for many different reasons.  In the past 5 years, many studies have been done on the usage and safety of CBD products. 

Many pet owners have given their pets CBD products with excellent results. As more dogs are taking CBD products we can see if there are side effects of CBD long term. 

Currently, many studies are being done to see what side effects are caused by CBD products. This article explains what CBD products are and how safe they are for your dog.

CBD or Cannabidiol 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. CBD acts on receptors in the endocannibals system to help with homeostasis.

The Endocannabinoid System is responsible for moderating a variety of processes related to the immune and central nervous systems and helps maintains homeostasis in the body. This system is considered a “meta-system” as it affects all major body systems.

There are two primary receptors in the endocannabinoid system, CB1, and CB2. CB1 is found mostly in the brain and parts of the nervous systems responsible for pain, movement, or memory.

They can also be found it a lesser degree on the pituitary gland, immune cells, reproductive tissues, intestines, heart, lungs, bladder and adrenal glands. CB2 receptors are found in immune cells, tonsils, and spleen.

There are many uses for CBD products. These are some of the most common reasons that people are using CBD products for their dogs.

• Anxiety: CBD oils have been shown to help decrease anxiety. If you have a dog that gets anxious from car rides, thunderstorms, or fireworks, CBD oil is a great supplement to give them before these events. Some dogs have anxiety every day and can take CBD oil every day to help decrease their stress.  
• Stress: CBD oil can also help reduce stress in your dog. Some dogs get stressed when their owner leaves for the day or when they must stay overnight somewhere other than home. Giving your pet CBD oil in these cases will help your pet be less stressed.
• Reduce inflammation: CBD products have been shown to help decrease inflammation. This can be inflammation of the skin, joints and even inflammation in the ears. If your dog is suffering from any inflammation CBD is a great product to try.  
• Reduce joint pain: Studies show that CBD oils can help decrease pain and inflammation in the joint. If your dog is suffering from arthritis or has other problems with their joints, CBD oils are great supplements that you can give to your dog. Dogs with arthritis can have CBD oil every day to help with the pain.
•  Increased appetite: For a dog who is not wanting to eat due to some underlying condition, you may want to try CBD oil. It has been shown that CBD oils will help increase the appetite for pets. This may be just what your dog needs to help get their appetite back after battling an illness.

CBD oils are very safe for dogs. Some studies show giving CBD every day for 6 weeks will show a mild increase in liver enzymes. This is also seen when giving your dog many traditional medications.

CBD does not contain THC so you will not have any behavior changes in your dog. Make sure that you give your dog the correct dosage. If you give them too high of a dosage you can cause a little upset to the gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea in your dog.

The correct dosage is determined on the weight of your dog, their breed and what you are trying to treat. Most products come with a dosing guide. If there is no dosage, ask your veterinarian for a dosage of your CBD products.

Purity equals quality but also costs more. The old saying holds that you get what you pay for. The best extraction method of CBD is CO2 extraction. This makes sure that you get the highest quality and the purest form of CBD products. This extraction method is the most expensive way to get CBD oil from plants.

There are many ways to give your dog CBD. Many CBD products are treats infused with CBD oils. These are an easy way to give your pet this wonderful supplement and a tasty treat at the same time.  

Most oils can be given with an eyedropper directly into your pet's mouth. Some CBD oils do not have a great taste and your dog may start to refuse to take the oils. While there are oils that are infused with a flavor, it can be hard to mask these tastes. You can also try to mix these oils with food to help make them more palliative.  

There are many places that you can purchase CBD oils for dogs. Many pet stores, healthy food stores, and online pet stores will carry CBD oils for your pet. The old saying you get what you pay for is true with CBD oils. The better quality of CBD products cost more.

Make sure to do your research and know where your pet CBD products are coming from. Making sure that the company is using the CO2 extraction method and does 3rd party testing to make sure that you are getting what you are paying for.

CBD is a very safe product for your dog to take for many different reasons. This can be a supplement that you give every day or just as you need to. No matter the need this wonderful supplement will help your dog live a long and happy life.