CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
The use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products has been steadily and rapidly increasing in the last decade. CBD, or cannabidiol, is an oil that is extracted from the cannabis (marijuana) plant or hemp (a cousin to cannabis) plant. CBD can also be made synthetically in a laboratory. While there have been studies that suggest that CBD has medicinal properties, there has not been enough research to determine its long-term safety, side effects, or effectiveness.
CBD is used in people to treat chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and to help improve sleep, although the only CBD product approved by the FDA is aprescription drug to treat seizuresin humans. Although you might be tempted to try giving your dog CBD, it’s not advised to do so without a veterinarian’s approval and a discussion about the benefits and, more importantly, the risks to your dog.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)is a nonprofit organization that represents and helps to uphold standards for veterinarians in the United States. The AVMA develops stances on key issues and advocates for veterinarians and their pet patients. Its stance on CBD use in dogs is that there is not enough science behind it suggesting that it might be helpful for dogs.
Key Takeaways
- Never give your pup CBD without first chatting with your veterinarian.
- Studies are still in the works to determine the benefits of CBD for dogs. Verdict is still out.
- If you are dog ingests too much CBD or has an adverse reaction, contact your vet immediately.
What Is CBD?
Cannabis is a plant with more than 80 biologically active ingredients. CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in marijuana, with the first being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The difference between CBD and THC is that THC has a psychoactive property associated with the feeling of being “high,” and CBD does not. CBD is almost always in oil form, while THC can be in many forms, including the green flower that most people are familiar with.
CBD has been suspected to have many medicinal properties. It works in people by attaching to specific receptors in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), intestines, muscles, bones, liver, spleen, heart, and lungs to enhance certain body functions.
Can Dogs Take CBD?
At this time, there is not enough research on the use of CBD in dogs to determine if it is safe for dogs; thus, it’s extremely important to talk to your dog’s veterinarian before giving them a CBD product. At that time, your vet will discuss the pros and cons of CBD for dogs and determine if the risk is worth the reward.
Studies have shownCBD能影响肝脏酶,不ved with metabolism of medications. This means that the risk is not only in the CBD itself but also how it might affect your dog if they are on other medications.
There are currently no products for dogs containing CBD that are FDA-approved.
Because CBD is readily available, it might be tempting to start your dog on it for a variety of reasons. But doing so is never recommended unless you have your veterinarian’s explicit approval and recommended dose range.
Possible Benefits of CBD for Dogs
Some topics of studies already performed and studies that are ongoing to determine if there is any beneficial use of CBD in dogs include:
Pain associated witharthritis
Atopy (heightened tendency to develop allergic diseases)
Cancer treatment, especially inhalant CBD for lung cancer
CBD metabolism and its effect on the liver
Symptoms and Signs of CBD Toxicity (or Adverse Effects) in Dogs
CBD, however, is not without its side effects in dogs. These side effects can be seen if your dog ingests too much CBD or is having a negative reaction to a CBD product:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Restlessness
Slow or fast heart rate
Rapid breathing
Pale gums and other mucus membranes
Contact your veterinarian immediately or bring your dog to the nearest animal hospital if they are experiencing any of these signs or they are showing any unusual behaviors while taking a CBD supplement.
Should You Give Your Dog CBD for Pain?
其中的一个first studiesdone involving CBD and dogs was performed at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The study was developed to see how CBD can help dogs with pain management. In the study, more than 80% of dogs with osteoarthritis experienced a decrease in their pain. A reduction in pain like this leads to a dog being more comfortable and more active.
While encouraging, because the dosing was very high, some concern was raised about CBD’s short-term safety. So instead of reaching for a CBD product for your dog’s pain, it is always recommended that your dog first be examined by their veterinarian and that traditional pain and anti-inflammatory medications be used first, depending on the underlying condition.Joint supplementsand fish oils are also great supplements to help dogs who are in pain from arthritis.
Should You Give Your Dog CBD for Seizures?
Colorado State University (CSU)conducted a studyworking with hemp-derived CBD in dogs that have epilepsy, or seizure disorder. The goal of using CBD in dogs with seizures would be the same as with other anti-seizure medications—decrease the frequency of seizures while having minimal side effects. In this study, 89% of dogs had fewer seizures, although all the dogs also remained on traditional anti-seizure medications such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide while taking CBD.
Another study at CSUby a veterinary neurologist is continuing to evaluate CBD’s safety and efficacy in dogs with uncontrolled seizures, as well as its possible interference with other medications. Because no conclusions have been drawn, at this time it is not recommended that CBD be given to dogs with seizures. Instead, seek traditional therapies for your dog with the guidance of your veterinarian.
Should Your Give Your Dog CBD for Behavioral Issues?
Cornell University remains at the forefront of the research into CBD use in dogs. A recent study was done giving dogs a CBD chew prior to a stressful event. Of the dogs studied,83% showed a decrease in stress or anxious behaviors. The conclusion was that further research needs to be done using different CBD products and different dosages to understand how to effectively use CBD to treat anxiety in dogs.
A study in western Australiais looking at CBD use for aggressive dogs and has shown promise in helping reduce aggression in shelter dogs. While these two studies might lead to CBD use in dogs for behavioral issues, it is currently recommended that you work with your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer to help resolve these issues with behavior modification and/or medications. Supplements such asAdaptil® Calm,Purina® Pro Plan® Calming Care, andVetriScience® Composureare also useful for minor behavioral issues in dogs.
How Much CBD Can Dogs Have?
While there have been some studies (and more ongoing) evaluating CBD use in dogs, it is not recommended at this time unless your veterinarian approves its use as safe for your dog.
While many aspects about CBD use in dogs are still unknown, studies are slowly being performed to answer those questions and they do seem promising. Even though research studies might indicate that CBD use could be beneficial for dogs with certain conditions, it’s more important to know how dogs react to this supplement in a clinical situation, and that information is not yet available.
Featured Image: iStock.com/timsa
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