If you want to learn about some of the advantages and disadvantages of giving your dog CBD oil, you are in luck. Here are some pros and cons of CBD for dogs.
It’s no secret that the CBD market is booming in the United States. The pet CBD market, specifically, has grown significantly over the last couple of years.
In fact, the pet CBD market is projected to be the fastest-growing CBD market. It’s expected to be worth roughly $22.39 billion by the year 2023.
Have you been considering giving your dog CBD oil? Are you worried about the effect it might have on them?
If you’re on the fence about CBD for dogs, keep reading. Explained below are some of the pros and cons of CBD oil for dogs.
Use this guide to help you determine if the supplement is a good fit for your furry friend.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that exists naturally in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is different from THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol), which is another well-known cannabinoid.
Unlike THC, CBD does not get a person high when they consume it. CBD and THC have many of the same effects, but because CBD does not alter the mind in any way, it can be a safer option and a better fit for certain populations.
CBD oil is made by combining CBD with a carrier oil. Popular carrier oil options include hemp seed oil, coconut oil, and MCT oil. Some CBD oil products also contain flavoring to make them more palatable.
It’s true that most CBD oil products do contain a very small amount of THC (less than 0.03 percent). This amount is negligible and doesn’t seem to cause any negative or mind-altering side effects.
Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Dogs
There are lots of reasons why you might consider giving your dog CBD oil, but there are also some drawbacks. The following are some noteworthy pros and cons you may want to keep in mind:
Pros
Many dog owners have experienced significant improvements to their dogs’ health when they administer CBD oil on a regular basis. CBD oil has been shown to provide a lot of health benefits to humans, and those same benefits seem to apply to dogs as well.
For example, CBD oil, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, can work wonders for older dogs that are struggling with joint pain and arthritis. It can help them to move with ease and feel less pain as they go throughout their day.
CBD oil has anxiolytic effects as well. This means it helps to reduce feelings of anxiety. For anxious dogs who have trouble in the car or who start to shake, bark, or act out when they’re left alone, a small dose of CBD oil can be a lifesaver.
It can also be quite cost-effective to give your dog CBD oil.
It’s true that the product, itself, can be expensive. However, it doesn’t take much for your dog to reap the benefits of it.
Dogs actually have more cannabinoid receptors than humans and can experience the effects of CBD products with a very small dose. Once you buy the right CBD product (more on that later), you’ll likely find that it lasts a very long time and gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Cons
There are a few potential downsides to giving your dog CBD oil. One of the main cons to keep in mind is the fact that CBD oil may come with some mild side effects.
While, so far, there have not been any reports about CBD oil overdoses, some people have noticed issues like fatigue when they take too much of the product. If your dog overdoes it on CBD oil, they may be more drowsy than normal.
Anecdotally, some people have also noticed symptoms like diarrhea or gas when they give their dog CBD oil.
The other downside is the fact that the CBD market is largely unregulated at this time. Because of this, you have to do your due diligence as a dog owner to ensure you’re buying your dog a high-quality, safe CBD product.
Often, when dogs get sick from CBD oil, it’s not the CBD itself that’s the problem. Rather, it’s the other ingredients in the product, such as artificial flavors or sweeteners.
It may take some research to find a safe product, and that can be off-putting to some dog owners.
Tips for Giving Your Dog CBD
If you think that the pros of giving CBD oil to your dog will outweigh the cons, your next step is to purchase a CBD oil product and start administering it on a regular basis.
This can be easier said than done, especially since the CBD market has grown so much over the last few years. There are tons of products to choose from, but they’re not all created equal.
The following are some factors you ought to consider when choosing a product and giving it to your dog:
Focus on Quality
One of the first things you ought to consider when buying CBD oil for your dog is the quality of the product. It’s not always easy to tell whether you’re buying a safe, high-quality oil, but there are a few features you can look for, including the following:
- Is it organic? The CBD in the product should come from organic plants to reduce exposure to toxic pesticides
- How much CBD does it contain? Find out how many milligrams of CBD are present in the bottle
- How much THC does it contain? Make sure the product contains less than 0.03 percent THC
- What kind of carrier oil is used? Avoid products made with inflammatory carrier oils (vegetable oil, canola oil, etc.)
- Does it contain artificial ingredients? Steer clear of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, too
If you can’t find this information about the CBD oil you’re considering, chances are it’s not a safe way. Err on the side of caution and look for a product that provides you with these essential details.
Look for Lab Tests
According to the experts at Innovet, it’s also a good idea to look for CBD oil products that have been tested by third-party labs.
If the manufacturer is willing to pay for third-party testing, that’s a sign that they are dedicated to creating a high-quality product.
Don’t just take their word that they’ve tested their product, though. Be sure to look for copies of the lab test results to see exactly what you’re getting before you pull the trigger.
Talk to Your Vet
If you’ve seen a CBD oil that seems like it might be a good fit, talk to your dog’s vet and ask for their opinion. They might be able to give you further insight or recommend another brand that will yield better results.
Read Testimonials
Another good way to tell if a CBD oil product is a good one is to see what other dog owners have to say about it.
Look online for reviews and find out what the general consensus is about a certain brand of CBD oil before you buy it. There will always be one or two outliers, but if people generally seem to be happy with it, it might be worth buying.
If possible, try to find reviews on third-party websites, too. This will help you get a more honest, objective idea of how effective the product is and how well it works.
Start with a Small Dose
When giving your dog CBD oil, it’s best to start with a very small dose. This is especially true if your dog is small or sensitive to medications and supplements.
You don’t have to worry about your dog overdosing on CBD oil. At the same time, though, it’s best to start small to avoid any side effects.
This also allows your CBD oil product to last longer, which is a nice bonus for your bank account.
Monitor and Adjust
Pay close to attention to how your dog changes after giving them CBD oil, and be consistent with your dosing and try to give them the same amount at the same time each day.
This will help you get a better idea of how they react and whether it’s a good fit for them.
If, after a week or so, you don’t think that your dog has made any improvements, you can try adjusting their dosage and giving them a bit more of the product. Continue monitoring them and adjusting as necessary until you figure out the perfect dose.
Put CBD to the Test Today
Now that you know more about the pros and cons of CBD oil for dogs, do you think your dog could benefit from it?
If your dog struggles with anxiety or joint pain, or if you just want to take preventative measures to boost their overall health, CBD oil is worth considering.
Be sure to keep the tips for administering it and choosing the right product in mind, too. They’ll help you ensure you see the best results from giving your dog CBD.
Do you want to learn more about CBD and CBD products, for dogs or for humans? If so, check out the other health- and CBD-related articles on our site today.
