Risks of CBD for Dogs: Possible Side Effects To Be Aware Of

Although there is no definitive data available on CBD use for dogs, plenty of anecdotal evidence exists from pet owners with successful treatment. You may ask yourself, are there any risks of CBD for dogs?

It's nearly impossible to determine what's accurate and what's an exaggeration, but it's always best to do your best for your fur baby.

Before jumping into treatment options, here's everything you need to know about CBD treatment for dogs.

Potential Risks of CBD for Dogs

Side Effects

While CBD's benefits for people are known, there are occasional side effects that your dog may exhibit because of this compound.

Often, owners notice side effects when the dog receives large doses. These symptoms include:

• Dry mouth
• Lethargy
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Itchiness
• Upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Inhibited Liver Enzyme Production
• Low Blood Pressure

Can CBD for Dogs Cause Seizures?

Seeing your favorite companion have a seizure is a terrifying experience. The symptoms aren't always obvious but can quickly become distressing for your dog and humans alike.

Currently, CBD is believed to reduce the frequency of seizures in canines. Although the evidence is anecdotal now, the results seem promising.

Is CBD for Dogs a Risk for Their Kidneys?

Evidence currently suggests that CBD oil can help dogs suffering from renal failure, especially related to inflammation and pain.

Researchers don't believe the medication is harmful to dogs with kidney issues at this time.

Can You Give a Dog Too Much CBD Oil?

Medically speaking, you can't give a dog too much CBD oil, although side effects like stomach upset and lethargy are more likely with larger doses.

As cannabidiol (CBD) doesn't interact with any receptors within the brainstem or respiration components, lethal overdoses are almost statistically impossible.

Can CBD Make Dogs Vomit?

Yes, CBD can make a dog vomit. The dog may vomit from CBD from the bitter taste or the compound itself. When the drug upsets the stomach enough, your dog may throw up.

Can CBD for Dogs Be Lethal?

Cannabidiol (CBD) never interacts with any respiration components within the body or receptors within the brainstem.

As such, CBD is rarely, if ever, considered lethal. Always consider the purity and quality of medication before administering it to a dog, as additives and chemicals can negatively interact with canines than humans.

CBD for Dogs: Risking Addiction

According to recent evidence, CBD is not addictive in humans or pets. The WHO indicates that CBD exhibits no effects, suggesting dependence or abuse potential with this medication.

The Main Risk of CBD for Dogs is Whether It's CBD or THC

There are two main cannabinoids in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) doesn't offer a psychoactive compound, making it a purely medicinal purpose.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive component within cannabis that is responsible for the high feeling.

Both CBD and THC work with receptors within the brain, affecting pain, mood, memory, and sleep.

An Interesting Fact About CBD and a Drug-Sniffing Dog

Dogs smell at an exceptional rate compared to humans, making them ideal companions for local authorities.

Dogs can smell CBD oil, typically within a few sniffs. As they have a strong sense of smell, these animals can detect items at a distance, making them ideal for police or law enforcement.

Peppermint CBD for Dogs Is Not Safe

Many different CBD products are currently available for human consumption, but that doesn't make them safe for dogs.

A few of these human-safe scents, including peppermint, can be extremely dangerous for dogs when ingested or used topically. Avoid using peppermint, even when diluted, as it's toxic to dogs.

CBD for Dogs on an Empty Stomach

Previously, scientists believed that CBD oil administered on an empty stomach improved efficacy overall. Studies have shown that CBD will stay in the body for extended periods when the dog consumes fatty foods before administration.

As CBD is fat-soluble, the body takes the oil better when the stomach contains fatty foods. As such, it's better to give your dog a meal before dosing to increase the efficacy of CBD oil.

How CBD Affects Dogs

Does CBD Get Dogs High?

CBD is often available in oil or soft chew form (to be given orally). The psychoactive cousin THC must be present for the neurological high associated with cannabis.

Anything available with CBD won't get the dog high. It's essential to monitor what medication you're giving the dog, staying away from any oils containing THC.

Has There Been Any CBD for Dogs Study?

There are plenty of studies available for CBD treatments for humans. Studies show CBD effectively treats anxiety, epilepsy, and post-traumatic stress disorder, to name a few.

The World Health Organization indicates, “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” Unfortunately, these studies are only specific to humans.

Currently, testing for canines is ongoing, with the AKC sponsoring several studies. No definitive answer to the safety or efficacy is available currently.

Ability to Process Preservatives in Dog Food

Dog owners want to ensure whatever they're using to treat an ailment is safe and effective.

While it's commonly believed that terpenes (widely found in many plants and some insects) can tax the body and inhibit the ability to process preservatives, it's not always the case.

The most publicly available CBD for dogs is free of terpenes made with CBD isolate. CBD isolate does not contain terpenes.

The Legality of Giving CBD to Dogs

Legality depends on where the CBD originates and the current place you call home.

Currently, there are two types of sources available for CBD oil. The first is hemp, a tall, fibrous plant that holds a variety of industrial uses.

As hemp is bred for tensile strength and not cannabinoid content, it often has low levels of THC. As such, industrial hemp is the preferred source of CBD oil.

Marijuana, in contrast, is a smaller, bushier plant cultivated with cannabinoids in mind. While CBD can originate with marijuana plants, the THC content is higher.

The concentrated resin glands are rich in THC, the part famous for its high.

Most often, concentrations are between 20-30%. In most states, it's illegal to sell or purchase CBD from marijuana.

How Long Does CBD for Dogs Take to Kick In And How Long Does It Last

Ultimately, the time frame CBD takes to start working can vary slightly, depending on the type of product. Most often, CBD takes 30-45 minutes to start working.

Oils tend to work faster than treats or cookies, as there are fewer ingredients to break down.

Each dose of CBD will last between four and eight hours.

The pet's size, activity level, severity of symptoms, and breed will all play a factor in how long treatment lasts.

Generally speaking, older dogs tend to take longer to digest food than younger ones.

Can Humans Use CBD Oil for Dogs?

Chemically speaking, CBD oil for dogs is safe for human consumption in its pure form.

While many different products are available on the market, many CBD products target one specific audience.

CBD products must adhere to the Federal Drug Administration, including intensive testing procedures. If you've purchased a product without an FDA label, avoid using it.

What Is CBD

CBD stands for the chemical compound found within the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as hemp or cannabis.

Over 80 different chemicals are located within the Cannabis sativa plant, with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most famous.

Manufacturers commonly use hemp plants to derive CBD oil due to small amounts of THC.

Although CBD does have a few chemical effects on the brain, they are significantly different than the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD for Dogs: Risks and Effects With Other Medications

Before administering any new medication (whether prescription or holistic), it's always good to speak with your vet.

While plenty of controversy surrounds CBD administration for pets, plenty of veterinary services is well-versed in the benefits and drawbacks of CBD overall.

To help you make a decision, here are a few common medications available for your dog and how they interact with each other:

CBD and Rimadyl for Dogs

Rimadyl is a brand-name medication approved for veterinary drug use. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

These medications help reduce inflammation with fewer adverse side effects than steroid pharmaceuticals.

Vets often prescribe this medication as a post-operative medication for pain and inflammation or as part of a chronic pain management strategy.

Currently, CBD doesn't appear to hold any drug interactions when given to a pup using an anti-inflammatory drug like Rimadyl.

CBD and Melatonin for Dogs

Melatonin holds sedative qualities that can help calm and soothe anxious dogs. This medication is often used for anxiety issues, hyperactivity, restlessness, and phobias.

Melatonin is considered safe when used at the proper dose. Always check that the product you're using doesn't contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.

Combining melatonin and CBD creates a powerful combination of wellness support.

These medications work simultaneously to create calm and comfortable environments, including lessened anxiety or restful sleep.

CBD and Benadryl for Dogs

Owners often give dogs Benadryl in a few different scenarios. For animals with anxiety and anxiousness, this medication is a powerful tool for mental support.

Additionally, Benadryl is used to lower seasonal allergies, cope with long travel, or as a way to treat low-level anxiety.

Owners often administer one mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight. Medication is given up to three times daily.

As CBD oil offers similar attributes to Benadryl, it is often a powerful aid for larger dogs requiring multiple doses daily. As these medications can increase drowsiness and fatigue, it's always best to check with a vet before combining the two.

CBD and Glucosamine for Dogs

Glucosamine helps build healthy cartilage and joint fluid, helping cushion the bones to prevent grinding and shock during physical movement.

These supplements help the body replenish lost cartilage and fluid. As our pets age, they cannot produce as much Glucosamine to replace it.

These two medications work in different complementary ways to relieve joint pain. As Glucosamine helps replenish the synovial fluid and cartilage, CBD reduces inflammation overall and alters pain signals within the body.

CBD and Prednisone for Dogs

Using a corticosteroid with CBD can cause extreme lethargy and side effects in dogs. Side effects of taking corticosteroids include gastrointestinal issues, lack of appetite, and ulcers.

Unfortunately, combining prednisone with CBD can increase the likelihood of side effects, making them incompatible without very close vet supervision.

Before use, it's always important to discuss any CBD use with your veterinarian.

Meloxicam and CBD: Lethal Combo for Dogs

Meloxicam is a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Vets will often prescribe this as a pain killer that can help ease inflammation in dogs.

Taking NSAIDs and CBD can increase the effects of the pain medications, improving the quality of life when appropriately dosed.

It's crucial to ensure proper dosage of supplements and medications before administration.

Always talk with your vet about your pet's specific condition to determine the best treatment plan.

CBD Oil Should Hold a Place for a Dog's Health and Wellbeing

Understanding CBD oil's physical and chemical properties is the first component of treating your pet.

Unfortunately, a lack of research is limiting our understanding of CBD's influence on pet health and well-being overall.

Although anecdotal, thousands of dog owners have continued success with this CBD oil overall.

When administering CBD to our dogs, there are plenty of things to consider. Dosage, side effects, and interactions need careful consideration before administration.

Recent studies show that CBD is unlikely to interact with other medications, but it's always important to speak with your vet before use.

As the FDA doesn't regulate CBD products for pets, pharmacy and veterinary boards are to avoid discussion or prescription.

You can help your dog when it comes to their health overall. Struggling with physical pain or anxiety is debilitating and often encourages outside treatment, like CBD.

Continuously research, consult with your vet, and develop a plan that works with your pet's needs.

Make sure the product you purchase is high-quality, without extra additives or fillers to optimize efficiency.

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