Cannabidiol, CBD, is the non-psychoactive component found in cannabis and hemp plants. It provides all the medicinal benefits of cannabis – pain relief, anxiety relief, and sleep enhancement – without the user experiencing a “high” or paranoia.
While individuals around the globe are turning to CBD from reputed online dispensary, Canada as a safe and natural treatment option for chronic health conditions, more pet owners are turning to CBD oil for dogs as a treatment option for their pets, as well.
Research on the safety and efficiency of CBD treatment for dogs is still in its infancy. However, studies so far show promising results for using CBD oil to manage pain, anxiety, and seizures in dogs. It can promote general wellness in dogs, too.
Like us, dogs have CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout their bodies that allow them to benefit from CBD for many of the same reasons people use it. Hemp-derived CBD is also legal and widely accessible in many territories, making it easy to get your paws on for your pup.
Before using CBD oil for your dog – or making any changes to your pup’s pre-existing treatment plan – speak to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to oversee your dog’s health and may be able to guide you on which products to use, too.
Benefits of CBD For Dogs
CBD Can Alleviate Chronic Pain and Inflammation in Dogs
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on the quality of your dog’s life. One study found chronic pain affects about 20 percent of all dogs, with a particular prevalence in older, heavier dogs.
Inflammatory pain can target your dog’s joints, affecting their ability to roam around the backyard or enjoy a game of fetch. This is most commonly associated with osteoarthritis, which affects one in five dogs.
A 2018 Frontiers in Veterinary Science study found CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties effectively reduced osteoarthritic pain expressed by dogs. The dogs displayed reduced pain and inflammation upon veterinary examination, as well.
The CBD oil was well-tolerated in the study, too. NSAIDs that are typically prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in dogs and humans can adversely affect the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. But there were no observable side effects during the dogs’ CBD treatment.
CBD Can Help Doggy Digestion
It’s not uncommon for your dog to suffer from an upset stomach every once in a while. But Chronic digestive issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are a common occurrence that severely affects your dog’s health and happiness.
CBD can target inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce digestive distress. You and your dog won’t have to withstand frequent bouts of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
CBD Can Reduce Seizures in Dogs
In humans, medicinal cannabis has long-since been utilized as a safe and effective treatment option for epilepsy due to CBD’s anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties.
Additionally, epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in dogs worldwide, according to a research article in Science Daily. Their study found 89 percent of dogs experienced a reduction in seizures following CBD treatment.
This is a profound discovery in the veterinary industry and sets the tone for future studies. However, many pet owners had already turned to CBD to treat their dog’s epilepsy before this study, further supporting the effectiveness of treating canine epilepsy with CBD oil.
CBD Can Reduce Anxiety in Dogs
Anxiety can present itself in many forms in dogs, including:
- Excessive barking
- Digestive upset
- Decreased appetite
- Shivering or tremoring
- Running away and hiding in dark corners of the house
- Destroying furniture
- Frequent urination
- Panting and pacing
- Self-harming (biting or excessively licking itself)
Although these signs may be subtle, anxiety has a significant impact on your dog’s ability to socialize and enjoy quality time with you.
CBD has anxiolytic properties that can ease your dog into a sense of calm. This is a great treatment option for day to day anxiety experienced by dogs. It can also help your pup relax during loud events, like nearby fireworks, or while you have company visiting.
CBD Promotes General Wellness in Dogs
All of CBD’s medicinal properties come together to promote general wellness and healthy life for your dog. While CBD oil has shown efficacy at treating many common ailments in dogs, your canine doesn’t need a serious health condition to benefit from the cannabinoid.
For example, CBD oil or a CBD dog treat can help your dog unwind and rest up after a long day of playing outside. It can help them handle the stress of moving to a new home or being surrounded by unfamiliar faces during a party.
In Conclusion
Although a study on the long-term effects of using CBD for your dog has yet to be done, empirical reports and clinical evidence thus far support the safety of CBD use – especially in contrast to traditional treatment options, like NSAIDs.
Overall, CBD oil is a natural alternative that can promote good health and wellbeing in your dog. This plant-based medicine has profound and diverse effects of sustaining a long, happy life with your furry friend.