CBD And Dogs: What You Need To Know
Posted on: 21 February 2019
CBD oil is the newest health craze for people, so it makes sense that it would soon make its way to man's best friend. If you are wondering if CBD products are a good choice for your dog, particularly if your pet is older or has a chronic pain condition, the following guide can help you better understand what CBD can and cannot do.
What is CBD oil?
CBD is cannabidiol oil, which is an extract from the hemp plant. Since most CBD products come from hemp and not marijuana, they do not contain the active ingredient THC (which is the compound that causes a "high"). In fact, when shopping around for CBD products for your pup, you should read the labels carefully and avoid products that do contain THC.
What can CBD oil do?
The research on CBD for health is still in its early stages, and few if any trials have been carried out on dogs. CBD is known to bind with some receptors in the human brain that are responsible for aiding in a sense of well being and overall balance, and due to similar physiology, it is suspected that this may convert over to dogs as well. The result may be a decrease in pain, particularly pain from a neuropathic origin.
Why types of products are best?
There are two broad categories when it comes to CBD products: topical and oral. As a general rule, it is best to avoid topical products. There is no proof that the CBD compounds in the topical products can even broach the skin, which makes their effectiveness suspect. Ingesting CBD oil will help it get into the blood system, where it can make its way to the brain and provide any beneficial effects. For this reason, only choose oral CBD products for your pup.
Are some oral products better than others?
While a CBD tincture may provide better effects, simply because it is unadulterated by other ingredients, the best product will be the one you can administer to your dog with the least effort and stress to the pup. For this reason, you may want to try some of the CBD treats that are now available.
What side effects are a concern?
The observed side effects in dogs are similar to those of humans: decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Consult with your vet if your dog is on blood pressure medication before starting CBD. As for the dry mouth, always make sure you have plenty of water out for your pet.
For more information, contact a company like Ellevet Sciences that supplies CBD oil for dogs.
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