More and more dog owners are discovering CBD oil as natural support for their four-legged friend. But what do we actually know about the action and effectiveness of cannabidiol in dogs? In this article, we discuss the current knowledge about CBD for dogs, based on scientific research and practical experience.
What is CBD oil for dogs?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural substance from the hemp plant that has no psychoactive effects. This means your dog will not get “high” from it and it is not addictive. CBD oil for dogs differs from products for humans mainly in concentration and often in taste, where we use salmon oil as a base in many products for better acceptance by your four-legged friend.
Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system: a network of receptors that regulates body functions such as pain, inflammation, mood and sleep. CBD interacts with this system and therefore can support various processes in the body.
Applications of CBD oil in dogs: what does the science say?
Scientific research and experiences of dog owners show that CBD oil can help with a variety of situations. The most studied applications are joint problems, epilepsy and behavioral problems such as anxiety and stress.
In joint problems, research from Cornell University showed that dogs given CBD (2 mg/kg twice daily) experienced significantly less pain and became more active. In epilepsy, Colorado State University found that 89% of dogs given CBD experienced fewer seizures.
In addition, many dog owners use CBD oil for fear of fireworks, separation anxiety, stress during car rides and general agitation. Although less research has been done on these uses, we at Dutch Balance hear about them regularly.
Dosage and administration of CBD to your dog
The proper dosage depends on your dog’s weight, reason for use and individual sensitivity. Research suggests the following guidelines:
For joint problems, 2 mg/kg twice daily is often used, for epilepsy 2.5 mg/kg twice daily. For general use, we always recommend about 1 drop per 5 kg of body weight per administration.
CBD oil usually starts working after 30-45 minutes, but for optimal results, you should give it regularly. In fact, it may take several weeks before you notice the full effect.
You can drip CBD oil directly into the mouth, mix it into food or give it on a treat. What works best for your dog? That depends on the character of your four-legged friend. In any case, always start with a low dose and build up slowly while monitoring your dog’s reaction.
Safety and side effects if your dog is taking CBD
Studies show that CBD is generally safe for dogs. When you give CBD oil orally, the body absorbs about 13-19%. With regular use, CBD levels in the blood remain stable. Possible side effects are usually mild and go away on their own: mild drowsiness, increased thirst and sometimes temporarily elevated liver levels on blood tests.
CBD should be used with caution in dogs with liver or kidney problems, and is not appropriate for pregnant or nursing dogs. Because CBD can affect the breakdown of certain medications, consultation with your veterinarian is important, especially in dogs already on medication.
Working with your veterinarian
More and more veterinarians are becoming familiar with CBD and seeing its potential. Although not every veterinarian has as much experience with it yet, knowledge and acceptance within this world is growing rapidly.
Many veterinarians appreciate it when owners consult before using CBD, especially with dogs with health problems or who are on medication. This collaboration ensures the best care for your dog.
Ready to get started?
CBD oil can be a natural way to support your dog’s well-being. The best way to know if it helps? Just try it out and see how your dog responds.
Start small, pay close attention to the changes and give it time. Many dog owners are surprised by the positive effects they see. Your dog deserves to be comfortable and relaxed!
Buy CBD for dogs at Dutch Balance
At Dutch Balance, we offer CBD oil specifically designed for dogs from the A-brand Dutch Hemp. Our products have been extensively externally tested and are guaranteed to contain 0.00% THC. By using salmon oil as a base, most dogs really like our CBD oil. And for you as an owner also very tasty: free shipping from €25 and ordered before 17:00 = shipped today!
