Over the past ten years, there has been a rise in CBD usage for people looking for a more natural remedy for different ailments including anxiety or varying levels of pain. That being said, there has been research coming out about CBD’s benefits and side effects in humans.
When it comes to using CBD on dogs, research is in its introductory stage, but many dog owners report positive side effects showing a possible connection between giving their dog CBD and reduced anxiety, pain, inflammation, digestion issues and emotional distress.
At PureRoots, we offer three different pet friendly tinctures that can offer potential relief of these conditions in pets ranging from 15-100 pounds.
As of right now, there are no current CBD products available for pets that have been approved by the FDA. This article will explain the current research about CBD usage in dogs as well as go over the possible benefits and side effects of CBD usage in pets in order for you to decide whether or not CBD might be a good option for your pet.
What do the Vets say about CBD?
A 2018 survey of 2,131 participants conducted by the VIN News Service found that about 63% of veterinarians reported that they were asked about CBD oil for pets at least once a month.
Vets might be asked about whether or not they recommend the use of CBD in pets, but it does not mean that they can discuss the possible effects with their clients. In some states, there are chances of receiving penalties or license suspension for recommending CBD for pets. In states where vets do not have the risk of receiving these penalties, like California, there is a little more freedom to talk about these things without the fear of punishment. Until veterinarians have the ability to openly discuss CBD and its side effects, do not expect them to recommend CBD or sign a prescription for one.
CBD uses in Dogs
Most of the CBD research done has been on its effects in humans. Research indicates that it might be an effective treatment for conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain. Although research in animals is newer, there are a few reliable studies conducted recently on the effects of CBD in dogs.
One study done in 2018 sought to assess safety, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-pain properties of CBD oil in dogs with osteoarthritis. Researchers gave dogs doses of 2 or 8 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Eighty percent of the dogs showed improvement in their pain and mobility, as measured by two veterinary resources — the canine brief pain inventory and the Hudson activity scale. However, it is important to note that a CBD producer funded this study, so there is the possibility of the results being somewhat biased.
A small 2019 study found that epileptic dogs given CBD in addition to their seizure medication showed significantly fewer seizures than those who received the seizure medication and a placebo. Both the CBD group and the placebo group had a similar number of dogs that responded to treatment and had decreases in seizure activity. This is why the authors suggested further research in order to get more definitive conclusions.
These studies provide a great basis into the possible benefits of CBD usage in dogs, but more research is needed in order to confirm these results.
Choosing the Right Product
Here at PureRoots, we currently offer 3 different CBD tinctures for dogs of varying weights. All you do is shake the container and give one full drop of the tincture to your pet twice daily. You can put the dropper directly in the pet’s mouth, mix the tincture with their food, or put it on top of their favorite treat. Each dog responds differently to CBD, so it is important to give small doses when introducing the product to their daily routine.
One Colorado State University study from 2018 on dogs with epilepsy found that CBD oil, given orally, was more effective than using a cream or gel capsule, but there needs to be more research in order to develop any solid conclusions.
Our products are extracted from organically grown single strain hemp flowers that never use any sort of pesticides. Even though the FDA does not currently regulate CBD, all of our products have a certificate of analysis done by a third party.
Summary
Overall, it is important to note that CBD research in pets is very up-and-coming with no definitive results. The FDA has not yet regulated CBD, so there are different safety concerns that pet owners should research before having their pets use CBD.
Owners have self-reported benefits including reduced anxiety, pain, inflammation, digestion issues and emotional distress. There have also been negative effects like excessive panting, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of balance after taking too much CBD. This is why it is important to start with small doses.
When giving your pet CBD, it is recommended to talk to a vet beforehand and do research and to make sure to keep an eye on your pet in order to watch for both positive and negative side effects.
Sources
https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=8700040&useobjecttypeid=10&fromVINNEWSASPX=1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065210/