CBD, no wonder, is one of the most beneficial and popular supplement sources when it comes to dogs. It is not just organic but also comes with a number of benefits that, in turn, can help dogs lead a better and healthy life. However, with research still going on, pet parents have always been a bit skeptical about the use of CBD for their babies. One of the most common questions that dog owners ask about the consumption of CBD is, “If CBD killed my dog?”
Well, to begin with, CBD will not kill your dog. CBD does not even have the potency to cause any toxicity to your dog. CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant. It certainly is not marijuana. Yes, there are chances of an overdose, but that is nothing that you should be worried about.
In this article, we shall discuss everything that you need to know about giving CBD to your dog, and we will explain to you why “CBD killed my dog” is only a myth.
What Is CBD?
Now, before we get to the part that explains why CBD should not kill your dog, you need to have a clear understanding of what CBD actually is. Most dog parents confuse CBD with weed. While they do have a connection, CBD and weed are not the same.
CBD occurs naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant – a type of herbaceous flowering plant. The cannabis plant contains a number of compounds that affect the body in different ways.
There are mainly two types of cannabis plants – hemp and marijuana. CBD and THC are the two types of chemicals that are present in each of the plants. While hemp is popular for the presence of CBD, marijuana has THC in it. The high levels of THC present in the marijuana plant are considerably higher in comparison to the hemp plant. This makes hemp a safer option when it comes to pet consumption.
Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high in animals or humans. While TCH is highly psychoactive, CBD is not. This is where the major difference between weed and CBD lies.
When you give CBD to your pet, you are not drugging them. They will not be high from consuming CBD. You are just giving a supplement that calms their nerves, relieves pain, and enhances their overall living.
How Does CBD Work In Dogs?
BCD works in the same way in dogs as it works in human beings. Just like humans, dogs, too, have an endocannabinoid system even if they have never been exposed to CBD before. This system is responsible for producing endogenous compounds that function along with the compounds that are found in CBD products.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for promoting sleep, discomfort, appetite, mood, the immune system, and the central nervous system, along with other functions in the body.
The endocannabinoid system contains a large number of receptors that are scattered throughout the body, particularly in the brain and the digestive system.
When you activate the endocannabinoid system through natural ways or with the help of CBD-infused products, it opens a pathway to address dysfunction and restore balance. However, when it comes to older pets, their endocannabinoid system gets deficient. That is why a lot of pet parents see a slight difference in their dogs when they start with the CBD regimen.
“CBD Killed My Dog.” Is CBD Really Unsafe For Dogs?
Before you believe everything that you see on the internet, it is important that you understand that you understand things first. Yes, seeing “CBD killed my dog!” boldly written on your screen is scary, particularly if you have never used CBD for your dog before. New steps for your pets are always scary. But is it really that serious?
The answer is no. Yes, CBD may not be approved yet, and your vet may not suggest it to you either for legal reasons, but that does not mean that you are not allowed to use it for your pet in moderate amounts.
The safety of CBD for your dog ultimately comes down to its quality. If you are planning on giving your dog CBD, quality needs to be your top priority. Make sure to get the products from reliable and trusted brands with the least amount of THC in them. The standard amount of THC that is allowed for pet consumption is less than 0.3 percent. Also, do not give the same CBD products that you use for yourself. While the difference is not much, it is preferable not to give human CBD to dogs under any circumstances.
Benefits Of CBD For Dogs
Before you choose to believe “CBD killed my dog” that you may have read somewhere on the internet, allow us to take you through all the potential benefits that CBD is known to have for your dog.
Helps With Anxiety
Dogs suffer from anxiety more than you can ever imagine. Even the slightest changes around them can cause them severe stress and anxiety. In such cases, CBD works like a savior. CBD interacts with your dog’s natural endocannabinoid system to promote the production of serotonin – a hormone that actively sterilizes the mood of your dog and reduces anxiety.
To Ease Joint And Arthritis Pain
Just as it is in humans, dogs may develop chronic joint inflammation, leading to pain. In fact, around 20 percent of dogs suffer from arthritis in the US. CBD products can effectively reduce joint pain while easing their stiffness, discomfort, and mobility issues related to arthritis or other disorders surrounding joint inflammation.
For Skin Health
If your dog has a tendency to roll around or scratch a lot, they may be suffering from certain allergies, rashes, or dry skin. Too much scratching may result in microdermabrasion or deterioration of the skin barrier of your dog.
CBD effectively helps reduce stress and skin inflammation, which reduces the amount of scratching that your dog does, making the itching even worse. If your dog scratches more than normal and develops an infection or a rash, it is also a feasible idea to get an appointment with your vet and get them checked.
For Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common causes of recurring seizures among dogs. The traditional medications for seizures come with a number of side effects. CBD has anticonvulsant properties, and current studies have proved that CBD oil can, in fact, help to reduce the symptoms of epilepsy and the frequency at which your dog gets seizures.
While these were just a few benefits, there are other areas in which CBD has been particularly known to ace its effects. These are:
- Treating noise phobia
- Heart health
- Nausea and appetite issues
- Reducing allergies
- Easing cancer pain
- Help with sleep issues
Side Effects Of CBD On Dogs
The scientific proof of the side effects of CBD on dogs is not yet available. However, there are some side effects that have been drawn depending on how CBD works in humans.
To make sure that your dog does not suffer from any side effects, always ensure the correct dosage for your dog.
Dry mouth: As per research, CBD can decrease the production of saliva in the mouth. This might result in an increased thirst when it comes to dogs.
Low blood pressure: Very high doses of CBD are known to drop blood pressure. While the drop is considerably small, it might give your dog a brief feeling of lightheadedness.
Drowsiness: Dog owners use CBD to treat stress and anxiety. The soothing effect of CBD may also cause a certain level of drowsiness, particularly when used in higher doses.
Can CBD-Overdose Kill Your Dog?
So, after all this information, do you still believe the “CBD killed my dog” information you found on the internet? Well, to clear it up, even if there is a slight overdosing of CBD, there is NO chance that your dog will die from it. While overdosing may have some side effects, death is far from it.
It is your responsibility as their parent to make sure that you are giving them proper dosages to prevent such circumstances. Always look for the THC content in the CBD products that you are choosing for your dog. Make sure it does not go above 0.3 percent.
THC content is the one thing that you need to make a note of. THC can cause toxicity in dogs and, in some cases, may as well be fatal to them. You also need to make sure that your pet stays away from any product that is made for human consumption. Ataxia, vomiting, a sluggish heartbeat, anxiety, incontinence in urine, hyperesthesia, excessive lethargy, and dilated pupils are some of the most common symptoms that your dog may have had TCH poisoning.
There are multiple variants of CBD available on the market. From oils to treats to creams, the options are endless. But whichever you choose for your pet, make sure to check its contents thoroughly. There should be the least percentage of THC, and the product should be free of any other additive that might be harmful to the dog. Always look for their authenticity and certificates to make sure that they are safe for your dog to consume.
How To Identify A CBD Overdose For Your Dog?
The most common symptom that your dog overdosed from CBD is passing out. Dizziness, a small drop in blood pressure, and drowsiness are also some of the causes of consuming too much CBD oil.
Their cannabinoid receptors get saturated pretty quickly if they take too much CBD oil. So, it is on you that you properly calculate the dosage and give them only what they need.
However, these symptoms are very minor and not something that you need to worry about too much. Your dog will possibly just sleep through these side effects and be all fine in a couple of hours.
Giving them water and letting them sleep in a peaceful environment are the best things you can do to shed the side effects of CBD overdose.
Dosage Recommendation Of CBD For Dogs
There are a number of concentrations in which CBD may be available in the market. If you are planning on starting CBD for your pet, it is important that you stick to the correct dosage to prevent overdosing or underdosing. The best way to determine the correct dose for your dog is through their weight. The standard way to start is 1 to 2 milligrams for every 10 pounds.
You may be able to experiment with the dosage just a little bit to confirm the right dose for your dog.
Can You Give CBD To Your Dog Every Day?
If it is at all required, and if your dog benefits from it, go on. If you are planning to give CBD to your dog, you need to shed the thought of “CBD killed my dog” from your head. Depending on the circumstances and their need for it, you can give them CBD once or twice every day.
However, there are certain myths about addiction to CBD. But, with pure CBD, addiction symptoms are rare, or even none.
When Do You Need To See A Vet?
It is the best idea to give a call or pay a visit to your vet if you witness the symptoms getting a bit out of hand. Every dog is different. Hence, their endocannabinoid system acts differently when it interacts with CBD. Therefore, a little up and down in its symptoms are pretty natural.
However, it becomes difficult to see your pup in such a condition when you just want the best for them. For this very reason, it is better to take them to the vet to make sure that there are no underlying allergies or symptoms for which the CBD is reacting in a different way.
The Bottom Line
CBD is one of the most beneficial things that you can give to your pets. It is organic, healthy, and beneficial in a number of ways.
For starters, seeing things on the internet that say, “CBD killed my dog” is scary. But it is safe to say that CBD can never kill your dog. Yes, there are a few chances of an overdose, but death is far from it.
So, if you thought about giving CBD to your dog, go ahead with it. If there are certain symptoms that are unexplained, your vet is always there to help you out.
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