Every pet parent wants what’s best for their four-legged companion. Dog lovers are continually striving to ensure that their canine friends feel loved, are comfortable, and receive the best care possible. In 2019, 48 % of pet owners in the United States bought cannabidiol treats or chews for their pets.
Over the past few years, there has been growing interest and use of CBD for dogs, mainly due to the medicinal value of the compound found in the cannabis plant. However, it is essential to learn more about cannabis before making the decision to give your pet CBD.
Here is everything you need to know about cannabis for dogs:
Is CBD bad for dogs?
Before answering this question, it is vital to understand the difference between CBD and other cannabis compounds such as THC.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the more than 80 different chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. The non-psychoactive compound is the second most common of the active ingredients of the plant. CBD is derived from the cannabis plant and used mainly for its curative properties. Today, CBD pet care products are available in many forms, each with a different delivery method. Treats and capsules are edible, while oils can be placed under the tongue or added to food. There are also topical creams that you can rub directly on your furry friend’s skin.
“Is CBD right for my dog?” This is one of the questions that many pet parents will ask when it comes to cannabis for dogs. In its pure state, CBD is safe and well-tolerated by the canines. The chemical compound has anti-inflammatory properties, anti-nausea effects, anti-anxiety impact, cardiac benefits, and appetite stimulation effects. CBD will mainly be beneficial to older dogs that tend to experience pains and anxiety. Common medications for conditions such as arthritis that are brought about by old age will typically lose effectiveness over time, lowering the standard of health and comfort that your pet enjoys.
When there is an imbalance such as anxiety, pain, or inflammation in your dog’s body, the animal’s brain will sense the imbalance. The endocannabinoid system will then communicate instructions to the immune system and other body organs. CBD helps to address the imbalance by influencing a wide range of physiological processes. With the numerous CBD products available, you should ensure that the product you buy not only contains CBD but has the compound in sufficient quantities. The appropriate levels of cannabidiol will instigate the necessary chemical or physiological change.
The key to using CBD safely for dogs is to ensure that you administer it in the recommended dosage. When used correctly and together with other therapies, CBD-based products can have a positive impact on your dog’s quality of life. Generally, CBD dosing will be based on the weight of your dog and should be administered twice daily, depending on the specific condition you are trying to help. A dosage of between two and eight milligrams per kilogram of body weight has been found to be safe and quite effective for dogs with arthritis or seizures. When giving your dog CBD, you should consider keeping a journal of the animal before and over the period during which you plan to use the product.
When to give your dog CBD
Chronic diseases will not only affect your dog’s health but also hit you hard emotionally and mentally. This is partly why an increasingly high number of pet owners are turning to CBD products to help treat different health conditions in their furry family members. CBD has many therapeutic benefits for dogs.
Here are some dog health conditions you can treat with CBD:
Arthritis and other inflammation conditions
Arthritis is one of the most common inflammatory conditions in dogs, with as many as 60 percents of the animals exhibiting some level of the disease in their lifetime. Labradors make for one of the dog breeds that are prone to conditions such as joint problems. CBD is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce chronic inflammation and increase mobility in dogs. You can consider using cannabis for Labradors if your pet suffers from inflammation conditions.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain that is associated with old age and over-activation can affect many aspects of your dog’s life. It can be hard to identify where and what you should be targeting when it comes to treating pain. Administering CBD in optimal doses can help with joint, back, hip, and nerve-related pain. This will ultimately increase the quality and length of life.
Seizure and epilepsy
Seizures in dogs can be caused either by a separate disease or by the brain or other metabolic structural problems. Prolonged seizures can result in higher body temperatures and difficulty in breathing, two factors that raise the risk of brain damage. CBD can be useful in reducing seizures and epilepsy in dogs, especially when the four-legged canine is not responsive to other medications and treatments.
Cancer
Cannabinoids can protect your dog against tumor and cancerous cells that occur in the mammary glands, liver, lungs, pancreas, uterus, testes, and pituitary. These naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant will help fight cancer without affecting the non-transformed cells in the affected organs. Using cannabis for greyhounds can be particularly helpful, considering that the breed is susceptible to cancer. The anti-tumor effect means that CBD can help increase tumor cell death and stop cancer cells from growing.
Anxiety
CBS is also useful in managing stress in dogs. Anxiety can cause a tough time for your canine companion and can come in many forms. Whether the anxiety is due to old age, noise phobias, or separation anxiety, it is crucial to find ways of keeping him relaxed and comfortable. Some of the common symptoms of anxiety include cowering in a corner, barking or howling, self-harm, digging, and panting.
Reduced appetite and nausea
One of the side effects of some of the powerful drugs used to treat chronic diseases in dogs is nausea. If not addressed in good time, nausea and vomiting can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss. CBD may help when you have trouble getting your canine friend to eat. You can use it to supplement other medications meant to increase appetite.
Apart from the health conditions above, CBD has many other benefits for canines. Giving your dog CBD can help to promote cardiovascular health, enhance blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, and help to reduce sleeping problems.
Should your dog’s CBD be THC free?
When it comes to cannabis for canines, there are two primary compounds in cannabis you should know about: CBD and THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive component of the plant. When THC enters the brain, it causes a high sensation that is usually associated with cannabis. If you plan to give your dog cannabis, you should avoid giving him straight cannabis or products containing THC. Any CBD products you administer should have little to no THC.
Here are some of the disconcerting effects that THC can have on your furry friend:
Extreme tension
THC can result in tensed up muscles in dogs, making it difficult for them to move. Toxic THC exposure can make the canine stand rigidly and rock back and forth as though he is trying to move but is unable. Muscle tension can also result in lethargy and slow response. Although the symptoms are usually temporary, THC can lead to more severe problems like tremors and seizures.
They have a hard time walking.
THC poisoning in dogs is also associated with dizziness and vertigo. The sensation of feeling off-balance can make it difficult for your dog to get up, maintain standing balance, and walk. This will make it difficult for the canine to do some of the simple tasks that he would normally do on his own such as walking to his food dish.
Excessive drooling
When a dog consumes cannabis products containing THC, some of the side effects may be eyes opening wide and drooling. THC can cause problems to the stomach and intestines, a factor that will increase the amount of saliva produced in the mouth. There are times when excessive drooling will be an indication that the dog is experiencing pain in his mouth or throat.
Loss of bladder control
THC can cause muscles either too tense up or relax. When the canine ingests considerable amounts of THC, he may become sleepy and loosen his muscles, leading to urinary incontinence. In extreme cases, this can develop into kidney and bladder infections as well as skin infection in areas that are frequently in contact with urine.
Paranoia
Depending on the amount ingested, your dog can become paranoid or suffer hallucinations. The dog will be disoriented and frightened, causing him to pant heavily or pace up and down halls. Your pet will not be fully aware of what is going on, something that can cause anxiety. A dog that was initially calm and relaxed could end up being irritable, grouchy, and even dangerous.
Abnormal heartbeats can occur.
THC can affect the cardiovascular health of your furry family member. Even a small dose of the compound can be too much for your dog, depending on his size. THC may cause the dog’s body to overwork and his heart to beat irregularly and faster than usual.
A review of the best CBD dog products on the internet
Buying quality CBD dog products from a reliable source will go a long way in ensuring both you and your canine companion benefit from CBD. “Where should I buy CBD for dogs?” This is a common question among pet parents looking to provide better care for their dogs. King Kanine stocks a wide range of quality products that are designed to ensure pet wellness.
Below are reviews of some of the best CBD dog products available.
KING KALM 600mg CBD with Copaiba & Krill Oil and DHA
KING KALM 600mg CBD is the most potent formula in the Kanine Gold Series. The professionally formulated CBD product features organic natural ingredients to ensure the safety of your furry friend. This formula is a result of extensive research, a factor that helps to minimize the risk of adverse consequences and keep your pet healthy and happy. In addition to high-quality cannabidiol, the product contains Copaiba oil and DHA, components that make it more potent and enhance its soothing effect. These qualities make it the perfect product for managing your pet’s discomfort quickly and effectively.
The KING KALM 600mg CBD helps with anxiety, alleviate physical discomfort associated with your pet’s daily activity, and reduce inflammation and noise discomfort. This formula comes in a 30ml bottle, accompanied by an oral syringe to ensure smooth administration. You will also find a dosing chart to help you determine the right quantities to give your dog.
KING KALM CBD 300mg – Large size pet and dog formula
This KING KALM CBD oil is trendy among pet owners, and for a good reason. The product is made with organic natural ingredients with your furry friends in mind. It contains CBD oil that works excellently to alleviate anxiousness, pet discomfort, noise discomfort, inflammation, and physical pain.
This natural product also features krill oil, which is rich in omega-3 fats and has antioxidant properties and a calming effect. The CBD oil works in concert with the krill oil to promote a healthy immune system to help protect your pet from common diseases and infections. When you buy this 300mg CBD oil, you will get an oral syringe to ensure the easy application of the product. With the dosing chart that accompanies the product, you will be able to choose the right amount of CBD oil and krill oil for your canine companion.
KING KALM CBD 75mg – Small size dog and cat formula
If you are looking for the right products to help alleviate your pet’s discomfort, this 75mg CBD oil is a product you should consider. A combination of high-quality CBD oil, Krill oil, and hemp oil delivers a potent product that minimizes discomfort quickly. Krill oil contains essential fatty acids and omega 3, nutrients that promote the delivery of CBD to the body.
KING KALM 75gm CBD oil can also help alleviate anxiousness, inflammation, and noise discomfort. The product is tested in a third-party ISO-certified lab to ensure it meets the highest standards of purity, accuracy, and consistency. This CBD oil comes with an oral syringe for easy delivery and a dosing chart to help you deliver the correct quantities of krill oil and CBD oil. You should administer the product once or twice a day for consistent results.
KING KALM CBD 150mg – Medium size dog and pet formula
This medium size dog and pet formula are specifically designed to help keep your pet comfortable and happy. The professionally-formulated product features a mixture of high-quality cannabidiol, Krill oil, and hemp oil. Krill oil contains essential fatty acids and omega-3, which serve as efficient catalysts for the delivery of CBD to your pet’s body. These three individual components work together to make the CBD oil effective in soothing symptoms and alleviating discomfort.
When you notice signs of anxiety, inflammation, noise, or physical discomfort in your dog, use the oral syringe in the package to administer this product one to two times a day. The dosing chart that accompanies this CBD oil will make your work more manageable if you are not sure what the best dosage for your pet is. KING KALM CBD 150mg is affordably priced, allowing you to provide quality pet care without breaking the bank.
KING KALM Crunch – Blueberry
A great alternative to CBD oil, this KING KALM Crunch is a great option to consider once you decide to start CBD therapy for your dog. The exciting dog chew is made with all-natural ingredients and formulated by experienced nutritionists and physicians. Some of the ingredients are gluten-free stone ground oat flour, sweet potato, eggs, blueberries, diced apples, honey, and flax seeds. It is also baked at low temperature before it is dehydrated to preserve the nutritional value of its vitamins and omega-3.
Apart from being an excellent source of macro and micronutrients, the treat offers antioxidant benefits. These antioxidant properties protect the heart and circulatory system from oxidative stress and help to reduce inflammation and joint pains in dogs. The blueberry flavor keeps the biscuits tasty, so your dog always enjoys the treat. For the overall health and wellness of your canine companion, this product should be used daily.
KING KALM Crunch – Apple Cinnamon
The KING KALM Crunch – Apple Cinnamon is a wonderful treat, helping you get your picky eater to ingest CBD. With approximately 40 pieces per bag, this product supplies your pet with essential nutrients like vitamins and omega-3. Ingredients that provide excellent nutritional value include gluten-free stone ground oat flour, organic apple, cinnamon, turmeric, and black peppercorn. All the ingredients are natural to promote the safety of your furry friend and ensure minimal side effects.
The CBD biscuit treats are great in reducing anxiety to ensure that your dog is relaxed and comfortable. It can also help with heart conditions, inflammation, diabetes, and arthritis. These biscuits can be administered on the go, a factor that makes it easy to keep up with the health and wellness program you create for your dog.
KING KALM Crunch – Honey Oats
These crunchy biscuits are not only a great treat for your furry friend but also a great source of the nutrients the animal needs to be strong and healthy. The recipe all-natural recipe is safe for your canine companion and is formulated by nutrition experts to ensure maximum nutritional value. With the antioxidant benefits that these treats offer, they should definitely be part of your dog’s health and wellness program. Some of the notable ingredients in the KING KALM product are gluten-free stone ground oat flour, rolled oats, eggs, almonds, honey, turmeric, and black peppercorn.
The treats are delicious and will help in reducing anxiety and discomfort. This product is third-party certified for purity and potency, a factor that ensures the consistency and effectiveness of the CBD. It also comes in a convenient package so your dog can enjoy his favorite treat anytime, anywhere.
KING KLEAN natural dog shampoo
This natural dog shampoo is formulated with your dog in mind to make him look and feel great. The product is made with all-natural ingredients and is gentle on your pet’s skin. Its hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and eco-friendly qualities make it an excellent product choice for when you want to clean a dog with sensitive skin.
Like the other CBD-infused products under this brand name, the KING KLEAN natural dog shampoo works effectively to get rid of dirt and germs on your four-legged companion’s body. It also rinses off easily to leave the dog’s coat feeling soft and the animal smelling great. The organic ingredients of the shampoo are coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, lemongrass, and rosemary oil. Simply wet your dog using warm water before applying the product to create a lather that you will gentle massage into the skin and coat. Next, rinse the shampoo off with clear water.
KING KALM 150mg CBD, Soothe and balm
This package contains three different products to help you enhance your pet’s life. When you buy the package, you get a KING KALM CBD 150mg, KING KALM SOOTHE, and KING KALM BALM. The CBD oil with Krill oil and Hemp oil is formulated to promote the wellness of your dog by alleviating anxiety and physical discomfort. It is a high-quality product that works excellently in soothing your pooch.
You will also get KING KALM Soothe for pets, a CBD-infused spray that helps with cracked skin, hot spots, and dermal abrasions. This soothing spray is made from CBD oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, chamomile, and colloidal silver, ingredients that work together to offer relief so that your dog does not have to lick or scratch. Lastly, the KING KALM balm is meant to keep your dog’s paws, elbows, and snout hydrated. The balm features CBD oil, coconut oil, essential oils, natural beeswax, and manuka honey.
KING KALM CBD mange and mite management spray
This antiseptic topical solution is made with full-spectrum CBD and soothing ingredients. These components ensure that the spray is perfect for treating damaged skin and preventing related infections. The product is mainly designed to help treat mange, leaving your dog’s skin looking great. This formula is alcohol-free and eco-friendly, making it safe for your pet and gentle on their skin.
When you use the mange and mite management spray, it will kill the harmful bacteria without causing irritation or itching. Some of the ingredients that make up this quality product are vitamin E, broad-spectrum CBD, aloe vera, and lemongrass fragrance. To achieve the desires results, shake the bottle well before spraying the solution directly on the pet and brushing or combing it in. Be sure to use this CBD product daily until the symptoms clear up.
KING KALM soothe for pets
Dry, cracked skin, hot spots, and dermal abrasions will not only cause your dog significant discomfort but also expose him to potential infections. This KING KALM dog anti-itch spray is infused with CBD to provide the needed relief and contains natural ingredients that are safe for your pet. The Soothe Spray is formulated to help reduce inflammation and deliver a soothing effect. This minimizes itching and controls the urge to scratch or lick the affected area.
The CBD in the spray is extracted from hemp and is entirely free of THC, effectively minimizing the risk of unwanted side effects. Our Soothe Spray is tested in independent labs to ensure quality, safety, and purity. Some of the ingredients that make the spray effective are CBD oil, aloe vera, colloidal silver, and tea tree oil. When your dog is suffering physical discomfort, spray directly on the affected area to alleviate the itching.
FAQs about CBD for dogs
Below are some of the frequently asked questions about CBD for dogs. The answers will help you learn more about how to administer CBD safely and ensure it is effective.
Is CBD harmful to dogs?
CBD, in itself, is not harmful to dogs. You are also not likely to observe adverse reactions or anything life-threatening. However, you should ensure that CBD is given to your dog in the right amounts and frequency. As much as overdosing will not be fatal, it will cause your dog discomfort and may necessitate treatment.
What conditions can CBD products help with?
CBD is known to help with a massive list of problems in dogs. These include joint pain and arthritis, stress and mental issues, digestive issues, diabetes, skin conditions, neurological diseases, and organ problems. The good news is that CBD can also be used in combination with other treatments to alleviate the symptoms of these conditions.
Can I give human CBD products to my dog?
Most human CBD products contain flavoring ingredients, such as essential oils, that may not be good for dogs. This is why it is safer to use products that are specially designed for pets. CBD products that are formulated for pets will typically be unflavored or have a taste that your dog will enjoy. Your dog should also receive servings that fit his needs.
How will I determine the right amount of CBD to give my dog?
When determining your dog’s CBD dosage, you should consider the size and weight of the animal. You may also want to keep in mind the specific reason why you are giving it to them. It is recommended that pet owners start with between one and two milligrams for every 10 pounds of body weight. The best way to go about it is to start small and go slow.
How do I give CBD to my dog?
There are several options when it comes to giving your dog CBD. The first one is to administer CBD oil directly into the pet’s mouth. For pets that are more picky and particular, you can drop the oil onto their favorite treat. Third, CBD dog chews are delicious and come with a perfectly measured serving for your furry friend.
Will CBD cause my dog to get high?
No. CBD does not contain the psychoactive properties that are responsible for the ‘high’ sensation associated with cannabis. The CBD derived from hemp extract will usually contain small traces of THC, the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. However, the percentage is too small to get your dog high.
How long does CBD last in my dog’s system?
The exact period of time that CBD will stay in your dog’s system will depend on factors like size, weight, activity level, diet, and the frequency of administering CBD. CBD that is given once will last in the system for a few days, while CBD given moderately a few times in a week can stay in the dog’s system for at least five days.
What should I look for when buying CBD oil for my dog?
Choosing the best CBD product for your pet can be tough. To ensure safety and effectiveness, look for CBD oil sourced from hemp grown in the United States. You can also buy broad-spectrum CBD oil, meaning it does not contain traces of THC. Products that are tested in independent labs will usually meet high standards of quality, purity, and consistency. You may also want to look at reviews submitted by dog owners who have used the products before.
How long after giving my dog CBD will I see results?
It depends on the condition you intend to treat and the dosage you administer. For anxiety, you may see results in between 30 and 60 minutes. When it comes to joint pain, the dog’s body may take longer to respond. You can allow two to four weeks for full effect.
There are many benefits of giving your dog CBD products regularly. However, it is imperative that you understand what CBD is, how it works, when to administer it, and the recommended dosage. This information will help you make smart decisions and provide better care for your pooch.
