Over the last few years, CBD (short for cannabidiol) has become something of a miracle drug among Americans. Now, the CBD market is expanding to include our furry friends.
In 2017, cannabis dispensaries in California, Washington, Colorado, and Oregon saw a $7 million increase in the sale of products marketed to pets.
Clearly, people are experiencing the benefits of CBD and medical cannabis for themselves, and they want their dogs to get in on the action. Have you ever considered using CBD or other cannabis products for your dog?
If so, read on to learn more about seven of the most well-known CBD oil benefits for dogs.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant.
CBD isn’t like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because it does not have any mind-altering effects. This means that it does not get you high when you consume it.
CBD doesn’t get you high, but it does come with a lot of other health benefits.
It does an incredible job of reducing inflammation in the body and reducing pain. Many people have also reported a reduction in anxiety and improved sleep quality when they take it on a regular basis.
CBD Oil Benefits for Dogs
Okay, you understand what CBD is now. Why should you give it to your dog, though?
It turns out that a lot of the benefits that humans experience when taking CBD are applicable to dogs as well.
Listed below are seven benefits that dog owners have experienced after giving their dog CBD oil:
1. Reduced Joint Pain
Is your dog old or dealing with arthritis? Do they move a little more slowly than they used to? If so, CBD oil could be very helpful.
Remember, CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Many dog owners notice that, after they start giving their dog CBD oil on a consistent basis, their dog starts to pick up the pace a little bit and seems to be in less pain.
2. Fewer Allergy Symptoms
Does your dog struggle with skin allergies and frequent itching? Have you tried every shampoo, conditioner, and ointment on the shelf, to no avail? For dogs that suffer from allergies, CBD can be a lifesaver.
CBD oil is great for relieving dryness, itchiness, and skin allergies in dogs. This is thanks to the presence of essential fatty acids in the product. CBD oil also promotes general skin and coat health.
3. Reduced Seizure Severity and Frequency
One of the most well-known benefits of CBD in humans is its ability to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures.
For dogs that suffer from epilepsy or other seizure disorders, CBD can be very helpful.
CBD is a great anti-seizure treatment, but it doesn’t cause serious side effects the way that other anti-seizure medications can.
4. Stronger Immune System
In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, CBD also contains antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals and are essential for a healthy, strong immune system.
If you want to help shield your dog from germs and keep them healthy all year long, CBD oil is a must-have product.
5. Increased Appetite
Does your dog suffer from nausea on a regular basis? Do they not have much of an appetite?
CBD oil helps to stimulate the appetite and can help underweight dogs gain the body fat they need to achieve better health.
It also minimizes feelings of nausea, so your dog will be less likely to vomit after eating.
6. Improved Heart Health
Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, CBD is a great tool for promoting good heart health.
The antioxidants protect the blood vessels from damage, and the anti-inflammatory properties keep the blood vessels open and circulating blood the way they’re supposed to.
7. Reduced Anxiety
Finally, CBD is a great natural remedy for highly anxious dogs.
If your dog freaks out and barks every time you put them in the car or try to leave the house for work, you definitely ought to give CBD oil a try.
It will help them relax, but it won’t sedate them or cause any other negative side effects.
Tips for Administering CBD
Clearly, lots of dog owners can benefit from giving their dogs CBD oil. The catch, though, is that you have to actually be able to administer the CBD oil.
If you’ve ever tried to give your dog any kind of medicine, you know that this is often easier said than done.
There are some tricks you can use to get your dog to take CBD oil, though.
You can try hiding it in their favorite treat, for example, or mixing it with their food. Combining it with a high-value human food, such as peanut butter, is also an option.
If all else fails, the best approach is to just tip their head back and administer the CBD oil using a dropper. Give them lots of treats afterward so they come to create a positive association with the CBD oil.
Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Dogs
When you’re shopping for CBD oil for your dog, it’s best to purchase an organic oil made with CBD that was extracted from plants grown in the USA. This helps minimize the risk of exposure to pesticides or toxic soil.
Avoid buying CBD oils that are made with inflammatory oils (canola oil, sunflower oil, etc.). Instead, look for ones made with a healthy oil like coconut oil or MCT oil.
After all, what’s the point of giving your dog an anti-inflammatory product if it’s combined with an oil known to cause inflammation?
An added flavoring in CBD oil for dogs is fine, but make sure it’s a natural flavor. Steer clear of products made with artificial flavorings or colors.
Learn More About Medical Cannabis Today
As you can see, there are a lot of great CBD oil benefits for dogs. CBD oil is a safe and effective product that is benefiting pets throughout the U.S.
If your dog struggles with joint pain, anxiety, sleep problems, or any other health issues, CBD oil might be just what they need to start feeling like a young pup once more.
Do you want to learn more about CBD and medical cannabis in general? If so, we’ve got lots of resources on our site for you.
This article on the surprising uses of medical cannabis is a great starting point.