Cannabidiol (CBD) products are becoming increasingly popular for both people and dogs. With the increased usage of CBD, pet parents and veterinarians alike are questioning if it may be an alternative for a variety of pet health concerns. Early research seems encouraging, but if you want to try CBD products for your pet, you should consult with a veterinarian who is experienced with them.
We'll talk about current CBD studies, if it's safe to use in dogs, and whether it's the appropriate decision for your furry buddy.
What kinds of studies have been conducted on the effects of CBD on pets?
Unfortunately, there isn't a significant amount of research on the use of CBD in dogs. Currently, recommendations are based on the professional experiences of veterinarians or on extremely tiny research.
As the interest in and usage of CBD in dogs grows, so will the quantity and size of these studies, giving veterinarians and pet parents with greater direction on how to effectively utilize these products.
Is it possible for CBD to get my pet high?
CBD does not provide a "high" or euphoric experience. Some individuals report that when their pets use CBD, they get agitated. If your pet appears to be "high" after taking their medication, there is a reason for this. Before purchasing any CBD product, thoroughly read the label for product information.
What CBD products are available for pets?
If your veterinarian suggests CBD for your pet, a variety of CBD pet products are available, including oils, treats, topical solutions (lotions, gels, creams), and more. It is frequently administered orally. When first starting to provide CBD to your pet, bottled oils with droppers may be better since it is simpler to gradually increase the dose rather than being confined to a predetermined quantity in a pill, capsule, or treat.
Are human CBD products okay for pets, or do I require pet-specific CBD products?
CBD is included in goods intended for people as well as ones intended for dogs. So, while human CBD may be safe to administer to your pet, you should follow any instructions from your veterinarian. If the product is not manufactured expressly for dogs, it is critical to read the label to double-check for potentially hazardous substances such as chocolate, essential oils, and artificial sweeteners.
Pet-specific oral CBD products are typically flavored with your furry buddy in mind, such as chicken and fish chews, in addition to being free of these potentially dangerous substances. Be advised that some CBD products have a grassy flavor that may make giving it to your pet more challenging. If your dog or cat doesn't like the product you've chosen, try hiding it in a tablespoon of peanut butter or your pet's favorite treat.
How much CBD should be given to pets?
Because there are no FDA-approved products for use in animals, and there haven't been many studies on safety and efficacy, further study is needed to identify more precise dosages. If your veterinarian suggests CBD, make sure to follow their recommendations because dose may differ based on the reason you're taking the medicine.
One study looked at the effectiveness of CBD oil in treating osteoarthritis symptoms in dogs. Researchers discovered that taking 2 mg per kilogram of body weight twice a day alleviated pain without causing any negative effects in the owners. However, blood test findings indicated that there may have been some liver damage. Therefore, it is critical that your veterinarian be involved in ensuring that your pet is properly managed.
As with people who have never used CBD before, it is critical to start your pet on a low dose and gradually increase it.
Start with one-quarter or one-half of the recommended dose to evaluate how your pet reacts to a modest quantity of CBD. If your pet does not get symptom alleviation, your veterinarian may instruct you to provide another dosage of the same quantity in 30 to 60 minutes and monitor their response.
We don't know the safest maximum dose because there hasn't been sufficient study on CBD in animals. It is advisable to consult with a veterinarian who has expertise using CBD to improve your pet's condition to determine what amount is safe.
What pet health issues can CBD assist with?
CBD has been demonstrated to help animals with a variety of ailments, including but not limited to inflammatory issues, seizures, pain reduction, and anxiety. CBD therapy for pet health issues is based on the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS's objective is to achieve and maintain equilibrium in all bodily systems. This is considered to be why CBD has so many potential advantages.
Consider the fact that each pet's ECS works differently, so CBD may work better for some than others.
Anxiety
Many dogs, like people, suffer anxiety, which leads to a variety of problematic behaviors such as improper urination. CBD is known to reduce anxiety and offer sensations of serenity. Experts believe this is due to CBD activating some of the same brain regions as serotonin — the hormone that makes us feel happy and calm.
Pain
CBD, if absorbed by an animal's body, may help to reduce inflammation and discomfort. While specialists are still understanding how CBD may treat pain, it is thought to alter the ECS and other nerves involved in pain feeling. Reduced joint inflammation, particularly has been demonstrated in trials to alleviate osteoarthritis aches and pains in dogs.
Seizures
When used with standard antiseizure drugs, CBD has been demonstrated to aid treat epilepsy in dogs by lessening the frequency of seizures. Although doctors do not completely understand how CBD cures seizures, it is supposed to inhibit neurons in the brain from overfiring and reduce the quantity of electrolytes suspected to have a part in seizure diseases.
How can I know whether CBD is beneficial to my pet?
Because our dogs can't tell us whether they're feeling better, the only way to detect if CBD is working is to observe them and their behavior. After administering CBD, keep a careful eye on your pet to observe if their symptoms improve or worsen. Depending on your pet's condition, symptom alleviation might take as little as 30 minutes or as long as a few weeks of constant use.
As previously said, CBD has a distinct effect on each species. If your veterinarian advises you to try it, you may need to experiment with different brands, dosages, or forms to determine what works best for your four-legged friend. But, while selecting the proper product takes time, it is well worth it to see your pet at their best and happiest.
CBD may assist with a variety of pet health concerns, including anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures, according to new study. Although additional research is needed to establish its advantages, many pet owners are currently using CBD with positive outcomes.
Because these products have not been evaluated or authorized by the FDA, you should consult a veterinarian who has expertise treating dogs with CBD before beginning any new regimen. You'll work together to devise a strategy for securely assisting your beloved buddy in feeling their best.
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