The use of CBD oil to treat health issues in both people and pets has become a recent health trend. However, there is so much information floating around on the internet making it difficult to tell what is accurate and simply false. We all want the best for our dogs; thus, the question of whether CBD oil is safe for our furry friends arises.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant and hemp plant. Unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not have any psychoactive ingredients. THC is the chemical that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. When it comes to CBD products, the oil is often extracted from the hemp plant and not the marijuana plant. CBD oil contains a healthy balance of omega 3s and 6 fatty acids; these acids promote skin, coat, and nail health.
Is CBD oil safe for dogs?
The short answer is yes, CBD is safe for dogs to consume. The World Health Organization recently released a report that stated that there is no potential for dependency or addiction for animals using CBD. In addition, the report mentioned that CBD might be useful when it comes to treating a variety of medical conditions. Some of the conditions mentioned in the report were anxiety, arthritis, and nausea.
However, before you begin giving your dog CBD oil, it is important to know that there has not been a large amount of research conducted on the health benefits of CBD oil, and much of the information out there is largely anecdotal evidence. The recent studies that have been published point to promising results, but more research is needed to provide a definitive answer.
If you decide to give your dog CBD oil, you should be sure to follow the advice of your vet and closely follow the directions on the product label. Dogs are known for having sensitive stomachs and need time to adjust to new medications and foods. So, be sure to introduce the CBD oil slowly into your dog’s diet to avoid your dog from developing an upset stomach and other digestive issues.

Does CBD oil for dogs have side effects?
After you start giving your dog regular doses of CBD, you may notice a few minor side effects. However, not every dog’s body will react in the same way. When your pet is given an excessively high dose, symptoms can emerge. With time, you’ll be able to administer the ideal dose, and the side effects will likely fade. Keep a lookout for the following signs when you start giving your dog CBD oil.
Drowsiness
While CBD is intended to promote relaxation, the distinction between relaxation and sleep is fuzzy. If your pet is having problems keeping up with his normal behaviors, it’s likely that his dose is too high. Your dog’s dosage should be just enough for you to detect a difference, but not so much that he becomes drowsy and lethargic.
Dry Mouth
CBD has been demonstrated to cause a dry mouth by reducing saliva production. This is a common but minor side effect that can be mitigated by drinking enough water. You may find that your dog’s thirst for water has increased.
Dizziness
If you give your dog too much CBD oil, your dog may suffer from a decrease in blood pressure. While this is not a major issue, it may be enough to cause your dog to experience lightheadedness and dizziness. To avoid the appearance of dizziness, be sure to follow the directions on the product label. If you notice that your dog is experiencing dizziness, you should decrease the dosage you are giving to him.
What kind of CBD oil is best for dogs?
It can be very overwhelming when it comes to choosing a CBD product that is best for your dog. There are hundreds of CBD products on the market, and it is not always easy to know with one is the best. One rule of thumb to follow is to look for products that have received third-party verification or products that have the National Animal Supplement Council Seal of Quality Assurance.
Be sure to choose CBD products for dogs. There are some CBD products for humans that contain a chemical that is harmful to dogs known as xylitol. Look for CBD products that are also organic, meaning that they do not contain any pesticides, fungicides, heavy metals, or solvents; these chemicals can be harmful to your dog’s health.
One last tip to keep in mind when finding a CBD product that is best for your dog is to buy a product that is liquid. Oftentimes, you can find dog treats that contain CBD, but they are not as effective as the liquid form. In addition, you will be able to regulate the amount you are giving your dog by using the liquid form.
One product that we recommend is the Charlie and Buddy oil for cats and dogs. It is certified organic and has received a third-party quality assurance certification. This third-party quality assurance means that the product was examined in a third-party lab and monitored for harmful ingredients. You can rest assured that this product does not contain any harmful chemicals or ingredients. Be sure to follow the dosage recommendation on the product label. This will help ensure that you provide your furry friend with the proper dosage, helping to avoid unwanted side effects.

What health problems can dog CBD oil treat?
While there still needs to be more thorough research on the specific benefits of dog CBD oil, there is some available research that claims CBD oil can treat the following ailments.
Dogs with Joint Problems and Arthritis
CBD oil is a natural anti-inflammatory product that does not have the same negative side effects compared to other anti-inflammatory medications. The way that it works to reduce inflammation is by binding the CB1 receptors in the brain and stimulating the immune system to reduce inflammation.
With prolonged use, the CB1 receptors can change the way that the brain responds to pain. This change can lead to the body producing more cannabinoids on its own; therefore, the level of arthritic pain felt by the body is decreased as well as inflammation. One study conducted by Cornell University found that dogs that were taking CBD oil for arthritis were more active and displayed fewer chronic pain symptoms.
Dogs with Seizures and Epilepsy
CBD oil for seizures is one of the most studied treatments when it comes to CBD oil for both dogs and people. In human trials, CBD oil has been shown to work in a large percentage of patients. In one study, it was evens shown to work on patients that had a form of drug-resistant epilepsy.
Scientists believe that CBD oil reduces the frequency of seizures due to how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body. Seizures are most often caused by abnormal electric charges in the neurons; CBD can connect to these receptors and decrease seizure frequency.
Dogs with Anxiety and Separation Anxiety
Anxiety is a common issue that is found within dogs. CBD oil may offer some positive benefits when it comes to anxiety relief. While there are other anxiety medications available on the market for dogs, CBD oil does not come along with the dangerous side effects.
Some researchers believe that CBD oil reduces symptoms of anxiety by reducing the inflammation that is present within the dog’s body. However, more research is needed on this treatment to definitively prove its effects.
Dogs with Pain
One of the most common uses for full-spectrum CBD oil is for pain management. CBD oil treats pain much like it treats arthritis and inflammation. The great thing is that CBD is nonaddictive and does not come with the many harmful side effects like other pain medications. The anti-inflammatory benefits that have been seen in dogs suffering from arthritis are also seen in dogs with pain-related illnesses. CBD oil has been particularly beneficial when it comes to treating back pain in dogs. This treatment can help to increase your dog’s quality of life by offering pain relief.
Dogs with Cancer
The word cancer is a term that encompasses a variety of disease types. These diseases are very diverse in the way they attack the body. Cancer researchers are always looking for innovative ways to treat cancer in people as well as in dogs. CBD is one product that has been extensively researched when it comes to cancer treatment and pain management.
One study that was conducted on mice in 2018 showed that full-spectrum CBD oil slowed the growth of mammary cancer cells. This increased the survival time of the mice and demonstrated the medicinal properties of CBD for cancer treatment.
While the topic has been researched, more research is needed to determine exactly how CBD affects cancer cells within dogs.
How to give your dog CBD oil
Most dogs do not like the taste of straight CBD oil so putting the supplement directly into the dog’s mouth is likely not the best idea. There are several alternative ways that you can use to ensure your dog gets the proper dosage of full-spectrum oil. You can easily mix the oil in your dog’s favorite food or put a drop on top of pet treats. Incorporating CBD oil into your dog’s diet does not have to be difficult.
Another method that some pet owners use is putting the correct dosage in the dog’s water bowl. In the end, it may take some experimentation on your part to see what way your dog prefers. This will ensure your dog receives the proper dosage and does not have a negative association with taking the medication. Lastly, be sure to ensure you are administering CBD oils for dogs and refraining from human-grade CBD oil or hemp oil.

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