CBD is becoming increasingly popular. Many pet owners give their furry friends CBD products to relieve them from various health conditions. While CBD is considered safe for dogs, there are a few things to consider before starting your pup on this cannabinoid therapy.
If you want to know about CBD dosing for dogs, who should avoid it, and the optimum dosage for canine patients, here is the information.
What are the benefits of CBD Oil?
CBD oil is prepared from hemp leaves, flowers, and stalks, the only parts of the plant where cannabidiol is found. Hemp oil for dogs is thought to have many health benefits. They are:
- Epilepsy
It is a medical condition that causes your dog to have seizures. CBD oil is thought to help reduce the frequency of attacks by binding to receptors in the brain and helping to regulate neurotransmitter activity.
- Anxiety
Dogs can experience anxiety from many different things: separation, loud noises, new environments, and more. CBD oil can help alleviate stress by binding to receptors in the brain and helping to regulate neurotransmitter activity.
- Pain relief
CBD oil can help relieve pain by binding to receptors in the body and reducing inflammation.
- Cancer
There is adequate research needed when it comes to cancer. However, CBD oil can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.
- Appetite
Suppose your pet is going through chemotherapy or has a condition that causes them to lose its appetite. In that case, CBD oil can increase appetite by binding to receptors in the brain and stimulating hunger.
- Skin Conditions
CBD oil can treat skin conditions like allergies, inflammation, and seborrhea.
- Joint Pain
CBD oil can relieve joint pain by reducing inflammation and binding to receptors in the body.
How To Administer CBD Oil To Your Pet Dog?
There are a few ways to give the proper CBD dosing for dogs. The most common and easiest way is to add a few drops of the oil to your dog’s food at mealtime. You can also purchase CBD-infused treats or biscuits prepared explicitly for dogs to make things easier.
For those who want to be more precise with their pet’s dosage, administering CBD oil directly into the mouth via a dropper is also an option. Measure out the desired amount of oil using the dropper and squirt it into your dog’s mouth. It is best to do this while your dog is calm and relaxed, as some may get anxious at the sight of the dropper.
Who Should Avoid CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural remedy with very few side effects. However, certain pet dogs should avoid CBD oil. These include:
- Dogs who are pregnant or nursing
- Dogs with liver disease
- Dogs who are on other medications (CBD may interact with certain drugs)
If you have any concerns about whether or not CBD oil is suitable for your dog, do consult your veterinarian.
How To Know The Right Dosage Of CBD For Your Dog?
The first thing you need to do is find out your dog’s weight. Once you know how much a dog weighs, you can start to calculate the dosage. The general rule of thumb is that one drop of CBD oil equals 0.05 milligrams (mg) for small dogs and 0.125 mg for large dogs. For example, if your dog is 25 pounds, the correct dosage would be 0.625 mg (25 x 0.025).
Secondly, the concentration of CBD in the product is crucial. For example, a 50-milligram (mg) bottle of CBD oil has about 0.50% CBD concentration. It means that each drop would contain 0.25 mg (0.50% x 0.05 ml).
Thirdly, you must consider the age of your pet. Puppies may need a lower dose because their bodies are still growing. Conversely, an older dog may require a higher amount because it may have age-related issues like arthritis or cancer.
Last is the severity of your dog’s condition. If your dog is dealing with a severe health issue, it will likely need a higher dosage of CBD.
If you use CBD oil in a tincture, you can use the dropper to measure the dosage. Start with one drop of oil per day and observe how your dog reacts over a week. If you don’t see results after a week, increase the dosage to two drops per day. Continue the process until you find the optimum dosage for your dog.
CBD treats and edibles are another great way to give your dog CBD. There are various treats and edibles available, so you can find one that your dog loves. The dosage for treats and edibles is typically lower than oil, so start with one treat or edible per day and increase as needed.
How To Find The Best CBD Products Online?
Here are some factors to keep in mind when buying CBD products for your dog.
- Source: Make sure the CBD is derived from organic, non-GMO hemp grown in the USA. GMOs are artificially manipulating genes, which you want to avoid when your pet’s health is at stake.
- Extraction Method: The extraction method is essential because it determines how much of the plant’s beneficial compounds are retained in the final product. Look for products that use CO₂ extraction, as this is the most gentle one.
- Lab results: Always ask questions regarding third-party lab results before purchasing any CBD product. It will ensure that the product contains the advertised amount of CBD and no harmful contaminants. COA or Certificate of Analysis is a paper that shows the results of laboratory tests performed on a product by an independent third party.
- Transparency: Choose a transparent company that is clear about its manufacturing process and provides clear information about its products. For example, the company should offer a money-back satisfaction guarantee.
- Customer service: A good company will have knowledgeable and helpful customer service representatives. Many companies offer free shipping or discounts on large orders.
- Price: Generally, higher-quality CBD products will cost more. However, this is not always the case. The price may vary depending on the product’s quality, the company’s overhead costs, etc.
Conclusion
CBD dosing for dogs is tricky and requires trial and error to find the perfect amount for your pup. Besides, you also need to consider the quality of the product you are giving them.
