The popularity of CBD oil is skyrocketing thanks to its many health benefits. Chances are you’ve come across a CBD product by now. It's everywhere right now as a trendy natural alternative treatment for chronic pain and mental illnesses. 

Many states and nations have legalized CBD and medical cannabis. You can find CBD products from online shops to cannabis dispensaries and stores. However, not all products are excellent. 

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved CBD, its undecided stance raises many questions. What is CBD, and is it safe for your dog? Read on to discover all you need to know about CBD oil for dogs. 

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the hundreds of compounds in the cannabis plant. The two main compounds are CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While both are from cannabis plants, THC is the psychoactive compound. 

Unlike THC, CBD is popular because it's non-psychoactive. That means it can’t make the user high. Instead, it offers many health benefits for treating pain and other conditions without causing mind-altering effects. So, when extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD is processed to remove THC. 

Alternatively, THC-free CBD can be derived from hemp. Most CBD oil products are from hemp-derived CBD. Once extracted, it is infused to different products like CBD oil tinctures, topicals, gummies, vapes, and capsules. 

A husky getting CBD oil

Is CBD Oil for Dogs Safe?

CBD, in its pure form, won’t negatively impact your dog. It’s non-psychoactive, and just like when you take it, feeding your dog with the best CBD for pets won’t get him high. However, you must check the ingredients and the method of extraction.

Keeping your dog safe means administering the right CBD dosage on your dog. If the product contains traces of THC, keep the dose low. 

A study reveals that CBD is more effective and safer than most pharmaceuticals. While the medicines may be effective and quick, their prolonged use could be severe. CBD has only mild side effects that quickly fade. 

How Does CBD Oil for Dogs Work?

CBD works for dogs like in humans because they have something in common. They share the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that controls and manages various body functions. Infections from viruses or inflammation leading to pain, anxiety, or stress, occur due to the weakening of the ECS.

CBD oil stimulates the ECS to provide various benefits. The exact way CBD interacts with your body to produce multiple positive effects is still unknown. But it is believed that the cannabinoids stimulate CB1 and CB2 receptors just like in humans. These receptors play a significant role in promoting a balance in body functions. 

A regular dose of CBD can help your dog deal with various health conditions. Here are some of them: 

  • Improves sleep
  • Helps with joint pain and inflammation
  • Treats stress and anxiety
  • Reduces seizures
  • Manages constant aggravation
  • Boosts appetite
  • Improves immunity 

A dropper of CBD

What are the Best Ways to Give CBD Oil to Dogs?

1. Sublingual Application

An easy way to administer CBD to your dog is through direct placement in the mouth. This method allows you to monitor the dosage using the number of drops. Just open the dog’s mouth carefully and squeeze the oil drops, followed by a treat to ensure they swallow. 

2. Mix it with Food

Dogs love food, and you can exploit this tip. Mixing CBD oil with dog’s food also masks the oil’s taste making it tolerable. It's the best way to administer large doses because the dog won’t even notice. Thoroughly mix the oil with your dog’s normal or favorite food and ensure it consumes it. However, always start with a small dose and gradually increase it. 

3. Mix It with Something Tasty

Mixing CBD oil with food may not always work. If the oil fails to blend properly with the food, then the dog might refuse to eat it. That’s where this option comes in. Mixing it with tasty treats like peanut butter is the perfect way to trick your dog. Avoid using excess CBD oil as it may raise suspicion from the dog.

4. Infuse CBD Oil with Treats

Treats work great in positive reinforcement of your dog’s behavior. It's also an excellent method of giving the dog CBD oil. This method is ideal for porous treats like biscuits or cookies that readily absorb the oil. Just soak the treats in CBD oil, allow absorption to occur, and then feed it to your dog. However, this method is only suitable, where small doses are involved. 

5. Mix with Drinking Water

Diluting CBD oil with drinking water can be suitable depending on how frequently your dog drinks water. If it's frequent as you like, then go ahead to mix the oil with water. It's an effective method since the oil is nearly odorless and tasteless, which makes it unnoticeable. 

A man with a large dog and CBD

What is the Right Dosage of CBD Oil for My Dog?

While CBD oil is not toxic, establishing the right dose for your dog will minimize the mild side effects. The rule of thumb starts with a small dose and increases gradually as the dog gets used to it. It also gives you time to monitor the dog’s reaction to the treatment. 

Like us, pets also react differently to CBD. Furthermore, there are different strengths of CBD oil, ranging from low to high, and there is no standard dose. But here are some of the factors that can help you to determine the right dose. 

  • Weight: There are many dog breeds, and each has a unique weight. The effects of CBD may vary based on the dog’s weight. A dose of 2-3 drops of CBD oil is ideal for a 20-pound dog, and 3-4 drops for heavier dogs. 
  • Type of CBD product: Tinctures are more concentrated than edibles. Since edibles have low amounts of CBD oil, you can feed the dogs with treats frequently. 
  • Underlying health condition: Some conditions like chronic pain are severe and may need larger amounts of CBD oil. But go with small doses of CBD oil when treating stress or anxiety. 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs?

Although CBD is non-psychoactive, it can cause mild side effects. The side effects will vary depending on the purity of the CBD oil products and CBD interaction with other medications. 

Here are the other side effects you may notice:

  • Dry mouth
  • Reduced appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting

However, these side effects are not serious. They may only cause temporary discomfort to your dog. You can minimize them by following proper dosage and checking the quality of products you use. 

Conclusion

CBD oil is beneficial to humans and pets. Its therapeutic benefits can help in dealing with hard to manage conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and seizures in your dog. If you’re planning on using CBD on your dog, then you'll find this information helpful. You can go ahead to try it and allow the dog to enjoy CBD’s health benefits. 

Research on CBD for dogs is inconclusive, so make sure to consult your vet before administering it on your canine friend. Remember, CBD oil may react differently to your dog, which can be influenced by ongoing medications. Also, make sure to use quality CBD oil products for maximum effects.