Is CBD oil for dogs safe, legal and beneficial at all?
The use of this often misunderstood and highly controversial plant product is widely debated.
Mainly because of the widespread yet myth that treating dogs with CBD oil will make them high.
A few studies show pros of using CBD oil for dogs outweighs the cons. However, before you jump into an online market place for the next shiny bottle, there are a lot more to it you should know.
In this article, we’ll debunk some popular myths about CBD oil use in dogs and explain its benefits, considerations, usage instructions and legality issues.
Key Points
For those who has little time to learn all about CBD oil:
Key Take Aways
- In general, CBD oil must not contain more than 0.2% THC to be sold in the UK legally
- Using CBD oil for pets is illegal in the UK without a vet prescription
- CBD oil is safe for pets. This isn’t just popular belief, research proves it
- CBD oil for pets is not intoxicating and cannot get them "high"
- Sleepiness is a potential side-effect
- Cannabis is illegal and unsafe for pets
- Hemp seed oil is legal, beneficial and doesn't contain any cannabinoids
- Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil. They are both safe, but have different properties
- Choose "full-spectrum" and "broad spectrum" CBD oils instead of CBD isolates. They are more potent and more frequently recommended by vets
What is CBD?
Short for Cannabidiol, CBD is one of the over 100 natural compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most important active compounds.
CBD vs. THC
Although derived from the same plant, these two compounds have different properties.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. When used in specific doses, it has therapeutic effects.
THC is a psychoactive compound. It gives a temporary feeling of joy, euphoria, and relaxation, or in slang terms – makes you feel "high".
Is Marijuana, Hemp and Cannabis The Same Thing?
Both marijuana and hemp are varieties of the same cannabis plant (hemp is Cannabis sativa, while marijuana is Cannabis indica).
The difference is due to the amount of THC (psychoactive component) contained. The word "hemp" is used for when the cannabis contains 0.3% THC or less by dry weight. Marijuana can contain up to 30% THC.
Put bluntly, THC is the psychoactive ingredient a herbal treatment doesn’t necessarily need, and CBD is the beneficial ingredient the treatment's efficacy is based on.
Because of the low THC concentrations, hemp doesn’t have psychoactive properties. Low in THC and rich in CBD, hemp is the primary source for most CBD products.
Usually, CBD oils designed for both humans and pets come from hemp.
Is Hemp seed oil same as CBD Oil?
Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil and may not have the beneficial effects associated with CBD Oil. If you want to buy CBD Oil, pay attention so that you don't end up buying the wrong product and overpaying for hemp seed oil.
They are both derived from the cannabis plant. CBD oil is made by extracting the CBD compound from the flowers, leaves, and stems.
Hemp seed oil is extracted by cold pressing the seeds of the cannabis plant.
Both are beneficial on their own way. Hemp seed oil has nutritional benefits. Also CBD Oil could be useful for the treatment of more acute pain relief whilst hemp seed oil can help as a long term supplement to support your pet with conditions such as arthritis.
top rated hemp seed oils for dogs
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How does CBD oil affect dogs?
Based on current knowledge, CBD works by interacting or, better said, binding with the endocannabinoid receptors.
The receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) responsible for many vital body functions.
Endocannabinoid System
The ECS is responsible for keeping the body in balance and maintaining a state of health.
It influences, aids, and promotes various physical, physiological, and cognitive functions such as pain, appetite, thermoregulation, inflammation, energy, metabolism, mood, stress response, muscle control, sensation, sleep, memory, immunity, and motivation.
Benefits Of Using CBD Oil For Dogs
CBD eases anxiety
Dogs suffer from two types of anxiety: behavioural and situational.
Behavioural anxiety is deep-rooted and associated with past traumatic events. It results in unwanted behaviours such as separation anxiety, hyperactivity, aggression, and restlessness.
Situational anxiety develops momentarily and is related to unusual situations such as fireworks, thunderstorms, traveling, and having guests over.
CBD helps alleviate both types of anxiety by promoting the calming hormone serotonin's secretion and gradually achieving normal anxiety levels.
CBD helps soothe joint aches
Joint issues are among the most common orthopedic conditions in pets.
From congenital hip or elbow dysplasia to age-related arthritis, almost every dog experience some form of a joint problem at a certain point in its life.
If left untreated, joint issues cause pain and impair mobility.
CBD soothes joint aches by acting on several levels. It controls the inflammation, suppresses the pain response during joint movement, and decreases the swelling associated with inflamed joints.
Overall, it leads to improved limb posture and pain-free mobility.
CBD controls skin allergies
Just like in humans, skin allergies are becoming increasingly frequent among dogs. It is estimated that in dogs, there are over 150 different skin conditions that are triggered by allergic reactions to pollens, mold, grasses, and more.
CBD helps with skin allergies by encouraging the immune system to fight off triggers that may cause excessive scratching and sneezing.
It also promotes skin cell growth, thus forming a more substantial barrier against allergens.
CBD manages seizures
Seizures and epilepsy episodes are a common problem among pets, especially dogs. Although there are several conventional anti-epilepsy treatments, not all dogs respond to them.
Many studies prove the beneficial effect of CBD oil for managing epilepsy in dogs.
CBD reduces the frequency and the intensity of the seizures. Also, it’s efficient in dogs that don’t respond to conventional treatments.
Other benefits of CBD Oil for dogs
There are other potential benefits which are:
Other Benefits
- Anti-cancer properties: studies suggest it prevents the tumour cells from growing, or if already present, it kills them.
- Increased appetite, and decreased nausea: fundamental in dogs with cancer and dogs using drugs with nausea listed as a side-effect.
- Chronic pain relief: it alleviates musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, and pain caused by acute pancreatitis episodes.
- Antioxidant properties: more potent than vitamins C and E, it protects the brain from damaging free radicals and toxins.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: it reduces inflammation and promotes healthy gut function and motility.
- Heart, liver, and pancreas health: it promotes their overall health through several protective mechanisms.
- Encouraged cell growth and renewal: studies suggest it helps manage degenerative neurologic conditions by promoting neurons' regeneration and preventing premature death.
- Faster post-operative recovery: it reduces the pain, swellings, and stiffness associated with the surgical procedure, thus enabling faster and smoother recovery.
- Anti-depression properties: anecdotal reports suggest it helps overcome depression and its associated behavioural issues.
Side-effects and risks of CBD oil for dogs
There is not much research regarding the side-effects and risks of using CBD oil for dogs.
However, as with any other medicine or supplement, there is always a risk of adverse reactions.
Based on the CBD's side-effects in humans, one might assume dogs can experience one of these side-effects:
Side effects
- Dry mouth: CBD is linked with decreased saliva production. Dogs will manifest this side-effect through increased thirst and more frequent water consumption.
- Drowsiness: if used in doses higher than the recommended CBD can be too calming and cause drowsiness.
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Itchiness
- Inhibited metabolism of certain drugs (due to elevated liver enzymes)
CBD Oil For Dogs: Dose and Frequency
When it comes to dose and frequency, there is no straightforward answer.
CBD oil is used for many reasons. Therefore, the right dose and administration frequency must be discussed with a vet.
The vet will determine the dose and frequency based on several factors, including:
- the dog's size and age
- overall health
- co-existing health conditions.
Some dogs need daily administrations, while others benefit from occasional uses. It depends on the underlying cause.
Once again, even if the CBD bottle comes with easy-to-follow instructions, never use the product without your trusted vet's approval and guidance.
Check the oil strength
CBD oil strength, which is measured in milligrams, refers to the total amount of cannabinoids in a bottle. However, this number needs to be considered in conjunction with the bottle size.
For example, a 5000mg, 50ml bottle won't be as strong as a 5000mg, 20 ml bottle because the latter is diluted into a larger volume of oil.
Selecting the correct oil strength for your dog depends on his weight, and in some cases, the severity of his pain.
Never administer high dosages without first consulting with your vet.
How long until the CBD oil's effects kick in?
Every dog is different. How long will it take for the CBD oil's effects to kick in depends on:
- the type of CBD product
- the dog's digestion processes.
In most cases, the effects should kick in about 20 to 60 minutes.
And how long do they last?
The factors influencing the effects' onset influence their duration as well. The effects' duration is also influenced by:
- the dose
- the consumed food
- the severity of the symptoms
- the frequency of use.
On average, the CBD's effects last for 4 to 8 hours.
How To Choose The Best CBD Oil For Dogs?
Don’t settle for anything less than a top-quality CBD oil.
When shopping for CBD oil, pay attention to the following features:
Factors When choosing cbd oil
- Source Quality
- Verified third party testing
- Type Of CBD Oil
- Amount of CBD in the product
- THC-free
- Flavour
- Liquid form
- Extraction method
Source Quality
Does it come from organically grown plants or not? If not organically sourced, make sure there are no pesticides, fungicides, or harmful solvents.
Also, it's important if the company has its products verified by independent testing facilities. A trusted company should make results publicly available.
The test results could be published on the company website or on the label. They should show CBD and THC components and usually heavy metal analysis.
Type Of CBD Oil
There are 3 types of CBD oils on the market: isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum.
The isolate is pure CBD and lacks other plant materials such as terpenes and flavonoids.
The full-spectrum and broad-spectrum varieties contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These plant materials are essential because they boost the cannabinoids' effects.
All in all, CBD oils labelled as full or broad-spectrum are more potent and have more benefits than oils labelled as isolate.
Types of cbd oil
- Full-spectrum CBD: contains small amounts of the entire plant, including trace quantities (0.3%) of THC. Since it consists of different compounds, your dog is more likely to experience benefits than different strains.
- Broad spectrum: contains CBD and a combination of terpenes and a selection of non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Terpenes are natural compounds derived from the plant’s flowers. Broad-spectrum contains no THC at all. For animal lovers who don’t like the THC in the formula, it's the most suitable product choice.
- Isolate or Pure Isolate oil: extraction methods are used to remove all compounds but CBD. This is the purest and most basic form of CBD oil on the market. Isolate oil is generally cheaper.
Amount of CBD in the product
Based on the manufacturer, different CBD oil products have different CBD concentrations.
THC-free
CBD should be mentioned on the bottle. Double-check what the declaration states about THC content. CBDs for pets should be THC-free.
Flavour
Full and broad-spectrum CBD oils have a more pungent taste and smell than the isolate form.
To cover those features and make the product more appealing for pets, manufacturers often add flavours like beef, chicken, or peanuts.
Liquid form
Finally, CBD comes in different forms of products from treats to capsules. The oil or tincture forms are recommended because they are easier to use and dose.
Extraction method
CBD oil is made in different ways, but the purest and cleanest form is through CO2 extraction. It involves pulling CBD from the plant using highly pressurized carbon dioxide.
Be prepared to spend
The cost of a tiny bottle of CBD oil might shock you. But considering what the supplement can do for your pet, it's a worthwhile purchase.
Don’t settle for the cheapest product. They might contain chemicals harmful to your pets.
Top 10 Tips When Using CBD Oil For Dogs
Here are some simple yet efficient tips that will help you navigate the process of implementing CBD oil in your dog’s life.
top 10 tips
- The only legal way of using CBD oil for dogs in the UK is through veterinary prescription. Not to mention, it is also the safest.
- Don’t take action on your own. Research the use of CBD oil on dogs. If you have questions or dilemmas, consult with your trusted vet.
- Choose the best product for your dog. If you don’t have experience with using CBD oil, let your vet decide.
- Be exact when it comes to proper dosing. Many online calculators offer help when determining the correct dose of CBD oil for your dog. The exact dose depends on many complex factors online calculators cannot assess.
- Choose the ideal administration method. The ideal administration method should be simple for you and stress-free for your dog. You can place the oil directly into the mouth, mix it with food, dilute in water or incorporate it in dog-friendly, homemade treats.
- Monitor for effects. It is essential to determine whether the CBD oil product works for your dog. If there are no effects or they kick in much later than expected, talk to your vet about changing the dose.
- Monitor for side-effects. The side-effects associated with CBD oil use on dogs are minor and self-transient. However, knowing what to expect is useful. If the side-effects are overly accented, talk to your vet about changing the dose product type.
- Keep a journal. It is a good idea to document your dog’s reaction to the CBD oil product. Note everything. From the type of product, dose, and frequency of use to effects and side-effects.
- Store the CBD oil in a safe place out of your dog’s reach, in a locked, high-placed cupboard. Dogs can be very creative in finding ways of getting hold of things. Therefore, you need to be more creative in safely storing them.
- Don’t panic in case of an overdose. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen, and your dog can accidentally ingest more than he should. Take your dog to the nearest emergency clinic. It helps to bring the package so that the emergency vet can know precisely what to expect and which management strategy to initiate.
Conclusion
We hope the clouds around CBD oil for pooches in the UK is now cleared for you.
Hopefully, there will be more extensive research supporting the CBD oil's benefits for dogs. And, in the future, dog parents will be less reluctant to use this still misunderstood yet beneficial herbal medicine.
Based on current knowledge, CBD oil is beneficial to dogs with anxiety and arthritis-related pain.
It’s also beneficial to dogs with hard-to-manage seizures and skin allergies. Potentially there are other benefits but they are anecdotal and pending future investigation.
Key Points To remember:
- In general, CBD oil must not contain more than 0.2% THC to be sold in the UK legally
- Using CBD oil for pets is illegal in the UK without a vet prescription
- CBD oil is safe for pets. This isn’t just popular belief, research proves it
- CBD oil for pets is not intoxicating and cannot get them "high"
- Sleepiness is a potential side-effect
- Cannabis is illegal and unsafe for pets
- Hemp seed oil is legal and beneficial
- Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil
- Choose "full-spectrum" and "broad spectrum" CBD oils instead of CBD isolates
top rated hemp seed oils for dogs
No products found.
FAQs
The legal aspect of giving dogs CBD oil is tangled. Currently, there are no CBD oil products registered for use in animals in the UK. However, the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) considers CBD products as veterinary medicines, allowing vets to prescribe CBD oil to their canine patients.
In fact, the only legal way of giving a dog CBD oil is if a vet prescribed it. It is illegal for UK dog parents to administer CBD oil to their dogs without a prescription.
Yes, just like any other therapeutic supplement, as long as it is used responsibly and following the vet’s instructions. It's known to reduce pain, anxiety and is helping in managing arthritis, and seizures.
Yes, it’s good for dogs with arthritis pain triggered by hip and elbow dysplasia and age-related arthritis. It reduces the pain by acting on several levels from managed inflammation to suppressed pain response.
The side-effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, and a temporary decrease in blood pressure. This is mainly based on human trials. The side-effects of CBD oil on dogs are not an extensively researched area.
Yes, it helps with both behavioural and situational anxiety in dogs. The exact mechanism behind CBD oil’s positive influence is the increased secretion of serotonin (the calming hormone).
There is a lot of confusion when it comes to terms. Usually when the term "hemp oil" is used, it refers to "hemp seed oil" which is not CBD Oil. Hemp seed oil is derived from cold pressing the cannabis plant seeds, whilst CBD Oil is CBD compound extracted from the leaves, flowers and stems of the cannabis plant.
It's a good question to ask whether your pet needs CBD or hemp oil.
The simple answer is yes. CBD oil doesn’t need to be pet-specific to work because there aren’t differences between human-grade oils and oils suitable for dogs. However, make sure that the product contains less than 0.3% THC or none at all.
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