CBD has become so popular pet owners are using CBD oil for dogs. While this idea may be crazy if you are new to the world of cannabis, pets can experience the same benefits of CBD as humans.
In this article, we’ll discuss why CBD oil works for dogs and other pets. In addition, we cover all the questions you may have regarding giving your dog CBD for the first time.
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The Endocannabinoid System 101
Before we get into the benefits of CBD for dogs, we need to discuss the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS is why cannabinoids influence our bodies. This complex network of neurotransmitters, enzymes, and receptors regulates fundamental body functions like mood, memory, appetite, pain, and the sleep-wake cycle.
Does CBD work for pets?
CBD delivers many of the same benefits to dogs as humans because all animals have an ECS. That means your dog has the same network that a regular CBD oil dose can influence.
Almost every animal has an ECS, so if you are looking for a natural way to treat your cat’s separation anxiety or help your bird get some quality rest, you may want to try CBD.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
Safety is the number one concern for pet owners when giving their dogs CBD products. Many dog owners are pickier when choosing a CBD oil for their pets than themselves.
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That’s why it’s essential to understand a dog’s unique relationship to cannabis. While CBD alone is generally well tolerated by dogs, you must be careful with THC. Dogs are highly sensitive to THC, so you want to ensure you aren’t giving your dog the 1:1 tincture you picked up at a dispensary.
Low doses of THC are usually ok, but many dog owners choose to stay away from THC altogether. You’ve likely heard stories about dogs spending the night in the hospital after eating THC edibles. While THC rarely will lead to death, it is highly toxic and will be an extremely uncomfortable experience for your dog if they consume too much THC.
What does CBD do for dogs?
CBD has many of the same effects on dogs as humans. Some owners use CBD to help their dogs relax, and others utilize CBD for more severe ailments.
Giving your dog CBD
Dosing is the most important thing to remember when giving CBD to your dog. As a general rule of thumb, you should give your dog a milligram of CBD for every 10 pounds, at least to start. You can raise the dosage gradually but always begin with a low amount.
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Benefits of CBD for dogs
As we mentioned, CBD affects a dog’s ECS—regular doses of CBD by bringing balance to external events regulated by the network. For example, many dogs get anxious when left alone. You can try to use CBD before you leave the house so your dog has a more stable reaction to feeling separated.
Other reasons people give CBD to their dogs include reducing seizures, getting help sleeping, improving mobility due to pain, and even decreasing saliva production.
Pros and cons of CBD oil for dogs
We’ve already covered the advantages of giving CBD to dogs. We’ll just explore the disadvantages.
FCBD can contain small amounts of THC, which is toxic to dogs. Another con is finding a premium product you can trust that is affordable. Ensure you look at the ingredients, lab tests, and reviews before purchasing.
Choosing CBD: Broad spectrum vs full spectrum CBD for pets?
We highly recommend using broad-spectrum CBD oil for dogs because THC is toxic. While small amounts may not be psychoactive, you don’t want to put your dog at risk of visiting the emergency room.
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