CBD for Dogs: Is It Safe and What Dosage to Choose

02/21/2023 Author: Lidka 9 min read

CBD for dogs: is it safe and what dosage to choose?

CBD may have many therapeutic effects on the human body, but what about dogs? What health benefits can CBD offer dogs? And how do you determine the right dose and CBD product for your pet?

As CBD has become a very popular product in the healthy lifestyle sector, more and more products keep appearing on the market. Thanks to the success of CBD products intended for people, it did not take long before a separate market emerged for CBD products for pets. Precisely because of CBD's popularity, many dog owners are turning to it as an alternative treatment for their four-legged companions. In this article we look at how CBD affects dogs, what health benefits it can offer them and how to determine the right dose and CBD product for your pet.

How does CBD work in dogs?

Just like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system. Research has shown that the endocannabinoid system plays a key role in regulating a wide range of biological processes, including appetite, mood, sleep and more. According to scientific findings, cannabinoids act on endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous system, helping to maintain the body's balance and healthy functioning.

Is CBD safe for dogs?

CBD is generally considered a very safe substance. Even so, it is very important to give CBD to your pet with great care, because the dose plays a significant role in what effects your dog may experience. Many studies have shown that CBD is completely safe for dogs. The main possible side effect is drowsiness.

When choosing a CBD product, it is important to pick one intended for pets. The differences in potency between human and animal CBD can be huge, so make sure you give your pet the right dose.

Although CBD is considered a safe and effective substance, when it comes to how cannabinoids affect dogs, there is still not enough scientific evidence. So if you are thinking about giving CBD products to your dog or cat, consult a vet first.

Benefits of CBD for dogs

There is not much research or many studies supporting claims about the benefits of using this substance in dogs. Nevertheless, many pet owners are convinced that CBD as a food supplement benefits their beloved furry companion. Below we list several potential benefits of CBD for your dog.

CBD for dogs suffering from anxiety and stress

The effect of CBD on anxiety and stress has been the subject of many studies. Dogs, like people, can suffer from nervousness and stress, especially during thunderstorms, car journeys, walks, visits to the vet and fireworks.

Studies show that CBD oil relieves symptoms of anxiety in both humans and dogs by acting on the body's endocannabinoid system and stimulating the production of serotonin, which improves the dog's mood and eases its anxiety. However, the use of CBD in treating anxiety in dogs requires considerably more research.

CBD for dogs suffering from arthritis and joint pain

Dogs, too, can develop chronic joint inflammation or joint damage that causes pain. Research has shown that CBD can bring significant relief to dogs suffering from arthritis when it is given twice a day in the right doses. Tasty hemp treats for dogs designed to ease joint pain can help relieve the discomfort, stiffness and mobility problems associated with arthritis.

CBD for dogs suffering from nausea

Many different situations and illnesses can cause nausea or vomiting in dogs. A number of studies show that the endocannabinoid system is of great importance in managing many forms of nausea and vomiting. Several animal studies have even investigated the antiemetic potential of CBD and CBDA.

CBD for dogs suffering from epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs and conventional anti-epileptic drugs usually come with a number of unpleasant side effects. In the case of idiopathic epilepsy specifically, research suggests that CBD could be useful in reducing the frequency of seizures in dogs suffering from this condition. However, these effects were only observed in dogs that were also receiving conventional anti-seizure medication at the same time.

CBD for dogs suffering from insomnia

If your dog has trouble falling asleep, a small dose of CBD oil is a great way to help it relax and sleep better. Whether its restlessness is caused by illness, pain or anxiety, CBD oil could help considerably. It regulates serotonin levels, relaxes the body and contributes to an overall improvement of the immune system, which will certainly make it easier for your dog to fall asleep.

Other potential benefits of using CBD in dogs

CBD also helps dogs with:

inflammation,
allergies,
loss of appetite
problems with proper brain and nervous system function,
problems with the cardiovascular system.

The information above covers just a few examples of how CBD can benefit your dog. However, there is still a lot we do not know about the effects of CBD on the body, so it cannot be guaranteed that CBD will relieve the specific symptoms your dog is suffering from.

How to dose CBD for dogs correctly?

Whether you give your dog CBD for anxiety, seizures or pain relief, the right dose can vary considerably from case to case, and you will probably have to experiment to find the right amount and frequency. If you want to be sure your dog is getting the right amount of CBD, it is essential to check that the oil is working properly and that your dog tolerates it well. Remember that, just as with people, every dog is different and what suits one may not suit yours.

It is usually recommended to start with a dose of 0.25 mg of CBD per 1 kg of body weight. So if, for example, you have a twenty-kilo dog, give it 4 mg of CBD. You can also start with half the recommended amount and then increase or reduce it as needed.

How to choose the best CBD for dogs?

There are many CBD products for pets on the market. These products usually come in three main forms: CBD oils, treats, and creams or ointments for topical application.

CBD oil for dogs is available in various compositions and concentrations. It is one of the easiest types of CBD products for pets to dose reliably. You can give CBD oil to your dog by dripping it onto its food, onto a treat, into its water bowl, or directly into its mouth.

You can also find quality dog treats or CBD capsules on the market. These should state how many milligrams of CBD one treat or one capsule contains. CBD treats for dogs are characterised by a slower release of CBD into the bloodstream and a longer-lasting effect.

Add CBD to your dog's diet

Since dogs have an endocannabinoid system just like humans, they can benefit from CBD and other cannabinoids in the same way we do. However, there is no universal guide to giving CBD to your dog. What matters is making sure you give your dog the right dose. You will also need to consider how you will give CBD to your dog. In some cases treats may be more suitable, in others CBD oil. If you decide to add CBD to your dog's diet, consult a vet first.

Treat your dogs to CBD too! In our online shop you will find CBD oil made especially for animals. So don't hesitate, add it to your basket and support your dogs' health!

CBD for Dogs: Is It Safe and What Dosage to Choose?