CBD and Your Dog - A Pawsitive Approach

CBD and Your Dog

CDB or Cannabidiol, has become a hot topic in the pet community. Is it merely a trend or is there genuine science backing it's benefits? Let's dive in to the realm of CBD for dogs and get a better understanding why it's gaining traction among pet owners.

What is CBD and Why it is Good for Your Dogs

CBD is nothing more then a compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC for instance, CBD won't get your dog "high" because CBD does not have psychoactive properties. Here is a fun fact, dogs have an entire system named after cannabis! No joke, called the endocannabinoid system, it helps regulate a host of things in your pups like mood, appetite, sleep, pain and immune function.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is a complex network of receptors throughout the body. The ECS is vital for regulating various bodily functions.

The Potential Benefits For Our Furry Friends

Since CBD engages the dogs ECS it can help address several issues like:

Anxiety and Stress - CBD can sooth anxious dogs, particularly during thunderstorms, vet visits, fireworks and other stressful times.

Chronic Pain - CBD may help reduce inflammation and pain due to conditions like arthritis.

Seizures - CBD has shown potential in managing seizures in dogs suffering from epilepsy.

Digestive Issues - CBD might alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Skin Allergies - CBD can help lessen inflammation and itching caused by allergies.

Overall Wellness - We all want our fur babies to be healthy and well!

In short there are various things and ailments that CBD may be able to help your pup dog with.

Choosing The Right CBD Products For Your Dog

When deciding to pick a CBD product for your dog there are several factors to consider. It's pretty crucial to select a high quality option specifically designed for pets. Here are a few tips to consider:

Third party lab tested - seek out products that have undergone testing by an independent lab to verify potency and purity.

Full spectrum or broad spectrum - Full spectrum includes all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC. Broad spectrum contains all the beneficial compounds except THC. Full spectrum is the best choice.

Dosage - The correct dosage will depend on your dogs weight and individual needs. It's always best practice to consult with your veterinarian to find the optimal dosage for your pet.

Form - CBD products for dogs are available in various forms including oils, treats and capsules.

Organic - Let's face it, organic hemp products are going to be far better for Fido than pesticide laden ones!

***CBD and Hemp oils are all not created equal. Isolated CBD hemp oil has a rough time passing the blood-brain barrier for absorption. Some companies will still sell this version even though its effects can be reduced up to five times as much as full spectrum CBD. ***

Innovet CBD products for pets pass all the above with flying colors. They have a very informative in-depth information about CBD on their website. We recommend looking at Innovet's CBD products for your pet. You can find them HERE  

Possible side effects to be aware of are drowsiness, dry mouth, lowered blood pressure and possible drug interactions. Otherwise CBD products are relatively safe in normal dosages for your pets.

The Dosage Dilemma

Figuring out the correct CBD dose for your dog is a bit like deciding how many treats is too many, in other words it's not n exact science. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it, similar to introducing your dog to a new friend!

A common starting point is approx. 0.2mg per pound of bodyweight, however keep in mind that just like humans, every dog is unique, and different breeds, sizes, mixes may react differently. A Great Dane more then likely will have different results than a Chihuahua.  If in doubt consult your Vet or Pet Professional for recommendations. 

What About Legal Issues? (The Law!)

The legal side of CBD isn't always clear, varies and can be confusing. What you should know is:

- Hemp derived CBD with less then 0.3% THC is federally legal (2018 Farm Bill)

- Keep in mind laws vary by State and some jurisdictions, so it's in your best interest to know your state and local laws about CBD.

- The FDA has not approved CBD for pets yet, (not that I trust the FDA with all their decisions!)

CBD and your Pet Professional

Just like natural medicine, not all Vet's are going to have the same opinions on CBD. Some are going to be very old school and some will adopt new and progressive ideas. In the authors opinion, if my Pet Professional wasn't open to the idea of trying CBD, personally, I would find one that was. 

Research is always ongoing and the outlooks are promising. Scientists continue to investigate CBD's effects on various conditions and new discoveries are coming to a dog park near you.

Areas of active research include (but are not limited to):

- Epilepsy

- Arthritis

- Anxiety

- Long term effects 

As it relates to pet healthcare, expenses that go along with that care can be astronomical and add up very quickly. If your considering pet insurance (or already have it) and would like to compare current plans and rates please use this link for an objectively ranked comparison of pet insurance plans.

The Tail End of the CBD Tale

CBD as a treatment for various conditions is promising, while not a miracle cure many pet owners report positive outcomes and the future of CBD as pet treatments is very positive. While research continues much will unfold about CBD and your pet's health over the next few years as studies continue.

A final note, when considering CBD and your furry friends:

- Quality matters

- Start slow

- Work with your Vet or Holistic Pet professional for best results

- Monitor your pet while making any changes

- Most importantly, remember every dog is unique and results may vary from pet to pet.

For more in-depth information about CBD for your pet click this link 

Always do your research, due diligence and make informed decisions, your pet will thank you and will expect treats!

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional Veterinarian advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment of your pets. 

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