What are the Pros and Cons of CBD for dogs?
Enny SoyinkaFollow us on 
No matter what CBD you’re using, it would help if you kept in mind that CBD therapy is largely unregulated. There’s little scientific backing on the dosage and safety of CBD for dogs and other animals. This article will address the general pros and cons of CBD for animals. You also learn tips from vets on using CBD products for dogs.
Is CBD good for my dog?
The number of pet owners and veterinarians using CBD oil or CBD treats for anxiety; seizures are rising, so it’s normal to wonder if CBD can do the same for your pet. Studies show that CBD can interact with the natural compounds in your body to improve bodily function. It may offer potential health benefits in treating conditions like epilepsy, arthritis, and more.
In addition, CBD therapy may also be good for pain management or cancer treatment. It doesn’t contain any THC, which can be toxic and causes intoxication or “highness.” However, when considering CBD for your dog, you can discuss it with your vet first, especially if you’re mixing CBD supplements with a standard drug prescription.
The Pros of using CBD for dogs
CBD is a cannabis plant extract that offers natural healing properties for human and animal conditions. CBD pet products may help boost your dog’s overall well-being aiding rapid recovery from injury, pain, and illnesses. Although, few resources and studies guide the use of CBD wellness therapy for dogs. Here are some pros of using CBD for dogs below!
Pain Relief:
Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be useful for reducing pain. Researchers believe that CBD can help relieve osteoarthritis symptoms in dogs.
It may also help increase mobility and reduce soreness, aches, inflammation, and stiffness without any fatal side effects, unlike NSAIDs.
Anxiety & Sleep aid:
Like humans, dogs suffer from anxiety which can cause panic, toilet accidents, aggression, and behavioral issues. Such stress may be due to situational or environmental factors. For instance, your dog may be anxious due to a recent move or a thunderstorm or fireworks.
Many researchers believe that CBD can help reduce anxiety or hyperactivity in dogs by reducing the release of stress hormones in the brain. It can also reduce stress and aid in better sleep.
CBD can help dogs with epilepsy:
Dogs with epilepsy may experience harsh tremors and seizures, which can be very debilitating. But, many vets have started to recommend CBD for their dogs with epilepsy. One clinical study at Cornell University revealed that 89% of dogs with CBD oil had fewer seizures.
Few side effects:
Unlike NSAIDS and other conventional drug prescriptions, CBD is generally safe for dogs and often has little to no side effects.
The Cons of Using CBD for dogs
Although CBD is generally safe for dogs, many pet owners wonder if there are any complications or side effects to check out. Many vets advise caution when mixing CBD supplements with conventional drug prescriptions. However, the results of CBD may vary depending on your dog’s breeding, ailment, and weight.
Check out some of the cons or drawbacks of using CBD for dogs here!
Lack of regulation:
Many vets are skeptical about using CBD products for their patients because of the general lack of regulation. CBD supplements for different health conditions are not FDA-approved, so vets cannot prescribe CBD oil or treat their animal clients. The lack of regulation also makes it hard to find brands selling authentic CBD products.
Potential Side Effects:
Too much CBD intake can cause potential side effects in animals and alter the effects of CBD in treating some health conditions in dogs. Some possible side effects of CBD in dogs include drowsiness, lethargy, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and others. If you notice that your dog falls asleep or shows signs of low motivation/activity, this may be due to CBD.
In addition, while dog slobber may be annoying sometimes, if you notice that your dog’s mouth is unusually dry, you may lower the CBD intake. Dry mouth can cause dehydration, so you should be careful to avoid high CBD intake in your dog.
Unstable dosage guides:
Many pet owners agree that determining the right dosage of CBD products for oil can be a pain. Since there is no medically definitive dosage, most CBD dosages are approximate. You may adjust the dose gradually until you get the intended effects.
Do Vets Recommend Using CBD for dogs?
According to Federal Law, the general rule is that Vets can’t prescribe CBD products for medical purposes on dogs or animals. So many vets in the US may exercise caution when giving their patients CBD products. However, more pet owners believe in the healing benefits of CBD oil for their dogs, and some vets agree that it may help treat osteoarthritis, epilepsy, and anxiety in dogs.
In addition, some holistic vets admit to using CBD therapy for their pets. If you’re considering using CBD products for your dog, the best approach is to discuss with your vet the right dosage that may suit your dog. However, it’s unlikely that your vet will prescribe CBD supplements as part of your dog’s medication.
Conclusion
Many humans have started using CBD supplements for personal and animal use, including dogs and cats. Some vets also suggest that CBD offers a range of health benefits such as pain relief, anti-inflammation, stress relief, and more. However, we recommend you conduct proper research and speak to your vets before starting your dog’s CBD diet.
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