CBD has been one of the most popular wellness trends in recent memory, and it’s no surprise. Cannabis compounds were illegal until recently, and CBD was the first to be recognized and praised, helping to propel it to its current prominence. It was only a matter of time until this health fad reached our pets, and with today’s announcement, that day has arrived.

Today, there are a plethora of CBD treatments available for pets, including biscuits, tinctures, and even toys. Is it truly safe and natural for us humans to take CBD? Before we go and start giving CBD goodies to our favorite canine companion, let’s take a closer look at CBD for dogs and the potential negative effects it may have.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp that has been studied for its therapeutic effects. Cannabidiol, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis that is well-known for its psychotropic effects. This implies CBD does not create the same highs as other cannabis products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), commonly known as marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient.

THC is the primary component in cannabis that produces psychoactive effects, but CBD delivers several of the other advantageous characteristics that the plant is recognized for, such as a range of medical advantages.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?

CBD has been scientifically proven to help people. It’s utilized to cure epilepsy, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among other things. “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile,” according to the World Health Organization. But this only refers to people; we’re left wondering how safe CBD is for our dogs.

CBD is currently being tested. There are numerous organizations, including the AKC Canine Health Foundation, that are funding research on CBD’s effects on dogs. However, there is no definitive conclusion yet regarding its effectiveness or safety due to pending studies. According to PubMed, however, CBD has not been linked to any negative side effects in healthy canines.

10 Potential Side Effects of CBD for Dogs

Despite CBD’s purported advantages for people and its low toxicity, certain negative effects may be experienced by your dog as a result of this chemical; especially if given in excess.

1. Dry Mouth

Many people are aware that cannabis can induce cottonmouth in humans, but CBD might have the same effect on your dog. While it may be unsightly to see your dog drool all over the place, it is actually necessary for their health. If CBD makes your dog’s mouth dry, it might lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and even pain when swallowing.

2. Lethargy

Cannabis use can also cause drowsiness or inactivity in some people. Although CBD doesn’t contain any THC, your dog may indicate signs of lethargy when given CBD. This can also be caused by a dose that is too large, so if your dog becomes drowsy after taking CBD, you should decrease the amount administered.

3. Dizziness

Dizziness is another possible side effect of CBD for dogs. You’ll want to watch for symptoms indicating your dog is dizzy, such as trouble standing up or repeated falling over. If your CBD oil is not 100 percent pure, for example if it contains tiny amounts of THC, the mind-altering chemical in cannabis that provides users with a “high,” this may easily happen. Although this may be a thrill for some dogs, it may not be so exciting for your pooch.

4. Increased Tremors

CBD is one of the most widely used marijuana compounds, with many people using it to manage epileptic seizures. So, you may believe that it’s an excellent medicine for Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, CBD has the ability to cause tremors in both people and dogs with Parkinson’s disease.

5. Itchiness

After being given CBD, your dog may scratch, bite, and itch excessively. If you’re taking an SSRI and notice no effect, then there are a couple of options. You can either decrease the dosage or stop taking it altogether. While this isn’t a very typical side effect, it’s certainly possible, and you should be aware of it.

6. Low Blood Pressure

When CBD is taken in high dosages, it has been shown to cause brief drops in blood pressure. This might induce light-headedness in your dog, which he will despise. Because this is usually a dose-related side effect, cutting the amount you give your dog should help eliminate it.

7. Upset Stomach

Your dog’s stomach might be upset by anything it hasn’t been trained to consume. Changing your dog’s food can wreak havoc on their stomachs, even if it’s only a little bit. CBD is no exception, and in high dosages, it may cause a lot of discomfort for your pet.

8. Vomiting

Vomiting is a common occurrence when stomach discomfort reaches its peak. This might be due to the chemical itself, or it could be because of the taste. CBD is a strong-tasting compound that your dog may dislike. However, if CBD irritates your dog’s stomach enough, they will most certainly vomit it back up.

9. Diarrhea

It might be difficult to determine that CBD is the reason for your dog’s diarrhea since so many things can cause it. But if you’ve eliminated all other possibilities and narrowed down your dog’s diarrheas to the CBD you’ve given them, you’ll either need to reduce the amount or stop offering it.

10. Inhibited Production of Liver Enzymes

CBD can alter how your body absorbs and processes other medications since it inhibits the formation of liver enzymes. As a result, other medicines may become many times more powerful, posing a deadly risk that you must be cautious about. If your dog is currently taking any prescription drugs, get veterinary clearance before combining CBD with its treatment.

Conclusion

CBD has the potential to have adverse effects for both humans and dogs in many instances. Although CBD is considered safe for people and even dogs in most circumstances, it may have negative consequences for both of us. While we can choose if the possibility of side effects is worth the possible benefits that CBD may provide, your dog cannot do so. You must determine what’s best for your dog. Keep in mind all of the possible negative effects that CBD might have on your dog before making a decision to administer it to them. It’s also always a smart idea to seek advice from your veterinarian.