Before we talk about CBD Oil For dogs owners, there are few things more important in their lives than their dog and their dog’s health. With more and more people beginning to take CBD (cannabidiol) for their own health, many dog owners have been wondering if CBD can help their pets too. This has lead to lots of dog owners across the UK giving their pets treats and oils. This article looks at how you can use CBD for dogs.
NB: As of writing, March 2022 it is still an offence to use CBD products on pets, including dogs, in the UK if you don't have a valid prescription from a vet. Owners however can buy in many high street stores for their own use.
Table of Contents
Understanding CBD
CBD is one of 113 known cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. CBD is extracted from the cannabis or hemp plant through a process that separates it from the majority of other cannabinoids. It is this extraction process that helps make CBD legal. For any CBD to be legal in UK, it must have less than 1mg THC and be sourced from CBD grown with less than 0.2% THC. CBD is non-psychoactive and will not get you or your dog high but, in the UK, you need a script from a vet for dog branded CBD, fortunately, CBD active ingredients are the same and it's legal for humans and readily available.
What is hemp oil?
When it comes to hemp oil, we need to draw a distinction and clear up some misunderstandings. For years, plain old hemp oil has been collecting dust in health food stores. But now it's the center of attention both in and out of the kitchen. It's a flexible and incredibly beneficial oil made from crushed hemp seeds that's rich of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
The other type of hemp oil, CBD oil, is made from the hemp plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid with therapeutic benefits. It's also gaining a lot of traction around the world.
This is due to the numerous claims made about its purported advantages in a variety of health concerns. These include stress and depression management, pain reduction, inflammation reduction, and sleep enhancement. Unfortunately, there hasn't been enough research done to back up many of these assertions.
How can CBD make your pet happier?
In the same way that CBD has a variety of extra benefits for people, CBD potentially has a whole lot of benefits for your dog or pet. However, as is the case with CBD generally, there is very little known about what CBD can or cannot do to animals. We’ve stated at the beginning of this article but it bears repeating, it’s not advisable to give your pet CBD without advice from your vet.
Why would my dog need CBD?
It’s a very good question. But the answer is the same as the one people who already enjoy using CBD give – the health benefits. CBD has become super popular in wellness circles. While there is a continually ongoing research effort into discovering even more benefits of CBD, there are a lot of anecdotal reports.
Many people have cited the use of CBD on their pets for some of the following:
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Digestion
- Anxiety
The last one — anxiety — is an interesting one. Some people don’t even realise that their pets suffer from anxiety. However, animals have all the same mental problems as us.
A commonly reported benefit of using CBD is its anxiolytic effects. Many people have found that CBD can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and bring a sense of calm. Potentially, using a CBD spray on your pet could alleviate the stress they feel during times of separation. Using a CBD supplement could relieve some of that tension and have your pet feeling relaxed in no time.
How does CBD oil for dogs work?
Once ingested by your dog, the CBD oil then enters their bloodstream. From here the CBD travels throughout the body and interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors and alters how they work. These receptors are responsible for pain management and inflammation in your dog's body which helps alleviate pain.
Is CBD oil safe for dogs?
When it comes to the known risks associated with dogs taking CBD, information is scarce and we need to look at the effects on the human endocannabinoid system. Cannabidiol is widely considered to be low risk. There have been zero CBD-related human deaths anywhere in the world. This has led dog owners and vets to believe that CBD is suitable, and safe, for dogs.
It is unknown how CBD interacts with dog medication, it has yet to be approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. If your dog is taking regular medication, you must visit your vet first and speak with them. They are animal health professionals and experts when it comes to giving CBD or Hemp to your pet. To help limit any potential side effects or risks, it is important to give correct CBD dosage for your dog.
Giving your dog CBD
Now that we understand how CBD can potentially help your dog, we need to take a look at why and how to do so. Remember, if you need expert advice, always consult your vet.
What health problems should you give your dog CBD for?
Clinical trials into how CBD affects humans have only just begun, and unfortunately, trials studying the effect of Cannabidiol oil on dogs is even further behind. The good news is CBD comes in many forms but the core ingredient CBD may help with multiple ailments, you really only need one oral spray, which can easily be sprayed onto the dog's tongue where it is quickly absorbed and is fast-acting. The effects of CBD is used to treat the following:
1. CBD for dogs for pain and inflammation
CBD has been used as a key part of pain management for dogs, especially when a full spectrum CBD oil is used. Throughout a dog’s life, they may suffer chronic pain from injury or hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia. Traditional pain medication can be quite tough on canines, so some dog owners like to turn to a natural product like CBD. Reducing your dog’s pain can greatly improve their quality of life.
2. CBD for Dog Seizures
Studies have shown in humans that CBD may help in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. It is believed that CBD can be used in the same way for dogs. Seizures are caused by erratic electrical activity in the brain and it is thought that CBD can slow down this activity.
3. CBD for Anxiety in Dogs
Some dogs, particularly rescue dogs, can become anxious around loud noises or groups of people. CBD oil for anxiety is a great help to nervous humans and an increasing number of people are starting to look to CBD to assist with their nervous canine companion.
Cannabidiol is a natural product that can help sedate dogs and allow them to relax in stressful situations where otherwise they would be quite anxious. Loud noises from fireworks, separation issues from their owner are some of the common ones.
4. CBD Oil for Dogs with Arthritis
Where an older dog is starting to be in pain or less mobile you may wish to try a little CBD balm on the affected area and see will it help. CBD Asylum at £13.50 is a medium-strength cream with 500mg of CBD in a 100ml tub. Simply rub into the affected area 2-3 times a day gently and massage into the skin.
5. CBD for Dog's Appetite stimulation
CBD is known to bind to appetite receptors in a dog’s brain. This can help stimulate their appetite. This is very useful if you have a dog that refuses to eat due to an illness or as a side effect of other treatment. Ensuring your dog is at a healthy weight is a great way to combat illness.
6. CBD for Dog's Mobility
Just like in humans, dogs of a certain age can find it more difficult to move as they get older. The effects of conditions like osteoarthritis can severely affect your dogs quality of life. People have been using CBD to reduce this pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. This may make going for a walk or run in the park much more enjoyable for your dog by reducing joint pain and help keep them healthy.
Side effects Related to CBD oil for dogs
As many people are now choosing to treat their dog with Cannabidiol oil, it has also raised the question as to whether or not there are any side effects of CBD.
Some of the most common side effects are:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite
- Vomiting
1. Dry mouth
Just like its cousin THC, CBD can inhibit the production of saliva in your dog's mouth leaving it very dry. This can lead to your dog becoming quite thirsty or even developing pains in the mouth.
2. Drowsiness
CBD is often used to treat insomnia and anxiety. It has shown in tests that it can stimulate sleep and help keep patients asleep for longer. If too high of a dosage is taken the calming effect of CBD can make your dog feel drowsy.
3. Increased appetite
While in some circumstances having an increased appetite is a good thing, it may also be bad for your dog. This is particularly true if you are trying to get your dog to lose weight. CBD can stimulate receptors in the brain that increase the feeling of hunger which will make your dog want to eat more.
4. Vomiting
CBD oils can cause some dogs to vomit. This is not due to the CBD itself, but rather the processes used to make the CBD and the oil that CBD is mixed with. These processes and oils can contaminate the CBD products which may upset your pet's stomach causing them to vomit.
Most side effects can be avoided by either changing the amount given, product or time that it is taken. With all these benefits and side effects it begs the question: How does CBD work?
How to give CBD oil to your dog?
The most common way to give your cannabis oil to your dog is either with CBD treats (which can't be bought online but you can buy CBD oils in UK) or with a CBD oil tincture. There are some topical creams and balms available, but these are rare and can be less effective than cbd dog treats and oils.
How much CBD oil should I give my dog?
Finding an ideal dosage of CBD oil for pets can be tricky. There are a lot of factors involved including:
- Your pet’s size
- CBD potency in the oil, spray, or capsule
- What the desired treatment effect is
According to All the Best Pet Care, a rough dosing guide is somewhere around 1-5mg CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight.
So, taking this hypothetical animal at 10lbs, a light dose would be 1mg, a medium dose would be 2.5mg and a stronger dose would be 5mg.
You can take this as a rule of thumb and vary as you see fit. However, it’s always best to start low and then slowly increase the dose. If you’re anyway unsure, consult your vet and they can give you advice.
CBD Oil Dosage for dogs
CBD oil can be given to your dog in several ways. Finding the exact dose can be a bit tricky. However, the general rule of thumb to follow is to administer the dose according to the animal's body weight. A rough dosing guide is somewhere between 1-5mg CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight.
Dogs already have a sizeable quantity of cannabinoid receptors in their bodies. This concentration means that CBD doses as low as 1- 2mg can have just as good an effect as higher doses. While dogs are unlikely to have any adverse reactions to high doses of CBD, it is a good idea to properly dose your pooch. You should start with low doses first and as time goes on, build up to a better suited one.
As things stand there are no official CBD dosage for dogs recommendations from the Animal and Plant Health Agency in the UK. Instead, you must base their amount on your dog's weight and the issue being treated. It is a good idea to start with a small CBD oil dosage for dogs and work your way up, rather than giving an excessive dosage that may bring unwanted side effects.
If you have a small dog like a Bichon Frise that weighs 5 kg, it would be a good idea to start on a small amount of 0.5 mg to 1 mg. On the other end of the scale, a large dog like a 50 kg Rottweiler should be given a dose of 10 – 11 mg.
If you are concerned about CBD oil dosages, speak with your vet and they will suggest a suitable amount to start on. Always take your vets advice and understand that the information here is to help and support you and your pet, but the best advice is always from your vet.
How CBD Oil can help your dog breed?
Different dog breeds are more susceptible to certain ailments than others and some of these may be able to be treated with CBD. Here we take a look at some of the most popular breeds.
Could CBD Oil help Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, and German Shepherd?
Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers and German Shepherds are generally healthy breeds. However, like all dogs, they may be prone to certain health problems such as
- Gastric torsion
- Joint problems (hip or elbow dysplasia)
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Weight problems
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
CBD is well known for reducing swelling and its anti-viral properties. While there are no animal studies conducted yet that show the positive benefits of CBD, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence. Dog owners have shared how CBD oil has helped their dogs in:
- Pain management and joint problems: Cannabis oil for dogs can act as an effective and natural pain relief system for large breeds suffering from arthritis and other joint pains. CBD oil helps reduce inflammation and can help the dogs feel better and stay more active.
- Canine epilepsy management: CBD has anticonvulsant characteristics. Many dog owners have reported that CBD for dogs had significantly reduced the frequency and severity of seizures in their dogs. It has also helped in managing the pain resulting from muscle cramps caused by seizures.
- Boosting appetite and fighting nausea: As discussed above, dogs battling serious diseases like EPI become quite weak and experience weight loss. Ageing dogs too tend to eat less and become thin. CBD oil for dogs helps by triggering the sensation of hunger. It also helps in fighting off nausea. According to holistic veterinarians and people who administer CBD to their dogs, it brings about a positive change. The dogs' bodies can absorb the nutrients from food, and they can keep the food down. Vomiting is reduced and the dogs become healthy and active.
- Treating allergies: Many people prefer using natural topical substances to treat skin conditions like allergic reactions, dermatitis and insect bites. They are also using them on their pets and reporting positive outcomes. Cannabis oil for dogs relieves itching and soothes inflammation.
- Reducing stress: CBD oil for dogs is known for its calming effects. it can help mellow down the mood of hyperactive dogs without any psychoactive effects. Dogs are then less likely to become stressed by loud noises, such as those from firework displays or storms. By staying calm, they are then also able to avoid any stress-related injuries.
- Helping with cancer treatment: While there have been no studies that CBD helps cancer in canines, there have been some that show promising results in humans. They suggest that CBD helps slow down the growth rate of cancer cells. While it is no cure for cancer in canines, CBD oil for dogs may help by slowing the progress and providing some relief from pain.
Could CBD Oil help Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are generally healthy breeds but can suffer from some health problems common to small breeds. These include:
- Hypoglycaemia
- Patellar Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Deafness
- Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)
- Reverse Sneezing
- Skin Allergies
- Eye, gum and teeth infections
Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties, CBD oil for dogs can help in soothing pain arising from conditions such as patellar luxation. CBD oil is also known for its calming effects and in reducing anxiety. This can be quite helpful for dogs in situations such as reverse sneezing. To stop reverse sneezing, it is important to calm down the dog. A few drops of CBD oil given in the form of a spray or mixed with treats can help calm down dogs without any negative psychoactive effects.
CBD oil for dogs can help in glaucoma pain management. Not only can it help reduce inflammation of the eyes which is causing your dog pain, but it can also have potential neuroprotective effects. Some experiments in humans have shown that CBD acts as a powerful protector against glutamate triggered cell death. CBD oil for dogs also helps them in dealing with skin allergies. It can soothe itching and relieve stress and pain associated with it.
Could CBD Oil help English Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
English Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally healthy breeds. However, like all-breed, they are prone to certain diseases and health conditions. These include:
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Episodic Falling (EF)
- Eye problems
- Skin Disorders
- Ear Infections
CBD oil for dogs is quite beneficial according to anecdotal evidence. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve symptoms of itching and other skin diseases and infections. CBD oil helps reduce pain and relieves anxiety. By promoting a sense of calm, it helps your pet manage separation as well as travel anxiety better. Increased calmness leads to reduced stress on your pet's heart, preventing blood pressure from rising. A calm and happy dog has lesser odds of falling sick.
Best CBD Oils for Dogs UK
Greenheart CBD – 2.5% Organic Flaxseed Blend
- CBD type:Full-spectrum
- CBD potency:750mg/30ml
- COA: Available
Price: €-€€
Greenheart CBD is an Irish based CBD-tech company which has seen a rapid rise since they launched 2 years ago. Greenheart’s CBD oil is produced on Irish farms and then transported straight to their facility which ensures a fully traceable product for the end consumer.
Greenheart CBD has a range of Hemp Oils that are blended with Flaxseed oil. Flaxseed is a rich source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fibre. The Flaxseeds contain protein, lignans, and the essential fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which can also be known as ALA or omega-3.
What are the best CBD dog treats?
CBD treats for dogs are very similar to CBD edibles for humans. When the CBD has been extracted from the plant it is then used to create many different treats. You can find all sorts of CBD infused dog biscuits, chewy treats and small snacks for your dog.
CBD treats can be given as a snack on their own or worked into their food. Dog treats tend to taste very good which means dog owners have no problem in getting their pets to eat them. In the next section, we’ll help you find the best CBD product for your four-legged friend.
It’s widely believed that CBD oil is the best way for your dog to take their CBD as it is thought that the baking process can reduce the effectiveness of CBD products. But some pets can struggle with the taste of the oil, which is why some people prefer to use CBD treats as they happily wolf them down. Read our detailed guide on CBD oil vs CBD dog treats.
1. Holistapet Organic CBD Dog Treats
These high quality CBD treats are 100% organic, gluten-free, broad spectrum and are non-GMO, meaning that your dog is eating high-quality food. Holistapet have made three different treats to help with different issues.
They have CBD oil products that specifically target mobility, allergies or stress. All of their treats include superfoods like flaxseed making their product an all-around nutritional food.
2. HempMy Pet Organic Dog Biscuits
HempMy Pet makes very high-quality CBD dog treats with human-grade, organic ingredients. Their treats are also third-party tested and are made with a full-spectrum extract.
They make low potency treats with 2 mg of Cannabidiol that is perfect for animals who are just starting to take CBD. HempMy Pet also guarantees that their treats come from cruelty-free sources.
3. MediPets CBD Treats
If you’re looking for a wide variety of dog treats at a fantastic price then MediPets CBD Treats might be the company for you and your dog.
They have broad spectrum dog treats with CBD dosages from 3 mg CBD per dose and up to 5.5 mg CBD per snack and have some tasty flavours like salmon, cheese and beef. MediPets also donate some of their profits to a local animal rescue centre, Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation.
4. Honest Paws Dog Treats
Honest Paws want to make your dog as healthy as possible so you can both spend some quality time together. They’ve created a range of CBD dog treats that are made with the highest quality, all-natural, lab-tested ingredients.
Their peanut butter flavour is their most popular, but they also have turmeric and coconut flavours available. Giving your dog one of these flavours will help with a whole host of issues.
5. King Kanine CBD Treats
Full-spectrum treats from King Kanine are a great way for your dog to get the full health benefits of CBD. These products contain traces of other, non-psychoactive, cannabinoids are found in their products which helps your dog get the full effects of the CBD products.
The benefits of CBD are very attractive, but with research still in its early days, dog owners have been wondering if it is safe to use.
Conclusion
Dog owners have claimed that CBD oils have helped to manage their dog's pain and improve their quality of life. Early research has shown that this may be true and is encouraged by results seen in tests studying CBD and humans.
However, CBD products can come with some side effects, so it is important to be aware of these and speak with your vet if you have any concerns. Many say that CBD for dogs is a great idea and if you do decide to go with it, there are many Cannabidiol oils and CBD dog treats to choose from.
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If you liked reading this, read our similar blog on Best CBD Dog Treats in UK
