We all love our dogs and want them to be healthy. This requires a routine to minimize stress and promote a healthy lifestyle. Many dog owners are turning to CBD products to support their dog’s wellness.
But what does dog CBD look like, and what are the benefits and safety?
What Are CBD Treats for Dogs?
CBD treats for dogs are edible products infused with cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. These treats are specifically formulated for dogs and often come in biscuits and chews.
These CBD biscuits and dogs contain CBD oil extract. However, if you go to buy some CBD treats, you’ll notice some details on the packaging that you may wish you knew more about before heading to the store.
There are different types of CBD dog treats. This means different formulas, different dosages, and different usages.
You will see different types of CBD in dog treats, such as full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. We generally recommend full spectrum CBD products for humans, but broad spectrum CBD dog treats may be the best option for dogs. They offer many of the same benefits as full spectrum CBD but without the THC.
It’s also important to consider the usage and dosage of the CBD product before purchasing it. Most CBD dog products, such as “Calming Dog Treats,” are labeled for use. The usage will also determine the cannabinoids in the product and the dosages of these cannabinoids.
Are CBD Dog Treats Safe for Dogs?
Many plants that are safe for humans aren’t safe for dogs, so what about the hemp plant? CBD oil, derived from the hemp plant, is generally safe for dogs. CBD pet products are made with pet-safe ingredients and dosages, and they are conscious of pet sizes as CBD dosing is largely weight-dependent.
Can I Give My Dog CBD Products?
Yes, CBD dog treats derived from hemp are safe. However, you should be aware that CBD is not a solution to health-related issues. It can support wellness but should not be used as a cure for anything.
CBD dog treats are safe only if they are low in THC or completely free of THC. The psychoactive effects of THC are much more amplified for dogs than humans, so some dog owners choose to avoid it completely.
Benefits of CBD for Dogs
There’s a long-standing tradition of humans benefiting from the properties of hemp plants, but can dogs benefit from hemp plants, too? Research shows that dogs may benefit from CBD, too. Here are some potential benefits:
Discomfort
CBD has been researched for its potential analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It may help support pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, injuries, or post-surgery discomfort in dogs. However, if your dog is in severe pain, it’s best to visit a vet than make assumptions on your own to ensure your dog is getting the right treatment they need.
A study aimed to understand how CBD oil affects dogs with osteoarthritis, focusing on how long the drug stays in the body, its safety, and its ability to reduce pain. They conducted a thorough trial where dogs were given either CBD oil or a placebo oil every 12 hours for four weeks, with breaks between each treatment. They regularly checked the dogs’ health and activity levels through vet assessments and owner surveys.
According to scores from pain assessments and activity measurements, the results showed that dogs taking CBD oil experienced less pain and were more active [1]. This is only one study and one example, but they are continually researching CBD’s effects on other pain conditions.
Appetite
CBD may help stimulate appetite in dogs that are reluctant to eat due to illness or medication side effects. As nausea, a common symptom of illness or medication, can affect appetite, using CBD to relieve nausea may indirectly improve appetite [2].
Calming
CBD has been studied for its potential calming effects, which may help dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or if they are getting too hyper. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating emotions and stress responses [3].
The Takeaway: CBD for Dogs
With so many pet owners raving about the benefits CBD products offer their dogs, it makes sense if you’re interested in implementing CBD oil into your dog’s wellness routine.
Understanding the potential benefits and side effects CBD may have on your dog is important. With the information in this guide, we hope to give you the knowledge to choose the best CBD product for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Hemp Treats Safe for Dogs?
Yes, hemp treats that are formulated for pets are safe for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Hemp Chews with Pain Medicine?
CBD can interact with medication, so discussing the potential interaction with a veterinarian is important.
Is CBD OK for Dogs?
Current research shows that CBD is generally safe for dogs. But please be careful of the dosing and souring of your CBD products for dogs to make sure you’re giving them quality products in safe amounts.
Do Vets Recommend CBD for Dogs?
Well, vets have to follow the legal restrictions regarding recommending CBD for dogs. As it is not FDA-approved to treat health conditions, vets have to follow this guideline. Nonetheless, current research supports the potential benefits of CBD, and you can discuss your choice to give CBD to your dog with a vet.
References
- Gamble, L. J., Boesch, J. M., Frye, C. W., Schwark, W. S., Mann, S., Wolfe, L., ... & Wakshlag, J. J. (2018). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of cannabidiol treatment in osteoarthritic dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 5, 367524.
- Grotenhermen, F., & Müller-Vahl, K. (2012). The therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabinoids. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 109(29-30), 495.
- Corsato Alvarenga, I., Panickar, K. S., Hess, H., & McGrath, S. (2023). Scientific validation of cannabidiol for management of dog and cat diseases. Annual review of animal biosciences, 11, 227-246.
