Many people use CBD for medicinal purposes, but did you know dogs can too? Here is everything you need to know about using CBD oil for dogs.
Cannabidiol (a.k.a. CBD) is a non-psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis plants. CBD is derived from both marijuana and hemp plants under the cannabis genus. Before we discuss the use of CBD for your pets, allow me to explain the difference between the two plants. If you already know, skip ahead to the part about how dogs use CBD.
CBD from Hemp Plants
Hemp plants produce high concentrations of CBD and almost no THC content. This leaves the user with no intoxicating feelings – a.k.a. feeling “high” from use. Consuming CBD this way will only leave the user feeling relaxed, calm, while also reducing any physical or mental pain. CBD users experience positive changes in their overall wellbeing. This is what you should be using for your dogs!
CBD from Marijana Plants
On the other hand, Marijuana plants produce a variety of THC and CBD concentrations; with THC as the predominant cannabinoid. Sometimes the marijuana plant will have very little CBD, while other times the strain may be rich in CBD. Cannabidiol from marijuana plants can get the user high, although the psychoactive effects are known to be less intense since CBD counteracts with THC’s intoxicating properties. We do not recommend using CBD oil extracted from marijuana for your dogs as there could be THC.
*For more information about the difference between CBD and THC, click here.
Please note – No matter the source, CBD is the same compound found in both plants and will produce the same medicinal properties. Marijuana plants are a more abundant source of CBD as it can be extracted from the flowers and buds. In order to extract CBD oil from hemp plants, a much larger quantity is needed as it only comes from the stalks and stems.
How do dogs use CBD?
Everyone is concerned about the health and safety of their fur baby. No one ever wants to see their dog in pain. Pumping them full of medications can cause other complications and it is nice to try natural options. If you are going to use CBD, we recommend using a hemp-based oil.
CBD is extracted from the plant and can be purchased in a variety of forms such as pills, oils, even specialty chews, and treats. It is nice to have options!
Examples of CBD products for dogs
CBD will NOT get your dog high…
To reiterate, CBD itself will not get your furry friend high and can be used for a variety of health reasons. Most commonly, CBD is used to help combat chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia (for people and pets). Many pet owners are blown away by the results of this all-natural medicine.
I have an older dog, 7.5 years old who suffers from seizures. We started giving him CBD about a month ago and …wow. He has more energy, he is more alert, has fewer seizures, and his coat is noticeably softer too!
It seems older dogs who have trouble getting around really benefit from CBD as it increases their mobility by alleviating joint pain.
There are endless success stories out there about how CBD has been beneficial for a dog’s quality of life. I encourage you to do your own research and see if it’s right for you and your pet.
Studies around the benefits of CBD use for pets are still new and ongoing. We do not guarantee that CBD use is for everyone – or every dog – but it has certainly made a difference for many. As of now, there are no reported risks from CBD use.
Keep in Mind:
Please, if you are going to try CBD oil for your dogs, be sure to use a pet-specific product. Don’t just go out and buy the first CBD that you find because you may not know exactly what is in it, and what it could do to a dog. They make pet-specific CBD for a reason, so please be sure to use one made for pets!
With that being said, also do your research on the brand you are buying. Read reviews from other pet owners first! Do not just buy whatever is the cheapest because it could be toxic for your dogs.
Lastly, be sure to pay attention to the dosage information as it will vary depending on the size of your dog.
Does your dog use CBD? Are you thinking about trying it for the first time? Let us know in the comments and feel free to ask any questions below. Follow us @cannalifenet for more cannabis-related information.