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Guaranteed DeliveryUltimate Pet Owners Guide for CBD Usage in Dogs
CBD produces many positive effects for pets, and many people are eager to have their dogs try it.
As a pet parent, you’re probably hesitant to offer CBD to your pet without understanding it first. You are bound to ask yourself some questions about CBD. What is CBD? How is it made? How safe is the oil? How do you know which product to choose? Must I buy the kind meant for pets? Can my dog and I share my CBD products?
Questions like those come up, especially when purchasing CBD for pets for the first time. This article provides the needed answers, making it the ultimate pet owner’s guide for dogs’ CBD usage.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound extracted from cannabis sativa or hemp. CBD is not psychoactive, and its consumption does not cause human beings or animals to get high. Instead, it promotes relaxation of the body and mind, relieving tension and stress.
THC, the other primary cannabinoid, produces a euphoric effect. The hemp plant, from which most of the CBD is extracted, does not contain any THC. Although CBD is also extracted from other low THC cannabis, CBD for pets is often made from the hemp plant.
In the U.S., the government lifted the legal restrictions on CBD. Acknowledging that some cannabis sativa plants may contain THC traces, authorities placed a 0.3 percent THC concentration limitation. People can consume CBD oil with 0.3 percent THC safely. For pets, even the 0.3 percent concentration may be problematic. Consumption of THC is highly discouraged for pets. But, this is not to say that there are no CBD pet products with some THC. You need to identify and avoid them.
Can Dogs Take CBD Safely?
Your dog’s health and wellness are paramount, and you carry the responsibility of ensuring that everything you offer is safe.
The good news is that CBD oil is safe for your dog, as long as you stick to the recommended dosage. Even if you exceeded the dosage, your dog would survive it. It would only be unwell for some days but return to normal when the CBD clears up. But, it’s better to stick to the recommended dosage.
CBD is generally well-tolerated and has no severe side effects. You may only notice that your dog is sleepy or groggy a little bit more than usual. Sleepiness and grogginess are signs you slightly went over the right dosage. If you knocked down that dose a bit, your pet would enjoy CBD without any adverse reactions.
The only way CBD can harm your dog is when you administer it with drugs. If your dog is on medication, do not give it any CBD before consulting the vet. The vet evaluates the CBD, its contents and concentration and examines your dog before giving a recommendation. The vet may permit you to proceed or ask you to wait until the dog is off medication. Heed to the advice given and administer CBD only when it is safe to do so.
How CBD Interacts With the Dog’s Body
CBD works for dogs the same way it does for humans. Both animals and people have an endocannabinoid system that produces signals to control many body functions. The system receives instructions from the brain and relays these signals to the body’s systems and organs. This happens when the brain senses some imbalance in the body. Examples of imbalances are stress, pain, immunity response, inflammation, and digestion problems.
CBD works in the animal or human body because it is a cannabinoid. There are two types of cannabinoids: phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. The latter is found in humans and animals, while the former is in plants. Studies show that CBD has phytocannabinoids that mimic the working of the endocannabinoids in the body.
CBD communicates with the endocannabinoid system’s receptors, CB1 and CB2, to respond to the imbalances indicated by the brain. Since CBD does not bind to the receptors, some scientists believe it encourages the body to increase endocannabinoid production. Higher endocannabinoid production helps correct the existing imbalance.
Potential Drug Interactions
Seeing that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, possible drug interactions are worth a mention. Drugs practically influence body functions too, and their interaction with CBD can result in complexities. This is why you must consult your vet when administering CBD, especially if the dog is already on medication.
In some cases, the CBD complements the medication and accentuates its positive impact. If this is the case, the vet may reduce your dog’s prescription and take out some pharmaceuticals, especially those with a poor safety profile. Pain relievers and NSAIDs belong to this category of drugs.
CBD may also negatively affect the working of some medications. For example, drugs that interact with the grapefruit may also negatively interact with CBD. CBD is similar to the compounds in grapefruit, and both of them inhibit the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes necessary for breaking down various pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals that could interact with CBD are steroids, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antiviral and antibiotic medications. Immune system modular, antipsychotic, and psychotropic medicines may also produce the same effect.
If your dog is on any of these medications, prioritize consulting your vet before purchasing any CBD product. The vet will advise you on the form of CBD to buy and its concentration. Doing so could save you money and preserve your dog’s health.
That said, a few safety studies found that CBD causes an elevation of the liver enzymes. But, they found this to be a dosage issue. Although this was not found in one-time overdose situations, it could be an issue in the long-term. Pet parents are encouraged to observe dosage guidelines to prevent this condition. They should also keep an eye out for the liver enzymes and the total bilirubin level through routine examination with the vet.
Picking the Right CBD Products for Your Dog
When you need to buy CBD products, find online or walk-in marijuana or CBD dispensary. A retailer that deals with marijuana products is likely to stock a variety of CBD products for pets. He may also offer advice on how to use the product. Also, perhaps you could get a discount if you buy CBD oil for yourself and your dog. The bottom line is that you need to deal with a retailer with a varied inventory and good product knowledge.
When you go CBD shopping, the rule of thumb is never to buy your pet any CBD products meant for humans. The products may look the same, but the labeling should be different. The human version may have added additives that could harm your dog. For example, CBD gummies for humans have an artificial sweetener called xylitol. Harmless to humans, this compound is toxic to dogs. You also want to avoid THC at all costs. Many products meant for humans may contain some THC.
Here are some quick tips to guide you in identifying the right CBD product:
- Opt for organic products. They are less likely to carry fungicides, pesticides, and other solvents.
- Look out for the seal of the National Animal Supplement Council.
- Avoid the cheap stuff. Pure and high-quality CBD products are pricey.
- Read the ingredients and research them. Ensure that none is an additive.
- Opt for liquid CBD oil. Dosage is easier when you can measure the oil drop by drop.
- Look out for a certificate of analysis. If it’s not available online, ask the company to present it. The certificate shows the contents of the CBD product as determined by an independent third party. Remember to check if the product contains even the tiniest THC amount.
Finding the CBD Dosage for Your Dog
Your dog’s CBD dosage depends on three factors: the dog’s weight, the CBD concentration of the product, and the dog’s condition. Most products come with dosage instructions. But, if it doesn’t, you need to calculate the dose.
Start with calculating the amount of CBD oil the dog needs in milligrams, going by its weight. Next, determine the amount of CBD, in milligrams, available in the oil, per millimetre.
See the example below:
Let’s say you intend to give a dose of 0.5 mg per pound, and your dog weighs 50 pounds. You would need to administer 0.5 x 50 = 25 mg of CBD.
Next, calculate the amount of oil you would need to give your dog. Let’s say you bought the 6 mg CBD in a 300 mg bottle. Each ml would have 5 mg of CBD.
So, to give your dog 25 mg of CBD per day, you would give him 5 ml of CBD oil.
Since you will be introducing a new product to your dog’s system, you must start with a smaller dose. Start small and gradually increase the dosage until you get to the dog’s ideal dose. The gradual process allows the body to adjust to having CBD. Give the pet at least one week to adapt to a new dose. Watch how its body reacts and evaluate the need for more CBD.
Experts say that after consuming CBD, it takes one to three hours to see any effects. Sometimes, it takes less time, though
Possible Negative Effects
The possible adverse effects of consuming CBD products have nothing to do with the CBD itself. CBD remains harmless in its pure form. The extras that producers add to the CBD make it harmful. For example, the American Veterinary Medical Association says that the toxicity reports it gets are about people feeding their dogs CBD treats containing raisins, xylitol, and chocolate. Each of these items is toxic to dogs by itself. So, avoid buying CBD products containing anything that your dog should not eat normally. Also, keep the product wrapping away from your puppies. There have been reports of choking caused by wrappers.
Also, beware of CBD products marketed as “soft chews.” They have an osmotic effect. If the dog ingests large amounts of the product, it draws fluid from the dog’s body into the gut. In a mild case, your dog may start to have diarrhea and become dehydrated. In a severe case, though, it may develop hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, and hyperkalemia. Others develop acidosis and azotemia. When this occurs, the dog needs aggressive liquid therapy and constant monitoring of its hydration status. To prevent this from happening, avoid the “soft chews.”
What If the Dog Appears High?
If your dog appears high, the first thing to remember is that CBD is not psychoactive. So, the high must be from something else. Most often, it is from THC.
It could be that the product you got has both THC and CBD. Because the CBD market is not standardized, unscrupulous producers may label their products “for pets,” even when they contain substantial THC. As you know, THC is not suitable for animals. To avoid buying a product containing THC, take your time researching your preferred product and its manufacturer.
Your dog could also be high because it ate some marijuana or THC edibles. If you are a cannabis enthusiast, avoid leaving your stuff unattended. For example, do not leave your marijuana products on the counter or in a cabinet your dog can easily access. If the container falls and breaks, your dog would have access to these THC products.
Another reason your dog could be high is that it might have ingested a large amount of CBD enough to cause THC toxicity. You see, some CBD contains traces of THC. If a certificate of analysis is not available, your CBD oil may have some THC. Although CBD oil with any THC is not advisable, sometimes it could be all you can access. But, if you let your dog overdose, some mild toxicity could occur. So, opt for pure CBD oil. If it’s not within reach, get some with the least amount of THC possible. The THC should be well below 0.3%
In Closing
Get Kush stocks high-quality THC-free CBD products for your pets. Get your pup a bottle of CBD oil, treats, and topicals. We also have a variety of CBD products that pet parents can enjoy.
CBD produces many positive effects for pets, and many people are eager to have their dogs try it. As a pet parent, you’re probably hesitant to offer CBD to your pet without understanding it first. You are bound to ask yourself some questions about CBD. What is CBD? How is...
CBD Oil for Cats: Will It Help Their Anxiety?
CBD Oil for Cats: Will It Help Their Anxiety?
Pets go through the same span of emotions we do. A common concern among owners is their pets having anxiety.
Anxiety Among Cats
Pets become anxious, drawing from their negative experiences in the past. If your cat had been through abuse, the thought of the event happening again renders the cat an anxious mess. Environmental factors are also a common source of anxiety. Unexpected loud noises or the presence of another cat may also cause anxiety. The fear of traveling, separation anxiety, or even difficulty socializing also brings up anxiety. Like humans, anything that makes the cat feel scared, threatened, and stressed is a source of anxiety.
A scared cat may become aggressive, run off to hide, or keep purring. These reactions are part of the cat’s “fight or flight” response to stimuli. In times like these, owners empathize and wish to take the weight off the cat’s shoulders. But as the world warms up to cannabis, there seems to be an anxiety solution better than petting your cat.
CBD Oil
More people are taking up CBD oil for cats to influence the physiology and behavioral issues in their pets. Knowledge of the effects of CBD oil on cats’ anxiety has caused quite a buzz. Although there’s yet to be scientific backing for these claims, the anecdotal evidence is strongly encouraging cat owners to buy CBD products. Yet, some questions remain. How safe is CBD oil? How effective is it? How does it help with anxiety?
Safety of CBD Oil
CBD oil is quite safe for cats when used according to the dosage instructions. It does not cause any harmful effects. Research indicates that regularly taking CBD does not negatively affect mood, the nervous system, or any vital function. Subjects only appeared more tired or slackened than usual. Some also stayed for long periods without eating, and when they ate, they showed a significant appetite decline. The research was conducted on human beings, and these results are expected to be the same with cats. Cats would enjoy a similar positive outcome after consuming CBD.
The only issue cat owners are warned about is the presence of impurities in the CBD oil. Depending on the processing method, there’s a risk that the CBD oil purchased for cats contains impurities. Some oil types may also contain psychoactive THC, which is harmful to pets. The impurities may also interact with other medications the cat may be on. As such, you must get CBD oil of high quality.
Identifying Quality CBD Oil
There are three steps to establishing the purity of your CBD oil. The first is to look out for third-party laboratory results. Any pure CBD oil for cats will have third-party results and make this information available to the consumers. The results must be up-to-date. Each oil batch must undergo thorough and rigorous lab testing to confirm that it does not contain any contaminants. The lab testing ensures that the CBD oil contains every component it claims to have, such as low or no THC. The quality of customer service also matters.
The second factor you must consider is the ingredients used in making the CBD oil for cats. If the oil comes from the marijuana plant, the chances are that it contains some THC. But, if the oil was made from the hemp plant, the THC is negligible, if any. THC content must not exceed 0.3%. Also, look out for possible additives in the oil. If it contains any of that, it is effective and safe.
The third factor is the processing method. The CBD industry is not so well-developed, and there are no standards enforced regarding its production. Some companies turn to cheap methods, while others use standard extraction methods. Know the production method your vendor takes up. Go for CBD oil for cats pressed from hemp plant seeds or extracted using the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method.
CBD Oil Dosage
Once you have secured some pure CBD oil, the next step is to determine the right dose. Ideally, the starting dose is one drop twice a day. Gradually increase this dose to two drops twice a day if you’ve yet to achieve the intended results. But, don’t be quick to increase your dose. Spend at least two or three days in the initial dose, giving your kitty enough time to get used to the CBD oil.
Also, keep in mind that cats have different physiology and will present different reactions to CBD oil. Some cats get temporarily sedated, which helps to calm them down. The CBD oil also helps to reduce your vet fees. Most cats injure or harm themselves when anxious. So far, owners who have administered CBD oil to their cats for anxiety have a good experience. You may want to try it for yourself.
Since the CBD oil will be new to the cat, it’s best to start with a low concentration of CBD oil. Observe how your cat reacts to the oil. If the anxiety goes down, continue to administer it. If the oil doesn’t seem to help, you may opt for oil with a higher CBD concentration. If that still does not help, you may drop the oil entirely. However, this is unlikely to happen as most people give successful reports.
When using high concentration CBD oil, go low on the dosage, and work your way up depending on the results observed.
Administering CBD Oil to Cats for Anxiety
Cats do not like supplements at all. But, there are clever ways you could use to administer CBD oil. The first way is to add the oil to the cat’s treat or food. Ensure that the oil gets absorbed to mask it. Most CBD oil bottles come with a dropper, and you can easily measure the proper dose. If your cat would not mind it, opt for the full-spectrum CBD oil, the kind that has terpenes and other natural compounds. The additional ingredients make the oil more effective. However, if your cat is finicky, opt for flavourless CBD oil.
Giving CBD Oil Along With Other Medications
You must have your vet’s consent before introducing CBD oil, especially if your cat is on other medications. Vets are familiar with the interactions and effects of CBD oil and can give good advice.
CBD oil shows promise in bringing down the anxiety of your feline friend. Buy some from Get Kush and try it.
Pets go through the same span of emotions we do. A common concern among owners is their pets having anxiety. Anxiety Among Cats Pets become anxious, drawing from their negative experiences in the past. If your cat had been through abuse, the thought of the event happening again renders the...
CBD Oil for Anxiety: Can It Calm Your Anxious Dog?
CBD Oil for Anxiety: Can It Calm Your Anxious Dog?
Just like human beings, pets become anxious, too, from time to time. The anxiety or stress may be due to a change in the environment or an internal factor. For example, a pet suffering from arthritis may experience chronic pain that makes it stressed and restless. Also, a pet may pick up on its owner’s anxiety. Dogs are particularly good at picking the feelings of their owners.
Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety in dogs can range from mild to severe. In these times, even the friendliest of dogs may become aggressive, fearful, and restless. You may also find your dog hiding in a corner, trembling and trying to escape activities it enjoyed in the past. Some may continuously pace, pant, and may even hurt themselves actively. Excessive licking, biting, and tucking its tail are also anxiety symptoms.
Causes of Anxiety
Traumatic events, noise, abandonment, and neglect in the past can cause anxiety. Genetics also make some dog breeds susceptible to anxiety at the slightest trigger. A feeling of being trapped with no route of escape will turn even the bravest dogs into an anxious wreck. If your dog did not socialize as a puppy, it’s likely to be edgy among other dogs or even human beings. These situations significantly affect the dog’s quality of life.
For cases like these, cannabis oil, also called CBD oil, may help bring down the anxiety.
How CBD Oil Works
Like human beings, dogs have a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is a network of enzymes, chemicals, and receptors that regulate all the systems in the body. Mainly, they affect the immune and nervous systems.
The ECS depends on the binding of cannabinoids to its receptors to regulate the body’s processes. Although the body produces natural cannabinoids, it sometimes does not have enough. CBD oil contains marijuana’s cannabinoid CBD that attaches to the ECS receptors, assisting in regulating pain, mood, sleep, metabolism, and appetite. As such, CBD oil helps to regulate possible sources of anxiety.
Some owners combine CBD oil with other calming therapies and ingredients to increase its efficacy. The dog experiences a significant lift in its mood, causing it to be happier and more peaceful. In addition to anxiety relief, the dog may enjoy a boost of its immune system. Even skin irritations may go away easier with CBD oil.
Choosing CBD Oil for Your dog
Yes, your dog can take CBD Oil meant for humans, but it’s not the best option for him. Opt for CBD oil specifically formulated for dogs. Some CBD oil for humans may still contain some THC, and often, its level is too high for dogs. Also, some human CBD oils are infused with chocolate, raisins, or Xylitol, and these ingredients do not go well with dogs.
The advantage of dog-specific CBD oil is that it allows you to give the proper dosage without taking unnecessary risks. Alongside the product, you will find a product description that informs you about the strain and its concentration. It also specifies the amount your dog would need going by its weight and age. With all this information, you will be sure of what you are doing and confident that your pup will get the help it needs.
On the question of a possible overdose, it’s unlikely to happen. Pure CBD oil is not toxic to dogs. If you exceed the recommended dosage, the best your dog can do is sleep for longer than usual. The CBD sedates it for some considerable time. However, this is only the case if the dog is not on any other medication. Some drugs may interact with CBD oil, producing a negative consequence.
CBD Oil Dosage
While CBD oil is generally safe, it’s still important to stick to the recommended dose. The amount your dog should take depends on its breed, age, and weight. The symptoms you intend to treat also matter. If you purchase your oil from a legit supplier, you will get the specific dosing instructions. If the description recommends several dosages, start with the lowest range, and make tiny adjustments upwards. Once you note that the dog is at ease, stop increasing, and stick to that dosage. If you notice that the dog is more sluggish and likes to sleep too much, lower its dose.
Since CBD oil is edible, it’s best added to the dog’s food. Begin with adding the oil to his breakfast, and give him a few days to adjust. Once the dog is used to the new flavour, add the oil to his dinner too.
If the dog only gets anxious during particular events, it may not need a daily dose. Only give the dog a CBD oil dose at the beginning of the event.
Finding the Right CBD Oil
CBD Oil for dogs may be in the form of treats, tinctures, topical salves, and extracts. However, looking through a CBD oil product list makes it difficult to know the type to pick. The way to choose the best product is first to ensure that it is organic. The best cannabis products are those grown organically and processed using high-quality ethanol. Pharmaceutical grade ethanol is especially effective at taking out toxins from your plant safely.
Second, the oil should be independently tested and the certification accessible to potential customers. Third, its THC level should be negligible, if any. CBD oil made from a high THC plant may still contain large amounts of CBD. Therefore, check to see if the THC concentration is 0.03 percent or less.
Lastly, check how the oil was processed. There are no established standards for CBD oil manufacture, which gives leeway to many companies. Most companies that sell their oil at unbelievably low prices take up the easiest and cheapest processing methods. Do not purchase oil from these companies. Hydrocarbon solvents like butane and hexane leave toxic traces. Therefore, opt for oil processed using superior methods.
In Closing
Your dog will enjoy the benefits of this magical oil. CBD oil improves the quality of life and allows the dog to have an active lifestyle. Purchase your CBD oil for dogs at GetKush, in Canada and Keoni CBD in the USA. We stock some high-quality varieties.
Just like human beings, pets become anxious, too, from time to time. The anxiety or stress may be due to a change in the environment or an internal factor. For example, a pet suffering from arthritis may experience chronic pain that makes it stressed and restless. Also, a pet may...