More and more dog owners come across CBD for dogs. In this article we set out what it is, how you dose it and what to look out for. Including the point where the knowledge stops, because there is one.
What is CBD oil for dogs?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound from the hemp plant that has no psychoactive action. This means your dog does not get “high” from it and that it is not addictive. CBD oil for dogs differs from products for people mainly in concentration and often in taste, and in many products we use salmon oil as the base for better acceptance by your four-legged friend.
Like people, dogs have an endocannabinoid system: a network of receptors that is involved in bodily functions such as pain, inflammation, mood and sleep. CBD acts on this system.
What is being researched, and where it stops
Research into cannabidiol in dogs is being done at various universities, including Cornell University and Colorado State University. These are individual studies with small groups of animals.
We attach no statements to that about what CBD would do for your dog. CBD oil is a supplement and not a veterinary medicine. If your dog has health complaints, that belongs with the vet and not with a supplement.
What owners use it for in practice varies. Think of New Year’s Eve, long car journeys or moving house. Those are experiences we get back, not research outcomes.
Dosing and giving CBD to your dog
The dose depends mainly on your dog’s weight and on how sensitive he is. As a guideline we keep to about 1 drop per 5 kg of body weight at a time.
Most owners give it over a longer period rather than one-off. Start low, give it time calmly and see how your dog responds to it.
You can put drops of CBD oil straight into the mouth, mix it into the food or give it on a treat. What works best for your dog? That depends on your four-legged friend’s character. In any case, always start with a low dose and build up slowly while keeping an eye on how your dog responds.
Safety and side effects when your dog takes CBD
If you give CBD oil by mouth, the body absorbs part of it there. What owners and vets report as side effects is usually mild and passes on its own: slight sleepiness, more thirst and sometimes temporarily raised liver values in blood tests.
CBD should be used carefully in dogs with liver or kidney problems, and is not suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs. Because CBD can influence the breakdown of certain medicines, consulting your vet is important, especially with dogs that already take medication.
Working together with your vet
More and more vets are becoming familiar with CBD and see its possibilities. Although not every vet has the same amount of experience with it yet, knowledge and acceptance in this world are growing quickly.
Many vets appreciate it when owners consult them before using CBD, especially with dogs that have health problems or are on medication. This cooperation makes for the best care for your dog.
Are you considering trying it?
Start small, watch carefully how your dog responds and give it time. Is your dog already on medication or are there health complaints? Then consult your vet first.
Do you have a cat as well as a dog, or would you like the broader basics first? Then read Everything about CBD for animals.
Buying CBD for dogs at Dutch Balance
At Dutch Balance we offer CBD oil developed especially for dogs from Dutch Hemp. Our products are extensively tested externally and are guaranteed to contain 0.00% THC. Because we use salmon oil as the base, most dogs really like our CBD oil. And something you will like as an owner: free shipping from €25, and ordered before 17:00 means shipped today.
