Ava Williams
It is now known that CBD can alleviate diseases and complaints such as pain in humans. However, the cannabidiol extracted from the hemp plant can also help animals. Dogs in particular should benefit from the pain-relieving, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory effects of this natural plant substance.
This is how CBD oil works in dogs
Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system. This is the basic requirement for CBD products to work in dogs. The focus is on the so-called cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which are located all over the body. Whether it’s in the brain, gut, or nervous system, CBD oil’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system can improve a dog’s physical functions and reduce anxiety, pain, and other ailments.
Areas of application of CBD
CBD is said to be able to relieve both psychological and physical ailments in dogs. The possible areas of application are therefore broad and administration in many diseases is conceivable.
Arthritis
In arthritis, the joints are inflamed, which causes pain and stiffness. CBD appears to interfere with the inflammation-causing processes by docking with the CB1 cannabinoid receptors. The dog’s immune system can thus better fight the inflammation, while the organism is enabled to produce a larger number of endogenous cannabinoids. The positive effects of CBD in dogs with arthritis have already been confirmed by a study. The affected dogs were more active and had less pain.
Anxiety and stress
Even though there are unfortunately quite a few people who are afraid of dogs or at least have a good deal of respect for them: Dogs can also suffer from depression, stress, and anxiety. One reason for this may be a certain imbalance in the animal’s brain. Certain receptors play a role in which CBD binds. Since anxiety in dogs can show up in very different situations, the possible uses of CBD oil also seem comprehensive. Unusual volume levels such as during thunderstorms or at the turn of the year as well as separations from the master are just a few examples of anxiety in dogs.
Pains
Like other creatures, dogs also suffer from pain in various forms. On the one hand, this can be acute pain caused by an injury such as an open wound. On the other hand, chronic pain is also responsible for a lot of suffering in dogs, which leads to years of medication. Unpleasant side effects are not uncommon. CBD oil is said to have a positive effect here by reducing the transmission of pain to the brain. Human research has shown that pain relief from CBD is indeed possible.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy can also occur in dogs. Epileptic seizures can usually be treated with medication. However, these drugs can put a strain on the dog’s body. The liver, for example, is often affected, leading to new medical problems. CBD may be able to reduce epileptic seizures in dogs. There are several other areas of application in which a positive effect of CBD is suspected. For example cancer, immune deficiency, loss of appetite, nausea, or with coat and skin problems.
Dosage of CBD oil in dogs
As with so many medicines and dietary supplements, the right dosage is also important with CBD. The dosage must be tailored to the dog’s unique organism. You start with a low dose that can be increased bit by bit. In addition, the weight of the dog should always be the focus, it can influence the effect. If dog owners want to buy CBD oil for their animals and compare products, they should keep an eye on the strength of the CBD product.
The following dosages are recommended :
- up to 12 kg: 2.5 to 5 ml per week
- 12 to 25 kg: 5 to 10 ml per week
- from 26 kg: 10 to 15 ml per week
Of course, it is advisable to discuss the CBD dosage with the veterinarian or an alternative practitioner for animals. It is better to give too little than too much to see how the dog tolerates CBD. If you do not observe any abnormalities here, you can increase the dose.
CBD side effects for dogs
In general, dogs tolerate CBD quite well. However, as with any medication and dietary supplement, there can be side effects that can never be ruled out with complete certainty. For example, the dog can develop dry mucous membranes as a result. Dizziness and drowsiness can also occur. Therefore, it is also advisable to give CBD oil before going to sleep in the evening. This way, the tiredness doesn’t affect the daily routine but occurs when your dog is sleeping anyway. Incidentally, you should be particularly careful if your dog is already taking medication, eats little, or is pregnant. In the latter case, the placenta could be damaged.