Can CBD Help Your Dog?

Perhaps one of the most difficult challenges of owning a dog is to see your furry friend sick or uncomfortable. Thus, as the owner, you must keep your dog mentally and physically fit. 

Your four-legged companion may have similar health concerns as humans, like anxiety, cancer, and epilepsy. Perhaps, you searched for a health-boosting solution for your pet and stumbled upon Cannabinoids (CBD).

But, can CBD oil help dogs? 

What’s CBD?

CBD oil is an extract from the hemp plant. Its molecular construction helps promotes therapeutic properties. This naturally-occurring chemical compound also has less psychoactive effects than another hemp extract, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In other words, CBD doesn’t give users highs, which is an effect of smoking THC-rich marijuana. 

Manufacturers create various products with CBD oil. These products include:

• Tinctures
• Creams
• Chewables

How Does CBD Work?

CBD works by reacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), and this network of nerves is present in all mammals. The receptors in the ECS helps regulate functions, like memory, sleep, and immunity. The chemicals in CBD also help promote calming effects for mammals, including dogs. 

However, the many benefits concerning CBD are anecdotal. Also, there are still many authorities that associate this organic compound with marijuana. So, it might be challenging for researchers to obtain a sufficient amount of samples for conclusive studies. 

Thus, the scientific data on CBD use for dogs might not have enough definitive results. Nonetheless, there might be anecdotal pieces of evidence from various dog owners suggesting that CBD oil is effective in treating different forms of pain. Hence, yes, it’s safe and legal to give your dog CBD. 

Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs

Despite the lack of conclusive scientific findings, there are still potential benefits of using CBD oil on dogs. Here are four of these possible advantages:

1. Pain Management

The proper management of pain is a critical component of maintaining the quality of life for dogs. Pain can come from various sources, like injury, surgery, or chronic health conditions.

It’s possible to reduce your dog’s physical pain through prescription medications. But, these medicines also come with adverse effects. For example, your pet’s liver might become overworked because of the organ trying to transform the synthetic components from the medicines. 

As an alternative, consider using CBD for pain management in dogs instead of prescription drugs. Your dog’s system might absorb the properties of this natural compound better than many medicines. So, using CBD oil presents a lower risk of side effects when managing pain than giving your dog specific synthetic remedies. 

2. Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Dogs can get anxious or stressed for several different reasons. For example, leaving your furry friend alone at home may fill their minds with anxiety. Conversely, seeing several new faces walking around the house can put unwanted stress on your pup. 

CBD oil helps counteract the symptoms associated with anxiety and stress. This organic compound will relax the mind, which can be helpful during specific events, like social gatherings. 

3. Treat Epilepsy and Seizures

It can be heartbreaking to see your pooch suffering from epilepsy or seizures. Your canine companion wriggling about in a state of discomfort might also be a sign of other underlying disorders. You’ll know when your furry friend is having a seizure when it experiences sudden stiffening, jerking, or loss of consciousness. 

Let your dog consume CBD oil to help bring a state of calm to the pet’s system. Over time, you’ll see a reduction in the frequency of these attacks. Certain cases may even lead to the seizures disappearing altogether with regular use. 

4. Prevent Cancer Cells from Propagating

Dogs aren’t immune to cancers. Your pup might experience cancer symptoms, like skin swelling or abnormal bleeding. The traditional treatments to cure cancers in dogs include surgery and radiation therapy. However, these procedures might be too expensive for some dog owners. 

Instead, consider using CBD oil to prevent tumors from spreading. Furthermore, CBD also helps dogs undergoing chemotherapy by calming their systems. 

Conclusion: Risks of Using CBD Oil on Dogs

Using CBD oil on your canine companion might present specific adverse effects. These side effects may include:

• Dry mouth and increased thirst
• Drowsiness
• Lowered blood pressure

Still, the potential benefits of CBD oil for dogs might weigh heavier than its adverse effects. However, it’s crucial to know this naturally-occurring compound to understand its impact on humans and pets. But, it might be advisable to consult your veterinarian before attempting to use CBD on your pup. Failure to provide precautionary measures before giving your dog CBD might lead to unwanted side effects.