Pet wellness is always a topic that is discussed among pet owners. Every pet owner has the best concerns for their pet in their mind. Therefore, they tend to research well and introduce new products for long-term use.
CBD oils are also such products that have raised many concerns among pet owners. People are thoughtful about the impact these oils can have on dogs.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to avoid the side effects of CBD oil in dogs.
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound in hemp and cannabis. This medical marijuana is known to provide relief from pain and other ailments.
CBD is one of over 80 chemical compounds that form cannabinoids derived from the marijuana plant. However, CBD is not as phytoactive as the famous cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
In combination with other therapies, CBD may help improve a dog’s quality of life.
What Are The Health Issues That CBD Oil Can Treat?
The use of CBD oil in treating various issues in dogs is purely based on input provided by owners and not on definitive scientific data.
Many dog owners say CBD has helped their dogs control seizures and cope with pain, especially neuropathic pain.
Dog owners have also reported CBD oil benefiting dog health in the following ways:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It has anti-nausea effects.
- It has cardiac benefits.
- It stimulates appetite.
- It provides an anti-anxiety impact.
- It has possible anti-cancer effects.
Research is being conducted on these effects to prove the benefits of CBD oils in dogs.
Side Effects Of CBD Oil On Dogs And How To Avoid Them
Dogs who consume a large amount of CBD may face some of the side effects given below. A high concentration of CBD oil in your dog’s system could overwhelm it.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is a common side effect that occurs in dogs that are given too much CBD. This is because CBD decreases a dog’s saliva production.
A dry mouth is an issue of concern in dogs as it could lead to dental problems. Dogs require saliva to eliminate bacteria from their mouth and prevent tooth decay and bad breath.
If your dog is getting a dry mouth, you can identify it with its foul breath. Dogs that have dry mouths also drink more water than usual. These are the symptoms to determine that your dog has a dry mouth. A dry mouth causes pain when swallowing.
If this happens, reassess your dog’s CBD routine and reduce it accordingly. Also, ensure your dog has access to fresh water all the time.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea in dogs could be a symptom of various issues, and one is too much CBD. Diarrhea could be triggered by CBD oil use.
To prevent this, you need to reduce the CBD dosage. Using another CBD brand could reduce the symptoms or completely eliminate them.
The reason is that diarrhea can be triggered by the carrier oil and not necessarily the CBD itself.
Dizziness
Symptoms of dizziness in dogs include falling over, trouble standing up, and losing balance. Dizziness is most likely to occur when dogs consume CBD oil made for humans.
These CBD oil products contain THC, which is not safe for dogs. The psychoactive effect can be pleasing for people but not for dogs. It is toxic for dogs.
Therefore, ensure that you buy THC-free CBD oil intended for pet use to minimize the risk in dogs.
Low Blood Pressure
High doses of CBD could significantly lower blood pressure in dogs. A drop in blood pressure could cause dizziness and light-headedness in dogs.
However, it only occurs if you give very high doses of CBD. Therefore, you can prevent this in dogs by giving them lower doses of CBD.
Stomach Issues
Introducing a new food or medicine could generally cause this symptom in dogs. To minimize the risk of your dog getting stomach issues from CBD, start giving small amounts and gradually increase the dose.
If you suddenly give your dog a large dose, it could react with an upset stomach and other serious side effects.
Inhibited Liver Problems
CBD does have an impact on liver enzyme production. There are conflicting scientific data concerning this. Some believe this impact is due to an increased alkaline phosphatase level, while others think it inhibits liver enzymes.
When liver enzymes are inhibited, the dog can’t properly metabolize medication, which could cause accidental overdoses.
The best way to prevent this situation is to consult your vet regarding the current medications of your dog and their compatibility with this treatment.
Lethargy
Feeling sleepy and lazy after taking CBD is another common side effect. The general cause for this is giving high doses.
Therefore, decrease the CBD dose and see if it works.
Risks Of Using CBD Oil In Dogs
Scientific research data do not back up the safety and risks of CBD oil in dogs. Therefore, organizations like the FDA have not approved its use in dogs or not issued a dosage recommendation chart.
Therefore, it’s hard to give an exact amount of CBD oil that could cause specific side effects in dogs. You need to figure it out by yourself.
That’s why starting with a small dose is recommended and gradually increasing it based on how your dog reacts to it. You must closely monitor its effects on your dog.
You must also consult your vet about administering CBD oil in dogs and how it complements other medications.
Is CBD Oil Safe For Dogs?
CBD oil is safe for dogs as long as it doesn’t contain high THC levels. Such CBD oil is derived from the hemp variety of cannabis plants and could be given to your dog. High levels of THC mean that it is derived from the marijuana version of cannabis, which is unsafe for animals.
Closely monitor your dog’s activity levels to see what kind of an effect CBD oil has on your dog. This effect could change from one dog to another, so you must keep a close eye on your pet.
Can CBD Oil Help With Mental Health Issues?
CBD is used to treat psychiatric symptoms. It has been approved for treating several epilepsy syndromes.
CBD can help with managing anxious behavior in dogs. However, it may take time and may not be treated completely.
Providing adequate mental exercise is the best way to reduce dogs’ anxiety. Check out this for brain training games with positive method dog training to stimulate your dog mentally.
Factors To Consider When Buying CBD Oil For Dogs
So many CBD products are in the market, so you need some knowledge to choose the right type.
Here are some of the factors that you need to consider when buying CBD oil for dogs:
- Buy organic CBD oil, which is free of fungicides and pesticides.
- Check for the product certificate that states the amount of THC in CBD oil. Make sure it is a very small amount or, better yet, none.
- Don’t make your choice based on the price. A lower price does not necessarily mean the product is suitable to give your dog. Choose high-quality products that won’t harm your dog.
- Buy CBD oils instead of CBD dog treats like soft chews because the oil is the best form to administer.
Different Kinds Of CBD Oil For Dogs
There are many different types of CBD oils in the market, and it’s essential to know them before buying them.
CBD isolate only contains cannabidiol (CBD), while Full-spectrum CBD includes cannabinoids, terpenes, and traces of THC.
You must know these CBD oils as they could help you choose the best one for your dog.
Tips To Remember When Giving CBD Oils For Dogs
Here are some tips to follow when giving CBD oil to your dog.
- Use the correct type of CBD for your dog.
- Start giving your dog a small amount of CBD oil and gradually increase the dose.
- Give your dog time to adjust to CBD oil and give it time to work in its body.
- Use hemp-derived CBD oil and avoid THC products as much as possible.
How Much CBD Is Recommended For A Dog?
The basic rule is to give 1 – 5 mg of CBD for every pound of body weight in a dog. However, it could change according to the product, and it’s vital to read the label before determining how much to give your dog.
You need to give this dose twice daily to your dog.
Final Thoughts
CBD oil can help your dog manage many health issues and considerations. Therefore, it can be beneficial to your dog.
However, it’s essential to research well and give CBD oil that would not cause harm to your dog. Give it hemp-based CBD products that are suitable for pets.
Also, start with a small dose when introducing CBD oil to your dog. Gradually increase it once your dog gets used to CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does CBD Remain In Your Dog’s System?
CBD will remain in your dog’s system for 24 hours.
What Happens If A Dog Has Too Much CBD?
Lethargy, diarrhea, dizziness, and an upset stomach are some symptoms that occur when a dog has too much CBD.
