You may think that this is a joke or a unique take on animal health (read more). But the CBD can have the same effect on dogs as on humans. Cannabinoid substances work just as effectively. Don’t forget that being a mammal means sharing some similar DNAs.
However, there are things that you need to know before you give your furry friend any cannabinoid-based product. Basic information on the ingredients and dosage can be the determiner between saving and taking their lives.
Why CBD?
Most dogs don’t respond well when it comes to medicines. They can suddenly turn hostile. You can see how their reaction can be similar to humans. This is where less intrusive treatments such as CBD can come in handy.
Cannabinoid or CBD is a substance in the cannabis Sativa plant. It has the same pathway as other metabolic medicines such as paracetamols to reduce pain. It’s one of the reasons why medical marijuana is getting popular. It’s much affordable than oxycontin and has virtually zero chance of causing addiction.
Again, just like for humans, CBD is an optional medicine for them. It is popular for dogs with cancer and osteoarthritis. It’s mainly to reduce the pain caused by chemotherapy or current treatments.
Our furry friends with anxiety also benefit from having this substance in their treatments (link: https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/signs-your-dog-is-anxious-and-how-to-treat-it/10952390). Anxiety can be undetected and seem to be a case of a personality issue. But when they undergo treatment for a serious disease such as cancer can have heightened anxiety.
As you know, a dog is one of the animals that are prone to seizures. Their cases may not be as severe as the Myotonic goats that can result in a sudden due to the genetic imbalance.
Several pieces of research show how CBD treatment helps people with epilepsy. This is the basis of using a similar treatment for dogs. And even though the research on this subject is still minimal and uses traditional medication. But most of them show that they have less frequent seizure episodes than before.
Some dog breeds are prone to cancer as well. At this rate, it sure seems like the diseases have touched a lot of us. Another common problem with dogs is osteoarthritis that mostly happens on large breeds such as Great Dane, Dalmatians, and Irish hounds.
Even so, smaller breeds can have similar issues as well. Osteoarthritis is also common to dogs that have been lacking in exercises or have genetic defects. Unfortunately, these cases often come to light when the dogs are in their adult life.
Using CBD for osteoarthritis means lessening their pain, especially if you choose to have it as a topical treatment.
Which Product To Use?
There are several products in the market. There are the regular blunts, cannabis-infused butter or oil, CBD oil, and the gums. However, even when you’re already using medical marijuana, you can’t simply give your dog some of your meds.
For starters, some ingredients are harmless for humans but lethal to dogs. Let’s take xylitol as an example. It is a common ingredient for gums to mask the bitter cannabinoid flavor.
This sweetener is also common in other candies, you know. But did you know that xylitol is harmful to your dogs? Yes, just like chocolate, xylitol has a substance that can poison your dog.
Among the products, the oil comes as the most viable option. It’s so versatile that you can use it as an ointment and rub it directly to their joints. You also can give it directly to them, a couple of drops depending on their weight.
It makes no difference how your dog takes CBD as long as you’re following the instruction thoroughly. Keep in mind that it’s best to use it within the recommended dosage.
Your dogs can’t communicate their condition. The best you can do is guess their situation. And having CBD treatment on the menu means that you need to pay a keen eye on their condition.
The existing and looming risk. Research on CBD oil for dogs is still progressing day by day. First is the common misconception that dogs can ingest everything. Remember that there is a dosage to be accounted for.
The recommended dose is 2mg/kg. Depending on the product you use, but a drop is roughly 1ml. That means, if your dog is a small pup that only weighs 4 pounds, you can’t give them more than two drops. The same rule is applicable for using CBD oil as a topical treatment.
But among all risks, the most dangerous one is the THC intoxicated. In shorts, your dog is high from CBD oil. This is dangerous because it means that your dog will be unable to eat or stand and do their daily things.
Statistically speaking, there is a very low chance that your dog will die from overdosing on THC. That is why you need to choose CBD oil carefully to ensure there is zero THC substance in the oil.
Caring for a dog is a lifelong journey. Whether you’re admitting to being an animal lover or not, you sure won’t have your furry friend suffer. Alternative medicines are available as the supplementary resort.
Giving your dogs some CBD oil can be the answer that you need since pet medicines can be expensive as well. If you already have a high medicine bill for you, then it’s okay to get medical marijuana for your dogs. Maybe it will benefit you as well.