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Can CBD Dog Treats Help? What To Know About CBD For Pets

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are gaining a lot of attention in both the human and pet worlds. With the increasing use of CBD, pet owners and veterinarians are interested in whether it might be a viable alternative therapy for various health issues in pets. Early research is promising, but working with a veterinarian who is aware of CBD dog treats and medicines may be the best option if you want to give them a try for your pet.

Here, we’ll go through current CBD research, its safety for pets, and whether it’s the best option for your pet.

What is CBD?

The major active components of marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which make up the plant’s two main compounds. The mind-altering chemical in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is what makes users feel high. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce a “high” and studies show it may have several health advantages.

Although state regulations on CBD purchases vary, many people in the United States may readily buy these items both in stores and online.

However, the FDA has not yet decided whether CBD is safe as a food additive, dietary supplement, or pet treatment. No pharmaceuticals have been approved for animals yet, but the research is promising.

What is the current state of knowledge on how CBD affects animals?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much research on using CBD dog treats in pets or any other forms of CBD. Currently, veterinarian recommendations are based on professional expertise or very little research.

As interest in CBD and its usage among pets rises, the quantity and scale of these research will likewise rise as more people are exposed to them.

Are CBD dog treats safe?

The FDA has not approved any prescription or over-the-counter CBD products for use in animals, so it’s critical to keep that in mind. This implies that the items on the market have not been evaluated for safety or effectiveness. Some businesses may also make unsupported medical claims about their goods that have not been evaluated or authorized, which is a type of false advertising.

There are several concerns about CBD product quality. The product may contain a different quantity of CBD than what is stated on the label, or it might include contaminants such as THC or pesticides. If you choose to use CBD on your pet, you’ll have to do some additional research to learn exactly how the product you’re considering is produced.

What are the risks of treating my pet with CBD dog treats?

The adverse effects of CBD dog treats in pets are comparable to those seen in people. Changes to appetite, tiredness, and diarrhea are the most common problems. The more CBD you give your pet, the more likely they are to experience adverse effects. 

In most situations, it is not necessary to treat these symptoms since they are usually quite mild or improve with time. If these adverse effects don’t improve or get worse, you should contact your dog’s doctor immediately and keep an eye on your pet to ensure they do not harm themselves.

Can CBD cause my pet to get high?

CBD does not cause a “high” or euphoric sensation, as previously said. Some customers have reported that when they take CBD, their pets appear to be out of sorts. If your pet appears to be “high” after receiving a dose, there’s a reason for it.

Before buying any CBD product, carefully check the label for detailed information on its components. According to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, products labeled as “full spectrum” must contain no more than 0.3 percent THC, which is the legal limit. This little amount may be enough to induce this adverse effect in your pet, especially if they are more susceptible to it.

What forms of CBD are available for pets?

There are numerous CBD pet products accessible, including oils, snacks, topical treatments (lotions, gels, creams), and more, if your veterinarian recommends it for your pet. It may be given under the tongue or by mouth. When you’re first starting to give your pet CBD, bottled oils with droppers are preferable since they enable you to increase the dose more gradually than do tablets, capsules, or snacks.

Are human CBD products safe for pets, or do I need CBD products specifically intended for pets?

CBD is found in many products meant for humans, as well as those produced for pets. However, human CBD is just fine for your pet; therefore, you should follow any veterinarian’s instructions. If the product is not intended for pets, read the label carefully to ensure that it does not include any substances that are harmful to animals such as chocolate, certain essential oils, or artificial sweeteners.

Not only are these harmful chemicals absent from pet-specific oral CBD products, but they’re also frequently flavored with your pooch in mind, such as chicken and fish chews.

Be aware that some CBD products have a grassy taste, which may make it tough to offer to your pet. If your dog or cat refuses to eat the food you’ve chosen, consider hiding it in a spoonful of peanut butter or another favorite food.

What CBD dosage should be used for pets?

As a result, because there are no FDA-approved goods for animal usage, and we don’t have many research on safety and effectiveness, further study is required to establish more precise doses.If your veterinarian recommends CBD, make sure to follow the dosing instructions since dosages might differ depending on why you are using it.

In a study published this year, researchers investigated the use of CBD oil in alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. The researchers discovered that twice a day, 2 mg per kilogram of body weight reduced pain in dogs without causing any negative side effects.

The dog’s blood tests, on the other hand, indicated that there may have been some liver damage. This is why it’s critical to have your veterinarian on board to ensure that your pet is being properly monitored.

It’s similar to how CBD works for people who have never used it before. It’s critical to start your pet on a low dose and gradually increase it.

You might start with a quarter or a half of the dose on the label to see how your pet handles a tiny quantity of CBD. If your pet does not improve after receiving a dose at the same level, you may be asked to repeat the dosage in 30 to 60 minutes and monitor their response.

We don’t know what the maximum dose is in animals since there hasn’t been much research done on using CBD. It’s vital to consult a veterinarian who has knowledge utilizing CBD to help your pet’s condition if you don’t know what dosage is safe.

What pet health problems might CBD help manage?

CBD has been found to help animals with a variety of issues, including inflammatory problems, seizures, pain alleviation, and anxiety. CBD for pet problems is based on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The goal of the ECS is to keep the body’s various processes in equilibrium. This may be one explanation for CBD’s many potential advantages.

Keep in mind that ECSs function somewhat differently for each pet, so CBD may be more effective for some dogs than others.

Pain

CBD may help to reduce inflammation and pain after being absorbed by an animal’s body. CBD has been shown to affect the ECS and other nerves involved in generating pain sensations, according to experts. Studies have shown that decreasing joint inflammation alleviates pet osteoarthritis discomfort.

Anxiety 

Many animals, like people, suffer from anxiety, resulting in a slew of annoying behaviors such as urinating indoors. CBD has been shown to help with anxiety, according to some studies. CBD, it is thought, may help us relax by stimulating areas of the brain that serotonin activates — the hormone that makes us happy and calm.

Seizures 

CBD has been found to decrease the frequency of seizures in dogs when used together with traditional anti-seizure medications. Although experts don’t know precisely how CBD works to treat seizures, it is considered to reduce the number of electrolytes that are thought to play a role in seizure disorders.

How can I tell if CBD is helping my pet?

Because our pets are unable to communicate with us about their health, the most effective method to determine if CBD is working is to observe them and their actions. After administering CBD, keep a close eye on your pet to see whether their symptoms improve or not. Depending on the condition of your pet, symptom relief may take as little as 30 minutes or up to a few weeks of regular usage.

CBD has a variety of effects on every animal, which is why it’s so important to figure out what works best for your four-legged friend. As previously said, CBD has wide variations in effect on each species. If your veterinarian suggests you try it, you may experiment with a number of brands, dosages, and forms in order to discover what works best. Finding the optimum product, on the other hand, takes time. However, it is well worth it to see your pet at their peak, happiest form.

The bottom line

CBD has shown promise in the treatment of several pet health issues, including anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures, according to emerging studies. Although more studies are required to confirm its advantages, many pet parents have already observed benefits due to CBD usage.

Because these CBD products haven’t been evaluated or licensed by the FDA, you should consult with your veterinarian before adding anything new. You’ll collaborate to create a strategy for assisting your furry companion in feeling their best. Read how to give CBD to dogs.