When it comes to CBD dog treats, as with any pet wellness trend, there is a lot of misinformation on the internet, and it’s difficult to tell what’s genuine and what’s fake. Of course, you want to do what’s best for your dog, which raises the question: What should I know about CBD dog treats?

Dr. Jerry Klein, the president of the AKC’s Veterinary Medical Association, explains what CBD is, how it benefits dogs, and potential side effects and concerns.

What Is CBD Oil? What is CBD treats for dogs?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical found in cannabis and hemp. According to Dr. Klein, it’s important to note that CBD oil seldom includes delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component present in marijuana. Hemp, not marijuana, is the source of most CBD products.

How Does CBD Affect Dogs?

There has been no study that shows how CBD affects dogs as of yet. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which help to maintain body equilibrium and keep it in a healthy condition.

How will using CBD treats for dogs help my companions health?

There is no definitive scientific evidence that CBD can be used to treat dogs, but there is anecdotal evidence from dog owners who claim it can help with pain and seizures.

CBD is also used to treat anxiety and inflammation, according to Dr. Klein. CBD has anti-inflammatory effects, heart benefits, anti-nausea effects, hunger stimulation, anti-anxiety properties, and possible anti-cancer effects; however, there’s no evidence that it has these abilities.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is funding a study through the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences that will evaluate CBD use in epileptic canines who have failed other treatments. The CHF is hoping that this will be the first study to provide scientific evidence on the treatment of CBD in dogs with HHT.

Dog Health Conditions Treated With CBD

CBD is used to treat a variety of health issues, including anxiety, arthritis, and epilepsy. However, there are additional possibilities. Here’s a list of medical conditions and how CBD is being utilized or investigated.

CBD for dogs with arthritis

In 2018, Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine ran a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to see whether CBD oil helped dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). The dogs had previously been diagnosed with lameness as a result of OA.

CBD oil or placebo was given to dogs every 12 hours for two four-week periods, which were separated by two weeks. It was a short study with only 22 canines of many breeds; nevertheless, all 16 survived the research. However, both the dogs’ owners and veterinarians reported a significant decrease in pain and increase in mobility in the dogs who received the CBD oil (though actual lameness seemed unaffected).

CBD for dogs that have seizures

A Colorado State University study has produced promising findings. In addition to their existing medications, dogs were given 2.5 mg of CBD or a placebo twice a day for 12 weeks in a small study of 26 dogs. The majority of the dogs who took CBD had fewer seizures than they had prior to the study, with only 16 participants.

Researchers at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are conducting a study on CBD in epileptic dogs. Dr. Dawn Boothe, the study’s leader, accepted funding from a non-profit organization connected to Canna-Pet — a firm that sells cannabis products for dogs — after failing to obtain private financing because the government regarded cannabis goods do not have medical benefits. This study will enhance the discussion once it is released.

CBD for dogs with cancer

It appears that no CBD and cancer research in dogs has yet been conducted. Cannabinoids, however, have been proved to protect against certain types of cancerous cells and tumors in mice and rats as part of a 2-year research study.

“Cannabinoids appear to kill tumor cells, but they have no impact on nontransformed counterparts and may even protect them from cell death,” the article adds. That’s a long way from being able to comprehend the affects on dogs or determining optimum dosing, but it’s a start.

CBD for dogs with anxiety

The safety of CBD products for dogs has not been studied. Again, research on CBD and anxiety in canines is still lacking. However, anecdotal success with CBD oil has been reported by pet owners who fear storms because of their dogs’ fears. In 2018, the Journal of Affective Disorders summarized a human study on cannabis and mood-related problems. Medical cannabis users reported decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress, according to the study. But this was a research that compared people who used medical cannabis with those who didn’t; it did not evaluate CBD itself.

Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs

There are no CBD side effects documented in scientific literature, but there may be adverse effects based on how CBD affects people. Make sure you’re taking the right dose to avoid any unwanted consequences.

• Dry mouth: CBD has been found in studies to decrease saliva production. This would lead to an increase in thirst in dogs.
• Lowered blood pressure: A large number of CBD has been discovered to lower blood pressure temporarily. Although the decrease is modest, it might produce a momentary sense of dizziness.
• Drowsiness: CBD has been used to treat anxiety in dogs. CBD’s sedative properties can make one feel drowsy, especially when using high dosages.

Risks of Using CBD Treats for Dogs

There has been no study of the safety and dangers of using CBD for dogs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has not authorized CBD nor does it provide a dosing chart. As a result, we have no idea what an overdose dosage is. Every medicine or supplement has the potential for a negative reaction. It is usually a good idea to start with little doses and then closely monitor the results whenever you give your dog something new. Always consult your veterinarian first, whether you’re giving your dog anything new or not.

CBD Products on the Market

If you and your veterinarian think that CBD might help your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for CBD treats for dogs. You’ll want high-quality CBD treats for dogs if you want it to work better.

• Look for organic. If the CBD treat is not organic, it should at least not contain pesticides, fungicides, or solvents.
• Don’t only shop based on price. HThe higher the quality and purity, the more expensive it is. Lower-cost options may include hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. Make sure there are no additional ingredients in your CBD treats for dogs.
• Get the analysis. A certificate should be supplied by the manufacturer that verifies the amount of CBD in the product. Many CBD products contain little to no CBD. You’ll also want to make sure there’s nothing else in there besides CBD and THC.
• Buy CBD as a liquid. You may purchase dog treats containing CBD, but the ideal way to give your pet the medicine is via an oil or tincture. You may do so drop by drop in this method.

The CBD Wellness Trend

Why are we hearing so much about CBD treats for dogs right now? Dr. Klein alludes to the fact that marijuana is increasingly legal in many countries, which has prompted research into the possible health advantages of cannabis-related goods. “We are likely to see continued interest in CBD and an increase in research about its uses and efficacy in the coming years,” he says.