If you have a dog, you understand: They’re more than just a pet, they’re a member of the family.
So when our animals go through the same types of illness and injury or aches and pains of aging, it’s only natural for us to want to give them the best care possible. And an increasing number of dog owners are turning to CBD to help do the trick.
But is the substance as good for our furry friends as it is for us?
Is CBD Safe For Dogs?
In a word: Yes. But it’s hard to tell for certain exactly how cannabidiol – better known as CBD – impacts dogs.
There’s simply very little research currently out on the subject. (This is due primarily to the fact that studying the impact of CBD at all was extremely difficult before 2018, when hemp became nationally legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill.)
But at the very least we know the substance isn’t outrightly harmful for the animals.
In fact, CBD products for pets have seen a boon in recent years, with the market growing a mind-blowing 946% in 2019 alone, according to the marketing research firm Brightfield Group.
That’s at least partially because, what the practice lacks in clinical evaluation, it more than makes up for in anecdotal evidence.
A large number of vets and dog owners alike have all claimed to see the benefits of CBD products on their pooches, with the dogs not only able to safely consume the compound but to benefit from its natural inclination toward easing pain and inflammation and calming raw nerves.
Why Give Dogs CBD?
Indeed, pooches are being prescribed CBD for many of the same reasons their people are.
Cannabidiol is a truly magical substance, with the ability to tap into any number of bodily functions thanks to its connection to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The natural internal structure serves to regulate everything from body temperature to hunger pangs inside of humans – and, it’s widely believed, dogs as well – and so the relationship CBD has with the ECS, many people believe, is about as close to a cure-all as we can hope to find.
It’s not uncommon for CBD to be used, in dogs or people, for a huge range of ailments, including:
· Treatment for seizures.
· Digestion issues, including upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea.
· Joint pain.
· Anxiety.
· Pain relief for chronic conditions or cancer.
Still, while the substance may be able to help both dog and owner, it’s most likely going to be more difficult to get one of those parties to take their medicine.
How To Give Dogs CBD
That’s why the market has developed any number of dog-specific CBD products.
Popular picks include everything from bacon-flavored CBD oil to cannabidiol-infused dog treats.
Other helpful products have also been developed, such as CBD powder to add to water or wet dog food, and CBD spray for dogs that can be combed directly into their fur.
Our furry friends also have their pick of more run-of-the-mill CBD items, including regular CBD oil, which can be administered orally or dropped into water, as well as a range of CBD salves and creams meant to target joint pain for animals.
But, no matter how you choose to share cannabidiol with your pet, there are a few important precautions about the type of CBD you should give them.'
What’s The Best Type of CBD For Dogs?
That’s because not all types of CBD are created equal.
Briefly, you can buy the substance in three different varieties: CBD isolate; broad spectrum CBD; and full spectrum CBD. But only some of those are appropriate for animals.
While many vets have no problem with animals consuming CBD, many if not most still take issue with dogs consuming THC – otherwise known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or the compound in the hemp plant that makes you high.
Full-spectrum CBD products include every part of the hemp plant – including THC – and though the percentage of the substance is low, it’s still not advisable to give any amount of it to an animal.
So if you want to share the benefits of CBD with your furry friend, your best bet is ensuring they’re taking a broad-spectrum or isolate variety – which are both made without THC.
Still, as always, if you’re looking to give your dog any type of supplement, including CBD, it’s important to always first consult your veterinarian. They will be able to advise whether the supplement is appropriate for your animal’s condition and give advice on the proper dosage or even delivery method for your dog.
But at the end of the day, no matter how you show your dog you love them, it’s all about ensuring they know their true place in the family.
REFERENCES:
https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/what-to-know-if-you-want-to-give-your-dog-cbd-cannabidiol
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/08/19/cbd-products-pets/?arc404=true
