Cannabis and CBD for Dogs

You've probably looked into cannabis and CBD for dogs, wondering if it would be something that would help your beloved pet. We definitely treat our dogs like family, and they deserve to feel good, too.

Fortunately, CBD for dogs works exceptionally well. And because of how their body reacts, it is extremely effective and healthy for them

Is CBD For Dogs Any Good?

The truth is: CBD works.

But, like anything else, you have to be careful about giving your pet any natural or chemical medication. Before starting this, you should talk to your vet because there are some breeds and some conditions that CBD might not work for.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the compounds found in cannabis or hemp. Pure CBD oil does not contain the compound THC that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. However, if you get a full-spectrum oil, it will have THC, which is dangerous for your dogs.

Dogs have the same endocannabinoid receptors that humans do in their nervous systems. These receptors help relieve pain, manage stress, and maintain health. Although there are few studies on CBD for dogs, based on what we know so far and anecdotal stories, CBD helps treat pain and control seizures.

CBD helps reduce inflammation in the body, calming the heart, relieving nausea, increasing appetites, reducing anxieties, and even indications that might help reduce cancer. Studies show it helps reduce cancer symptoms, and researchers believe it might prevent cancer.

But you have to be very careful. In some dogs, they might experience dangerously low blood pressure.

Especially in smaller dogs, this low blood pressure can result in fatigue, laziness, and even

unconsciousness.

One of the biggest problems is there are no well-set guidelines for dosage. The breed, health, and weight of your dog make a big difference. The general dosing guidelines found on CBD oils are the manufacturer's recommendations, not what is best for your pet.

You should also look for the ingredients. Many CBD companies add xylitol and other artificial flavorings to their CBD oil because it makes it taste good. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and could cause fatal liver failure at the first dose. Other artificial sweeteners can cause seizures and other problems.

What Problems Can Cannabis and CBD Help?

Most health conditions can be improved with CBD:

• Anxiety and stress
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Arthritis
• Seizures
• Digestive problems
• Nausea and lack of appetite
• Possibly cancer prevention

How Do I Dose CBD For My Dog?

Take a look at your dog. One of the first things you need is the actual dose of the oil or product you have. You want to know precisely how much CBD is in each dose and what serving size is a dose. For example, you might have 75mg of CBD in 1ml of oil.

Next, what is your dog's size and weight? Generally, 0.2 mg of CBD per pound bodyweight is the general recommendation. Additionally, the health of your pet matters greatly. Sick animals cannot metabolize CBD as well as healthy animals. They may need more or less depending on their condition. And, small, highly anxious dogs might metabolize the CBD much faster than laid-back larger dogs.

Generally, we recommend starting at a much lower dosage than what your pet may need. We recommend starting at half strength and paying attention to how your pet reacts

Where To Find Quality CBD For Your Dog

Hundreds of companies exist online that sell quality CBD. The top thing you should look for is organic oils that are free from pesticides. That means you don't have to worry about any toxins or contaminants. You can choose between oil, tincture, treats, and sprays. How does your dog take medication easiest? Food? Treats? Or hiding it in something else?

Select your oil with minimal other ingredients. Make sure when you purchase your product, you avoid anything with additional sweeteners, flavors, or other unnecessary elements (like color or scent). Many of these are toxic to your dog.

Make sure it is clearly labeled there is "No THC" or "THC-free." THC can cause horrible, sometimes fatal, problems for your dog.

And finally, know what strength you're getting. Usually, a lower strength product is easier to administer to your dog, especially if you have a smaller dog.

Fortunately, it is difficult to overdose on CBD. However, you should monitor your dog, and if you notice lethargy or drowsiness, you should definitely cut back. Talk with your veterinarian about starting CBD just to make sure there are no additional complications for your specific dog.