The way CBD affects humans has been the focus of numerous animal studies, clinical trials, and literature reviews. But how do CBD and other cannabis compounds affect dogs and other pets?
In this article, we take a detailed look at the relationship between CBD and dogs, its benefits, and some simple guidelines you should follow if you are interested in giving your dog CBD as a health supplement.
CBD for Dogs: What We Know So Far
Laboratory studies on pets, such as cats and dogs, are very limited. There is only a fairly limited number of studies examining how CBD and other cannabinoids specifically affect dogs.
The fact that dogs have an endocannabinoid system means that we can look to clinical studies to better understand how CBD may affect our furry friends.
Like humans and most other vertebrates, dogs also have an endocannabinoid system consisting of endocannabinoids, receptors (both cannabinoid-specific and non-specific), and enzymes that help synthesize, transport, and metabolize cannabinoids.
Studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system plays a key role in mediating various biological processes, including appetite, mood, sleep, stress response, metabolism, and more. In fact, many scientists believe that the ECS is responsible for promoting homeostasis; a balanced state in which our body functions best.
So far, studies show that CBD may benefit your dog in the following areas, among others:
• Appetite and metabolism
• Mood
• Immune response
• Skin health
What do veterinarians say about CBD for dogs?
More and more veterinarians are supporting cannabis supplements. Unfortunately, many veterinarians cannot legally prescribe or advertise cannabis-derived pet products for legal reasons.
For example, in the US, cannabis (excluding hemp with THC percentage of below 0.3%) is considered a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. Many states have, however, decided to legalize cannabis for recreational and/or medical use, which means many pet owners have access to cannabis products and naturally have questions about their safety and effectiveness. Unfortunately, veterinarians have to work hard to answer these questions given the complicated legal landscape, not to mention the lack of definitive research.
Regardless, countless pet owners use CBD to help their dogs cope with aging, certain conditions, or everyday challenges related to environmental stress.
CBD dosage for dogs
The correct CBD dosage for dogs depends on the animal’s size and symptoms. Remember that, just like people, all dogs are different and what works for someone else’s pet may not work the same for yours.
When giving CBD to your dog, always follow the dosage instructions of the company from which you purchase it. Most brands recommend starting with approximately 0.25 mg of CBD per half kilogram of body weight, but you may start with a smaller amount if desired.
We recommend starting CBD dosing for dogs in small doses taken 1-2 times per day for at least one week. You can then gradually increase your pet’s dose according to their needs until you understand what amount is right for them.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
CBD is generally considered a very safe substance and has never caused a fatal overdose (in humans or animals). Nevertheless, it is very important to pay close attention when giving CBD to a pet, as the dose plays a big role in the effects your dog experiences.
Can CBD cause side effects in dogs?
CBD is not known to cause significant side effects in pets. However, drowsiness may occur, especially when taking large daily doses of cannabinoids. Keep in mind, however, that many CBD pet supplements also contain other ingredients (such as flavorings, emulsifiers, and more), so be sure to read the ingredients of the product you buy to ensure your pet is not allergic to them.
