CBD oil for dogs (experience + opinion from the vet)
- Claudia Weise
- Updated: April 6, 2023
You want to know what CBD oil is good for and what our experience with it is? Then you are right here. We show you the effect, what to look for and what side effects can occur. In addition, we have for this article Advice from veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic obtained. Note: This article is written for the german country.
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?
By most people, the hemp plant is associated with its intoxicating effects.
However, the state of intoxication is not caused by cannabidiol, but by Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) triggered. 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 (<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.
Effect of CBD
In the nervous system of all mammals there is a Endocannabinoid system. It supports important functions in the body, such as the Immune defense and Perception.
The active ingredients in CBD oil activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors in this system. Thus, they contribute to these processes.
The components such as cannabidiol are also formed by the body itself. Therefore, they are not foreign substances.
Absorption of the active ingredients, for example through CBD oil, ensures that they are available in greater quantities in the body. This allows important bodily functions to be performed even better.
The endocannabinoid system is broad-based. It participates in many processes that take place in the body.
That is why CBD can also achieve a wide range of great effects: It supports 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.
Differences with hemp oil and THC
From the hemp plant can be produced a variety of different oils. No wonder, then, that we get confused so quickly.
Here you will find a small 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
Will be made out of the Fiber hemp seed obtained. It contains no active ingredients such as cannabidiol, but many unsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
These are very healthy and should not be missing from 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
If the Cannabis plant produced. The main component of this oil is THC, which induces smoking states. It is in Germany available only on prescription. Therefore it may only be used for medical purposes.
4. hash oil
Is also used from the cannabis plant and consists almost exclusively of THC.
It can be compared with the THC oil and is only produced differently. This oil is also available in Germany prescription.
CBD oil: The all-rounder?
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 mentioned above, cannabidiol can be used for the Calming contribute. It can therefore be used both for Anxiety disorders, Stress or Hyperactivity be given.
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. Also it stimulates the appetite. If your pet has been suffering from lack of appetite lately, 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 also not expect that you solve all problems with CBD. For the following problems, you can try CBD oil and see how it helps your faithful 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
Possible side effects
Normally, the active ingredient CBD has little to no side effects or drawbacks. It could only lead to Interactions 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 may cause Side effects like Fatigue, Vomiting or Hyperactivity lead. 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.
The right dosage for your dog
CBD oil can have great effects on both humans and dogs. However, you should be careful not to give too high a dose to your furbearer.
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, because it depends on the size of your protégé and the reason for taking it. That's why you should ask your Ask vetwhich dosage is the right one.
There can also be checked at the same time, whether there are any interactions with other medications could come.
The intake should be regular. It takes a few days for the first positive changes to show.
The best effect is achieved when the CBD oil remains in the oral cavity as long as possible. So do not put it on the food, but with the pipette directly into the mouth of your favorite.
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.
Our experience
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
Veterinarian’s Recommendation
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.
I am a veterinarian and writer on animal health topics. Animals are my passion, and it is my personal goal to create medically accurate articles and videos to educate pet owners as much as possible.
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