CBD oil for dogs (experience + opinion from the vet)

CBD is often mistakenly equated with THC. But this is not true. It is not illegal and has no intoxicating effect.

What is CBD oil?

CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol. This active ingredient is extracted from the hemp plant. But wait: hemp, cannabis ... isn't that illegal?

Most people associate the hemp plant with its intoxicating effect. However, the high is not triggered by cannabidiol, but by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is also the active ingredient that is only legally available with a prescription.

In complete contrast, CBD is legally available and does not induce intoxication.

CBD Oil Studies

In human medicine, CBD is already widely used, as the positive effect of CBD has also been scientifically proven. For our dogs, the study situation is not yet so far. However, numerous field reports show that CBD has some positive effects on the health of our dogs.

Studies will certainly confirm this in the coming years. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant. To extract cannabidiol (CBD) from cannabis, there are several extraction methods.

Manufacturers of CBD oils are only allowed to use registered EU commercial hemp varieties with low THC content (less than 0.2 %) to ensure that ultimately there is no (or a maximum of 0.2 %) THC in the oil. THC is toxic to dogs and especially to cats.

There is an endocannabinoid system in the nervous system of all mammals. It supports important functions in the body, such as immune defense and perception. The active ingredients in CBD oil activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors in this system. They therefore contribute to these processes.

Components such as cannabidiol are also produced by the body itself. They are therefore not foreign substances. Absorption of the active ingredients, for example through CBD oil, ensures that they are available in larger quantities in the body. As a result, important bodily functions can be performed even better.

The endocannabinoid system is broadly diversified. It is involved in many processes that take place in the body. This is why CBD can also achieve a wide range of great effects: It provides support where it is needed.

Despite its many uses, CBD oil should not be seen as a medicine. Rather, it should be understood as a dietary supplement.

A variety of different oils can be produced from the hemp plant. So it's no wonder that we get confused so quickly. Here is a brief overview of the different oils and their active ingredients.

1. CBD oil

Is made from cannabis plant. It contains the active ingredient cannabidiol, which among other things has a calming effect and relieves pain. The intoxicating component THC is removed. Colloquially, it is also called cannabis oil.

2. hemp oil

Is obtained from the seeds of the fiber hemp. It does not contain any active ingredients such as cannabidiol, but contains many unsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are very healthy and should be included in a balanced diet.

Hemp oil can be given as an additive to the normal feed. Often it is also a component of CBD oil to improve the effect of the other ingredients.

3. THC oil

Is produced from the cannabis plant. The main component of this oil is THC, which triggers smoking states. It is only available on prescription in Germany. Therefore it may only be used for medical purposes.

4. hash oil

Is also obtained from the cannabis plant and consists almost exclusively of THC. It can be compared to THC oil and is simply produced differently. This oil is also only available on prescription in Germany.

Cannabidiol and many other active substances of the hemp plant can develop very many positive effects in the body. It is better to ask what ailments it can not help.

Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that CBD oil cannot cure any diseases. It only alleviates symptoms and discomfort.

As already mentioned above, cannabidiol can contribute to calming. It can therefore be used for anxiety disorders, stress or hyperactivity.

Does your pet react fearfully in certain situations? The dog training does not succeed because he can be distracted by everything? Then I can only recommend CBD oil.

Cannabidiol helps with complaints of the digestive system. It also stimulates the appetite. If your pet has been suffering from a lack of appetite recently, you should try CBD oil.

Also for...

Skin and coat problems, inflammations, strains, sprains and fractures, the oil has a supportive effect. With regular use can alleviate signs of aging such as osteoarthritis and arthritis.

According to various testimonials, CBD oil can also alleviate epilepsy seizures or reduce the number of seizures. But even without complaints or illness, the oil can be taken. It contributes to a functioning immune system and thus ensures a better well-being of your protégé.

In summary, CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system and has many positive effects. However, it is not a "miracle cure" and you can't expect CBD to solve all your problems. You can test CBD oil for the following problems and see to what extent it helps your loyal friend:

• Signs of aging such as osteoarthritis, arthritis

• Anxiety disorders

• Immunodeficiency

• Complaints of the digestive system

• Loss of appetite

• Cancer

• Epilepsy

• Skin and coat problems

Normally, the active ingredient CBD has little to no side effects or disadvantages. It could only interact with other medications.

Cannabidiol may mean that other active ingredients are not broken down as quickly. They therefore have a longer effect. At first glance, this doesn't sound like a problem.

But as soon as the drug is reintroduced, an overdose can occur. After all, most of the active ingredient is still in the body.

Therefore, the use of CBD oil should be discussed with a veterinarian beforehand. He can also give you tips for the dosage.

In rare cases, cannabidiol can lead to side effects such as tiredness, vomiting or hyperactivity. Do these symptoms occur after taking CBD oil? Then you should stop giving it to your pet.

Have your cat examined by a veterinarian. This way you can exclude other diseases.

CBD oil can have a great effect on both humans and dogs. However, you should be careful not to give your furry friend too high a dose.

Start with a few drops and increase the amount slowly. This allows the body of your four-legged friend to properly adjust to the active ingredient.

There is no fixed dosage, as it depends on the size of your pet and the reason for taking it. You should therefore ask your vet which dosage is the right one. They can also check whether there could be any interactions with other medications.

It should be taken regularly. It takes a few days for the first positive changes to become apparent. The best effect is achieved when the CBD oil remains in the mouth for as long as possible. So don't put it on the food, but with the pipette directly into your pet's mouth.

At first, your four-legged friend will certainly resist, but he will soon get used to it. You might even be able to teach him a command that allows you to simply dribble the oil into his mouth.

We have extensively informed ourselves about the oil and the active ingredient. After that we gave our Nacho a few drops daily against the restlessness and anxiety.

Already after a few days there was progress: During dog training, our darling was much more concentrated. He no longer allowed himself to be distracted by other influences.

Also overall Nacho now seems**much calmer and more relaxed. **This is especially beneficial when there are exciting situations. He meets new people and dogs or there is a long car ride.

Not even a thunderstorm can upset him. As scared as he used to be, he doesn't seem to mind it now.

Nacho not only benefits from the calming effect. His immune system has also been strengthened. He is sick much less often than before and simply seems fitter.

And it also makes us, as proud dog owners, happy: we know that he is taking a healthy food supplement and possible diseases are prevented by it

CBD can have many different positive effects on your pet. Whether it helps your dog and shows relief, that can only be seen by trying. The first studies on humans are very promising in any case.

References

• AKC - CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
• PetMD - Cannabis Oil for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know