As a pet owner, it's natural to want the best for your furry friend, which is why many are turning to CBD dog treats as a potential solution for anxiety, pain, and other issues. CBD dog treats are made from hemp-derived cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound that's been shown to have therapeutic benefits.
According to the FDA, CBD is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts, but it's essential to choose a high-quality treat from a reputable manufacturer. Look for products that have been tested by a third-party lab and have clear instructions for use.
While some pet owners swear by the benefits of CBD dog treats, it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplements, including CBD. This will help you determine the best course of action for your pet's specific needs.
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What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the name of this compound. It's essential to note that in most cases, CBD oil does not contain THC, the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. Most CBD products are derived from hemp, not marijuana. CBD oil is a popular choice for its potential health benefits.
Safety and Risks
The safety and risks of using CBD for dogs have not yet been researched, so it's essential to approach with caution. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD and has not issued a dosing chart.
Any medication or supplement carries the risk of a reaction, so it's always advisable to start with small amounts and closely monitor the effects. Always check with your veterinarian first.
Some potential side effects of CBD in dogs include dry mouth, which can manifest as increased thirst, lowered blood pressure, and drowsiness. These effects can be minimized by following the proper dosage.
Here are some common side effects to watch out for if your dog takes too much CBD:
- Gastrointestinal upset, including stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea
- Extreme drowsiness, sleepiness, or lethargy
How Does Affect?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in a dog's nervous system, which helps maintain balance in the body. There has been no formal study on how CBD specifically affects dogs.
Currently, scientists don't fully understand how CBD affects dogs, but they know it interacts with endocannabinoid receptors.
Risks of Using
The safety and risks of using CBD oil for dogs are not yet fully understood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD and has not issued a dosing chart.
This lack of research means we don't know what size dosage would be toxic. Any medication or supplement carries the risk of a reaction.
To minimize potential side effects, it's essential to start with small amounts and closely monitor your dog's effects. Always check with your veterinarian first.
Here are some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Dry mouth: This can cause increased thirst in dogs.
- Lowered blood pressure: High doses of CBD can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, leading to brief feelings of light-headedness.
- Drowsiness: Higher doses of CBD can cause slight drowsiness, especially in anxious dogs.
If you give your dog too much CBD, they may display similar symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. They may also become extremely drowsy or lethargic.
Benefits and Uses
CBD dog treats can help with a range of health and wellness benefits, including pain relief, stress and anxiety, and even potential anti-cancer benefits. However, it's essential to understand that while there's anecdotal evidence, there's no definitive scientific data on using CBD to treat dogs.
CBD works by interacting with receptors in an animal's endocannabinoid system, supporting homeostasis and helping to regulate important functions. This is why a pet, such as a dog or cat, can benefit from CBD in the same ways that humans do.
Joint & Mobility CBD Treats for Dogs are formulated to deliver minor pain relief and anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling. These treats come in a delicious blueberry and sweet potato flavor, and contain an assortment of other natural ingredients.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is sponsoring a study to evaluate the use of CBD in treatment-resistant epileptic dogs. This study aims to gain scientific data on the use of CBD in dogs with this condition.
Choosing and Using
The safety of CBD dog treats depends on the quality of the product, which is why it's essential to find high-quality, hemp-derived CBD that is specifically designed for dogs.
Start with small amounts and closely monitor your dog's effects, as the safety and risks of using CBD for dogs have not yet been researched.
Always check with your veterinarian first, as they can provide guidance on the best product for your dog and help you determine a safe dosage.
Penelope's Bloom CBD dog treats, for example, make dosages easy with the same amount of organic CBD oil in each treat, and they offer different CBD strengths for larger and smaller dog breeds.
To create custom CBD doses, you can also use CBD oil tinctures or CBD-infused peanut butter for dogs.
Finding High-Quality
Finding high-quality CBD products for your dog is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being.
You want to look for hemp-derived CBD, which has naturally low levels of THC – no more than 0.3 percent THC by weight.
This means your dog won't experience THC toxicity, even if they consume a hemp-derived CBD product that isn't labeled as THC-free.
Be wary of CBD products made from marijuana, which can have higher levels of THC and be toxic to dogs.
A reputable brand will test their products by an independent, third-party lab to assure purity and potency.
Opt for products made with organic, human-grade ingredients, like Penelope's Bloom CBD Dog Treats.
These products are made with ultra-clean CO2 oil extraction processes for exceptional purity and are sourced from organically grown hemp.
Choosing and Using
Choosing the right CBD dose for your dog can be a bit tricky, but it's crucial to get it right. Start with the lowest recommended amount for their size, and choose treats of the right strength.
Your dog's weight is a key factor in determining the right CBD dose, so it's essential to know their weight before choosing a product. For example, dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds require a 150 mg bag of treats with 5 mg of CBD per treat.
You can adjust the dose based on your dog's individual needs, but it's best to start with a small amount and stick to it for 30 days to see how they react. This will help you determine if the dose is too high or too low.
Additional reading: What to Do with Your Dog's Ashes?
It's also important to note that CBD can accumulate in your dog's body, so it may take a few days to notice negative effects if the dose is too high. To reduce the risk of overdosing, take your time and graduate your dog to higher CBD doses in small increments.
You can find CBD dog treats in different strengths, such as 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg, which feature 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg of CBD per treat, respectively. This makes it easy to choose the right dose for your dog's size.
Remember to follow the CBD dosing guides on the product packaging, and consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
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Alternatives and Trends
As we explore the safety of CBD dog treats, let's take a look at some alternatives and trends in the industry.
There are indeed numerous published articles and many customer reviews regarding the benefits of CBD for dogs. Dog parents have claimed that CBD can reduce nausea, boost appetites, cure inflammation, and alleviate canine anxiety. A study by Colorado State University produced promising findings about the effects of CBD in epileptic dogs.
However, some brands like Puppington are opting out of using CBD in their dog-calming treats and chews, instead choosing to use alternative natural ingredients. They believe that more research is still needed before concluding whether CBD is safe for all dogs.
The CBD wellness trend is gaining momentum, with many pet owners and manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon. Innovet, for instance, offers a line of full spectrum pure hemp oils that are USDA certified organic and third-party tested for consistency and purity.
5 Natural Alternatives for Anxiety
Magnesium is a mineral that has a profound calming effect and is even depleted in times of high stress. It boosts the brain's ability to help lower stress and reduce anxiety by blocking activity from stimulating neurotransmitters and binding to calming receptors in the brain.
Chamomile is an organic herb supplement that functions as a sedative, muscle relaxer, and ingredient for reducing inflammation. It can cause an upset stomach if dogs ingest too much, so always check with your vet and give your dog the correct amount.
Melatonin is one of the safer human supplements that can be given to dogs. If given in the correct dosage, melatonin can help calm a moody, hyperactive, or anxious pup and improve their sleep cycle.
Valerian root is another perfect alternative to CBD oil for dogs. It's used to calm anxious, fearful, or stressed dogs, but should not be given to puppies and is not indicated for pregnant or lactating females.
The correct dosage of L-tryptophan can help reduce stress and aggression in dogs. This amino acid directly affects serotonin levels in your dog's body, making it a great choice for helping your dog cope better in stressful situations.
The Wellness Trend
The Wellness Trend is gaining momentum, and it's largely due to the legalization of marijuana in many places. This has triggered interest in potential health benefits of marijuana-related products.
Dr. Klein points to the growing interest in CBD oil as a result of this legalization. We are likely to see continued interest in CBD and an increase in research about its uses and efficacy in the coming years.
Innovet has created a product line of full spectrum pure hemp oils that are void of dangerous compounds. Their USDA certified organic oil is formulated especially for animals and is also third-party tested to ensure consistency and purity.
Innovet offers more than 50 affordable products to help pets manage anxiety, pain, and other conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I give my dog CBD calming treats?
You can give your dog CBD calming treats twice a day for optimal benefits. Regular dosing helps their endocannabinoid system adapt and maintain homeostasis.
Is CBD dog health legit?
Research confirms CBD is safe for dogs, but excessive use may cause temporary side effects like diarrhea or lethargy. Consult with a veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog to ensure safe and effective use
What happens if my dog eats a whole bag of CBD treats?
If your dog ingests a large amount of CBD treats, they may experience gastrointestinal upset, incoordination, depression, sedation, lethargy, and potentially urinary incontinence, which can last from 24 to 72 hours. Seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Sources
- https://puppington.co/blogs/pup-wellness/cbd-dog-treats-for-anxiety-do-they-work
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
- https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
- https://penelopesbloom.com/collections/cbd-dog-treats/
- https://www.pawcbd.com/blogs/posts/can-dogs-overdose-on-cbd-treats
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