CBD for dogs is no longer taboo
Cannabidiol has received a great deal of attention and its effects on the human body have been the subject of much research and study, with the WHO taking its side and more and more countries relaxing conditions on its use.
How much CBD oil is just right?
A person who starts with CBD usually does the same. They will try lower concentrations and smaller doses, and if there is a resistance to the specific taste of the oil, it is possible to replace it with capsules. As he feels the improvement and the amplifying effects, he adjusts the regular amount. However, such a procedure cannot be applied in dogs. The animal cannot give feedback on what suits him and what does not.
The appropriate daily dose depends on many factors - weight, health, acute problems or whether you are "prescribing" CBD for your pet as a preventative measure. However, no study has yet come out to determine what amount is appropriate for dogs. Most just assume that CBD has a positive effect on many diseases. Thus, it is common to start with a lower dose and pay much more attention to regularity than portion size.
Relief and remission of health problems usually occurs within a few weeks, and the only way to check for improvement is through careful observation. The pain will cease to be visible and restrictive to the animal, the dog will become more active in play and walks, will seek your company, its need for sleep will decrease, and it will more easily cope with shorter separations or thunderstorms and fireworks.
For dogs, the taste of CBD drops is new and few can handle the application without resistance. There is no point in tormenting yourself and them by administering the oil. It is best to mix the recommended amount into a portion of meat or kibble. The distinctive smell will partially disappear and be more digestible for dogs. Force feeding will only lead to food refusal, vomiting or digestive problems. CBD drops with olive or salmon carrier oil are an interesting alternative.
On the other hand, even CBD oils are not without side effects. These most often manifest as increased (and temporary) fatigue or a compulsive feeling of thirst caused by reduced saliva production. The animal should be monitored and the environment adapted to its needs as much as possible, ensuring sufficient rest and access to water.
CBD for humans versus CBD for dogs
Dogs are much more sensitive to some substances than humans and overreact to them. There are a number of foods they should not ingest. From chocolate, coffee and anything with caffeine to grapes and macadamia nuts. They can cause asphyxiation, liver and kidney failure, sodium ion poisoning or even death.
But CBD drops for humans are also suitable for animals. You just need to read the ingredients carefully. It must be free of questionable substances that can harm dogs. These are mainly pressure-lowering xylitol and essential oils with citrus, mint and cinnamon scents. Aromatic terpenes contained in cannabis (but also in other plants) such as limonene, myrcene, pinene or eucalyptol can be harmful to pets, even in small amounts.
Forget about THC
THC is also a big problem. While the 0,3 % tolerated in most countries should not harm dogs even with long-term use, there are products on the market without this ingredient and they are a much better alternative for animals. Static ataxia, where the dog stands in a stiff posture with its paws outstretched, may occur after taking tetrahydrocannabinol. It is unable to move in a coordinated way, only swaying slightly from front to back, and after a while it falls on its side and remains paralysed.
The minimum threshold for THC content should be safe for all users, but for dogs, CBD isolate or products that use broad spectrum hemp extract are the best option. This contains other cannabinoids in addition to CBD, but not THC. THC-free products are safer for them and provide comparable pain relief, inflammation reduction and other benefits as full-spectrum oils.
Quality requirements for CBD oil
With cannabis products, quality is the most important factor. Naturally, this also applies to the dog product range. The range is quite wide and there are treats, food and nutritional supplements available in various forms, with the CBD-containing range playing a major role. The most popular are the CBD drops. It is clear from the above that the choice is not easy and it is always better to consult a vet or rely on the experience of breeders and product reviews.
Look for solvent- and chemical-free formulations and look for certifications and analyses that can verify the production process and output quality.
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