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Thinking about giving CBD to your dog?
There are a lot of things that might have you searching for CBD solutions for your pup. Maybe Spot has a specific condition and you want to add CBD to his care plan. Maybe you want to do everything in your power to prevent health problems.
Or, maybe you’re simply looking for a natural way to help high-strung Fifi stop spazzing out every time the delivery driver knocks on your door.
Whatever your reason for being curious about CBD for dogs, you’re in the right place. Sit, stay, and read on — because we’ve fetched the latest scientific, legal, and recommended usage information on CBD for pets.
Fair question! With Americans spending an average of $1,350 a year on basic expenses for their dogs, it makes sense to be on top of what’s worth it.
As much as we’d like to ask them about it, our dogs can’t speak our language. (You might say communications can be ruff.) So, we rely on scientific research and observations to figure out what affects them.
What we do know is that dogs have endocannabinoid systems like us people do. Dogs may actually be more receptive to cannabinoids. Meaning the benefits of CBD for dogs may be even greater than the benefits for humans.
We also know that CBD has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It’s been reported to reduce stress. And some studies have suggested cancer-fighting and heart-protecting capabilities. These are just to name a few potential benefits. This might mean it’s useful for conditions like:
...and more for dogs.
Okay, this section should really be called “can you ask your vet?”
Although the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp cultivation legal in all 50 states, CBD for pets remains a legal grey area. While products containing hemp-derived CBD for pets and people are legal, veterinary providers are strictly prohibited from even discussing CBD in most states. (Sad puppy dog eyes….)
When we say “strictly prohibited,” we mean it. Vets could face penalties or even lose their license for advising on CBD.
Vets can’t prescribe CBD oil in any state. Like doctors (after all, they are pet doctors), they have to follow rules set by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Since FDA-approved drugs containing CBD are only approved for humans, they have no options to prescribe medicinal CBD to your pooch.
California became the first state to allow vets to discuss cannabis for medicinal use in 2018. Hopefully, more states will leash up with their framework!
All that said, you can and should ask your vet if they can discuss CBD with you if it’s something you want to give your dog. They may have fact sheets or other resources available. They may also be able to tell you whether or not the properties of CBD may interfere with other drugs your dog is taking.
So, does this mean you’re on your own? Most definitely not — at least not on our watch!
Let’s dig a little deeper.
There’s a ton of anecdotal evidence about CBD improving mobility, reducing stress, and medicinal benefits for pets. But what about the science?
Since hemp was only recently reclassified as an agricultural commodity, it wasn’t legal to research CBD. Thanks to the good ol’ 2018 Farm Bill, we’re seeing more studies on the matter. This is definitely something to wag your tail about!
Good science takes time though, so we’re still waiting to see the outcomes of a lot of research. The progress so far is promising. In 2020, one study observed a significant improvement in the quality of life and mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis who took CBD.
The most important thing to look for in CBD for dogs is to look for what’s NOT included.
Dogs are sensitive to things we humans aren’t. That includes tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, just like CBD.
But unlike CBD, THC is toxic to pets.It can cause seizures, severe vomiting, and in some cases even coma, cardiac arrest, or death. If your dog consumes a high-THC cannabis product, immediately call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
That makes it very important to choose CBD sourced from hemp. You should also double-check a third-party tested certificate of analysis to make sure your pet’s CBD product doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC. (You can find ours on the product page.)
Other potentially dangerous ingredients include:
Choosing a CBD oil formulated for pets is the best way to avoid these ingredients.
Something else to chew on: Since CBD comes from the hemp plant, organically grown hemp ensures little Max won’t be getting pesticides or unwanted chemicals.
Pure Craft CBD’s Nano CBD Water Soluble For Pets has only two ingredients: Organically grown, nano-optimized broad-spectrum CBD oil and MCT oil.
Because we know you’re a responsible pet parent who does the research: Nano-optimized means smaller particles, helping it be absorbed quickly. That could come in handy for pre-vet visit dosing.
Broad-spectrum means your dog gets the synergistic benefits of cannabis compounds without the THC.
There are several ways to give CBD oil to your canine companion.
If it likes anything that comes from the hand that feeds, you may be able to drop the CBD into its mouth. For more (ahem) discerning pups, you can add it to water or food bowls, or homemade treats.
Always follow the dosing instructions.
It’s always a good idea to start slow and observe whenever you’re giving your pet anything new, including CBD. If they “dig” the results, gradually increase the dose.
Using CBD oil tincture for pets is the best way to control the dose. And, if you’ve got multiple pups, you can easily measure separate doses for their weight.
Reported side effects of CBD in dogs are rare. When they do occur, they tend to be mild.
If your dog does experience any of the following symptoms, don’t give them anymore CBD and closely observe it. If problems worsen, contact your vet.
You should be ready to report any other ingredients in the CBD product you gave your dog and anything else they’ve consumed (or may have gotten into) recently.
Potential CBD oil side effects in dogs may include:
Possible human side effect of giving your dog CBD is a thing, too. Be aware that it’s possible to experience the “caregiver placebo effect,” which can happen with any substance or prescription drug. This means you might want to see a specific outcome and miss other important signs from your pup.
So, remember to observe your Lassie or Cujo objectively. This can help you determine exactly how CBD best fits into her or his care plan and lifestyle.
CBD’s a natural and attainable solution for canine health and wellness plans.
You may or may not be able to get more information about CBD from your veterinarian. With studies in motion to observe the efficacy of CBD in dogs and pets, pet parents should stay on the prowl for more information.
Properly using a high-quality CBD oil tincture formulated for pets is the best way to make sure you’re giving your best friend the best.
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