CBD Oil for Dogs UK

Many pet owners want to know how to keep their adorable animals happy and healthy. Some dog owners are also considering alternative treatments, including CBD. CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, offers several potential health benefits. 

There hasn’t been any significant scientific research on the effects of CBD on dogs, even though these health benefits have a good effect on humans and are claimed to be safe for animals. Additionally, CBD oil is frequently used to enhance comfort and quality of life, and not to treat diseases. 

Here is a comprehensive guide to answer all your questions if you wish to give CBD to your dog.

What is CBD oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a cannabis-derived substance. It belongs to the class of compounds known as cannabinoids, which are naturally present in hemp plants. Although it comes from hemp plants, CBD doesn't produce the "high" as the levels of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are extremely low (less than 0.2%)

CBD is known for a wide range of possible benefits, including the alleviation of stress and anxiety, inflammation and chronic pain relief, and the help in the treatment of sleep problems, among others.

Is CBD safe for dogs?

Yes. There isn't much evidence that CBD is harmful to dogs. However, there is currently a lack of information and research about the proper dose and how CBD interacts with other medications. 

You should see a veterinarian first if you want to give CBD oil to your pets.

CBD dosage for dogs

While dogs often handle CBD quite well, it's always advisable to check with your dog's veterinarian to see whether CBD is a good choice for them. This is also to make sure that it won't interfere with any other treatments or drugs they have already been provided. 

Although there isn't a set daily dose for CBD in dogs at present, a good rule of thumb is 0.2mg of CBD per pound of body weight. So if you have a 20-pound dog, you would give 4mg of CBD.

Always start with half the suggested dosage and increase or decrease it as necessary. Every dog is unique and will react to CBD differently. Therefore, every dog will need a different amount depending on its size, body chemistry, and general health.

How long will CBD take to work?

Every dog will react differently to CBD. CBD oils can often start to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes if your dog has anxiety issues. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for the best effects especially as you experiment with the dosage level your dog needs to feel better.

How fast CBD begins to function will also depend on how it is consumed. 

Sublingual absorption of CBD may take 20 to 60 minutes when administered directly to your dog's mouth or gums. It will take between 45 to 90 minutes for your dog's stomach to absorb CBD if it is given as a treat or in food.

Will my dog get high from CBD?

No. Although THC can be found in both marijuana plants and hemp plants, CBD from hemp has low levels of THC (below 0.2%) and will not get your dog high. The relaxing effects of CBD, on the other hand, are likely to leave your dog feeling quite relaxed but still alert and responsive. 

Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs

Dogs and cats can benefit from CBD oil since they have endocannabinoid systems, just like people do. This system allows the beneficial compounds in the cannabis plant to help aid a variety of ailments. Here are a few possible health advantages of CBD for canines.

Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are frequent experiences for dogs. According to a study, CBD oil works with the body's natural endocannabinoid system to increase the synthesis of serotonin, which balances your dog's mood and reduces anxiety. 

When combined with exercise, lots of chew toys, a set daily schedule, and a balanced diet, CBD-containing chews, oil drops, treats, or pills can aid in calming a nervous dog.

Sleep

If your dog has trouble sleeping or staying asleep, a small dose of CBD oil can help them relax and sleep. 

Because CBD controls serotonin, induces relaxation in the body, and boosts immunological function, it can aid in your dog's ability to sleep through the night.

Joint Pain

If your dog has joint pain, your vet might prescribe NSAIDs or other pain medications. But NSAIDs can cause deterioration in joints and soft tissues and can damage your dog's liver.

CBD is a safe and natural anti-inflammatory that doesn't have the same adverse effects as prescription medications. It functions by attaching to CB1 receptors in the brain. These receptors cause the immune system to be activated, which reduces inflammation. Additionally, CB1 receptors alter how the brain processes pain. 

Furthermore, CB2 receptors in the immunological and neurological systems are bound by CBD. When this occurs, the body may create more cannabinoids and lessens inflammation and the discomfort it causes.

Mobility

Our pets start to lose interest in previous hobbies as they become older. A dog in discomfort can find daily walks and pond swimming to be too much. Watching the process take place is terrible, and we all want to keep our pets as active as possible for as long as possible. 

CBD oil may increase your aged dog's mobility since it may help with pain and inflammation. Research on canines found that giving dogs with osteoarthritis 2 mg of CBD twice daily increased their mobility.

Skin health

Your dog may have an allergy, rash, or dry skin if they often scratch themselves or roll around. Scratching regularly might cause microdermabrasion and degeneration of your pup's skin barrier. 

The anti-inflammatory and calming effects of CBD oil on the skin can help stop your dog from scratching unintentionally and aggravating its itch. It's also a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian to get them looked at if your dog is scratching more frequently than normal or develops a rash or infection.

Heart health

In addition to reducing short-term stress, CBD oil also addresses the long-term effects of anxiety and lessens your dog's general blood pressure and heart rate, which helps avoid the signs of age-related cardiac diseases. This is because it helps in controlling your dog's endocannabinoid system, which keeps its body in a balanced and homeostatic condition by nature. 

According to a 2017 review by the World Health Organization, CBD does not affect heart rate or blood pressure under normal circumstances, but it lowers these parameters in animals under stress.

Nausea and Vomiting

One of the most well-studied CBD oil advantages is its ability to help manage nausea and vomiting. Whether your dog is experiencing nausea as a result of a sensitive stomach or an underlying condition, CBD oil is likely going to be helpful. 

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is in charge of stimulating a dog's appetite. In addition, CBD can also assist to alleviate any nausea brought on by eating.

Allergies

Dogs can experience allergic responses to substances in their surroundings, such as foods, plants, danders, medicines, insects, or even grass, just like people can. In addition to easing allergy-related discomfort or itching, CBD oil strengthens your dog's immune system, lessening allergy symptoms brought on by the body's natural defence mechanisms.

CBD for Dogs with Cancer

Although CBD by itself cannot treat cancer, it can be an excellent supplementary therapy for canines undergoing cancer treatment. CBD has also been shown to decrease the development of cancer cells and may be used in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy for great benefit. Dogs with cancer may endure pain, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and seizures, all of which can be reduced with CBD. 

A study in 2018 discovered that CBD improved the survival rate of mice with cancer. CBD also destroys cancer cells by preventing them from producing energy. Additionally, it has the power to activate the immune system, producing killer cells that destroy cancer cells. 

Even though there is data indicating that CBD may benefit animals with cancer, more study is required.

CBD for Dogs with Arthritis

CBD oil can benefit dogs with arthritis by acting on their endocannabinoid system. Dogs, like humans, naturally create endocannabinoids, which are bioactive compounds that play a crucial part in maintaining homeostasis in the body and controlling functions including hunger, pain, sleep, and the immune system. 

The ECS's cannabinoid (CB) receptors can interact with CBD and be supported in their functions. CBD interacts with the ECS in a way that may benefit your dog's health and wellness.

Medical researchers are looking at the potential role that some cannabis receptors, including the GPR55 receptor, may have in the development of joint issues in rheumatoid arthritis. According to one study, CBD interacts with this receptor and appears to halt development.

While there isn't much data on CBD and canine arthritis, a study from 2018 revealed that 2 mg of CBD given twice daily to dogs with arthritis led to reduced discomfort and higher activity levels. Additionally, there were no documented adverse effects of the therapy on the research dogs.

CBD for Seizures and Epilepsy

Most veterinarians use antiepileptic medications to treat epilepsy and seizures. However, these medications may affect the liver and other organs in your dog's body. Additionally, even when medications don't have severe adverse effects, they don't always function.

Due to the way CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it has also been discovered to lessen both the frequency and intensity of seizures. Seizures are thought to be caused by abnormal electric charges in the nervous system's neurons. But CBD can attach to brain receptors. According to researchers, this may enhance how well the neurological system functions.

In a study by Colorado State University researchers, 89% of epileptic canines that took CBD reported fewer seizures.

CBD for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a frequent hereditary disorder in dogs that causes the development of the hip joints to be abnormal. This causes discomfort, inflammation, and arthritis if left untreated, 

CBD oil is a fantastic alternative for treating pain and inflammation in animals with joint conditions like hip dysplasia. Additionally, it possesses anti-anxiety properties that can ease your pet's uneasiness concerning their illness. 

A study published by Baylor College of Medicine found that CBD has significant and measurable anti-inflammatory effects in experimental systems for dogs with osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia can cause tears in the ligaments and cartilage and CBD may strengthen those tissues.

More study is needed to fully understand the advantages of CBD for dogs with hip dysplasia.

Are there any side effects?

Although CBD is said to offer potential benefits for humans and is generally harmless, there are some adverse effects that this substance may have on your dog. Here are some of them.

• Dry mouth
• Lethargy
• Itchiness
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Lower blood pressure
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

To prevent side effects, you should only give your dog the recommended dosage of CBD from your veterinarian.

Can I give my dog human CBD oil?

Yes. Most CBD oils sold are also safe for animal consumption. Although human CBD oil is regarded as safe for our dogs, human CBD oil might include components or even a concentration of THC that is harmful to your pet. 

We suggest you read the ingredient list on the oil bottle before purchasing to ensure that the product only contains the legal maximum of CBD.

Also, make sure the company you're considering buying from checks its products for contaminants like mildew and other potentially harmful substances to ensure they're safe for dogs.

How should I administer CBD to my dog?

There are several to administer CBD oil to a dog if you wish to give your pet the food supplement: 

1. Put it right into the mouth. The most efficient way to ensure that your dog absorbs hemp oil and achieves the best effects is by giving them the oil by mouth. Because a dog's gastrointestinal tract might react differently depending on the breed, while treats and other techniques can be effective, an oil tincture is preferable for absorption.
2. Combine CBD with food. You may incorporate hemp oil into their meal. This method typically works since the flavour of their meal can mask the taste of the CBD. Dry foods work incredibly well to cover up the texture and flavour of CBD products. Most wet meals might not completely combine with this organic chemical substance our pet may quickly notice a difference in the texture and flavour of their usual meal. 
3. Dilute the CBD Oil with Water. It might be difficult for your dog to take CBD tinctures, which are taken under the tongue. However, you may substitute this technique by diluting CBD oil in water. High-quality products typically have practically little taste or odour. You may discreetly put the oil in your pet's water supply. Just be sure to use the right dosage so that your pet will ultimately receive all of the advantages of CBD.

Can CBD interact with canine medications?

Yes. CBD may interact with medications your dog is taking. Approximately 60% of clinically recommended medications on the market today, such as tramadol, Xanax, and antidepressants, are known to be metabolised or broken down by this particular set of enzymes. Enzyme P450 works by adding oxygen to the medication, making it liquid and easier for the kidneys to digest. CBD oil may inhibit the activity of several enzymes, impairing the liver's capacity to complete metabolic activities. 

In other words, there is a good chance that the enzymes will only be able to break down one of the two substances if CBD oil and prescription medications are taken together. 

Things to consider when choosing CBD for your pet

If you want to give CBD to your dog, there are other things to consider. This includes the following:

• Origin. Check the source of the CBD before purchasing a product to be sure it comes from industrial hemp. Additionally, the purity and potency of the CBD should be confirmed by independent lab testing. Look for companies who are open to their manufacturing method and exclusively use organic ingredients. 

• Manufacturing and Extraction Process. You should check the production process when choosing CBD products for dogs. Some companies extract their products using strong chemicals or solvents, which may leave residues of these pollutants in the finished product. Some may even be full of dangerous ingredients such as heavy metals. Supercritical CO2 extraction is the safest and most efficient way to extract CBD oil, so look for businesses that use it.

• Transport and Storage. Consider the product's method of storage and transportation while looking for the best CBD treats for your dog. Choosing a CBD product that has been stored and carried in an airtight container is essential since CBD products lose quality over time. 

• Labelling and Certifications. Before giving any CBD product to your furry friend, it is important to read the lab reports and certificates. Look for products with less than 0.2% THC. For dogs, these products are more likely to be safe and effective. Additionally, make an effort to select a product made especially for pets. Although most CBD products for humans are safe, some canines may not be safe from them and others may even have toxic effects. 

• CBD and THC Content. THC is the primary active component in marijuana responsible for its psychoactive effects. You should choose CBD pet products that are rich in CBD and THC-free. This way, you can be confident that your dog will receive all the product's advantages without experiencing any potential side effects.