Cannabis products continue to gain legal popularity. As they do, the market has expanded to include products for pets. Amidst the excitement, though, some questions remain. Is THC safe for dogs? We aim to explore safe alternatives in our guide, including CBD for pets.
Is THC Safe for Dogs?
The short answer is NO: THC is at no level beneficial or safe for dogs.
Even though dogs also have an endocannabinoid system, that doesn’t mean their bodies process THC the same way people do. This goes the same for cats as well.
Our pets do not metabolize THC the way we do and instead leads to marijuana toxicosis. Some symptoms of marijuana toxicosis include:
- Stumbling.
- Lethargy.
- Loss of bladder control.
- Vomiting.
- Tremors.
- Sound sensitivity.
- Low heart rate.
Many variables will affect how quickly THC begins to affect your dog and how drastic the impact could be. These variables include your dog’s size and age, the dosage they ingest, and any medical issues they may already have.
That doesn’t mean the entirety of cannabis is detrimental to your fuzzy little buddy, though. CBD shows positive results in dogs, cats, and other pets, just as it does in humans.
Ounce of Hope’s CBD for Pets: A Trusted Choice
We’re dedicated to the well-being of your beloved pets. As a result, we make a commitment to providing high-quality CBD pet products. Pets deserve the same level of care and attention when it comes to their health and happiness!
We craft our CBD for Pets line with the utmost care and precision. Our process ensures each product meets rigorous standards for quality and safety. From premium oils to delicious treats, we offer several options to support your health’s overall wellness and vitality.
At Ounce of Hope, transparency is paramount. That’s why we’re proud to provide third-party lab testing results for all of our CBD pet products. That gives us and you peace of mind knowing that your pet is receiving the highest quality ingredients with every dose.
Exploring the Benefits of Cannabis for Pets (or CBD for Pets)
Unlike THC, CBD continues to show a wild array of applications that avoid the well-known trope of cannabis causing a high. According to research, pets can benefit from CBD in many of the same ways that their human companions do.
Instead of just running the possible uses together in a short blurb, we decided to break down the benefits of CBD for dogs to really illustrate how versatile this compound can be.
Down below, you can see the current uses for CBD and how they can help your furry little friend.
Anti-Anxiety & Stress Relief
One of the similarities between the human endocannabinoid system and that of pets is that both manage the same signals that handle stress and anxiety. Research is still ongoing, but a study conducted by Cornell showed that dogs who were given a CBD chew before a stressful event showed an 83% decrease in stress and anxiety-related behaviors.
While more research is needed in the long term, these results prove promising in helping our closest companions handle their anxiety issues better.
Pain Management & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cornell has also been leading the charge in discovering the pain relief potential of CBD for dogs. Their study has been focused on dogs that experience osteoarthritis, which means managing their joint and body pain is extremely important.
According to Cornell’s research thus far, more than 80% of dogs treated with CBD showed a decrease in pain symptoms and relief from their osteoarthritis. A major reduction in pain response has allowed these dogs to be much more comfortable and active.
Potential with Seizures & Epilepsy
Colorado State University has an ongoing study looking into the use of CBD as an addition to other medications to help control epilepsy in dogs. Currently, their research has demonstrated that combining CBD with traditional medicines for managing seizures is proving to be a viable route.
The purpose of seizure research is inherently to help reduce the risk of seizures as much as possible while removing as many side effects as possible. If CBD continues to show as much promise as it does, its naturally occurring properties may prove to be a massive boon in the animal medical field.
Supports Immune Health
Research surrounding CBD and its impact on the immune system is ongoing, and knowledge of its overall impact will grow with time. What we have now, though, is that CBD may help enhance the immune system response in your pet’s body.
Boosting your dog’s immune system can help them manage inflammation throughout their body and give them a better platform to deal with health issues that may crop up.
Again, research around the full impact of CBD on the immune system is still ongoing, but the results are proving to be promising.
Helps with Nausea and appetite
All animals have receptors within their guts that respond to cannabinoids. Humans, dogs, horses, and even cats all share this same feature of our endocannabinoid systems. The benefit becomes clear when looking into how CBD interacts with these receptors.
CBD, as a cannabinoid compound, interacts with these receptors and helps slow and regulate gut motility. CBD’s effect on the gut is one of the reasons it is used to help treat colitis in horses.
Outside of colitis, CBD can also decrease inflammation in the gut. If your dog is suffering from eating issues or has symptoms like diarrhea, CBD might ease their discomfort. Managing these symptoms can help your pet reacquire their appetite and even get an increased ability to absorb nutrients.
Promotes Better Sleep
We briefly touched on how a side effect of CBD can be drowsiness in your pet in the sections above. But that doesn’t mean the effect is inherently negative.
Pets can suffer from many quality-of-life issues, the same as their owners. One of these issues is insomnia and other problems sleeping.
CBD has been gaining popularity as a natural, alternative treatment to other, more traditional medications for sleep issues. It achieves this effect through multiple impacts on the body. One is its positive impact on stress and anxiety. Another is the effect CBD has on pain since less pain means more comfortable sleeping.
On top of those benefits, higher doses of CBD are linked to a sedating effect, leaving the patient wanting to lay down for a restful sleep cycle.
Research on CBD as a sleep aid is still young, but anecdotal testimonies point to it as helpful for better sleep.
Using CBD for Pets as a Safe Alternative to THC
In summary, CBD serves as a viable alternative to THC for pets and dogs especially. CBD has the potential to:
- Help manage stress and anxiety
- Manage pain and inflammation
- Promote better sleep
- Help your pet’s appetite and gut issues
The impact of CBD on these benefits will vary on a case-by-case basis since all animals are their creature, and no two metabolisms and endocannabinoid systems are the same.
Even though CBD is generally recognized as safe, it’s always best to talk to your vet before adding it to your pet’s regimen.
How to Safely Administer CBD for Pets
When it comes to giving your pet CBD, it’s important to make sure you are giving them the right amount in the right way. CBD comes in multiple forms, and each one has a different way of determining the correct dose.
For example, a pre-made CBD chew will have a dose predetermined, whereas a CBD oil will need to be measured based on the size and age of your dog.
The best way to know how much is right for your pet is to check the label and strength and determine where your pet fits in. Some products are made exclusively for larger breeds, while others may be intended for smaller dogs.
It’s also important to understand which form works best for your pet. Some dogs may enjoy the CBD chews, while others may just need an oil additive to their daily meal. Personal preference will definitely come into play with your furry friend, so make sure you aren’t forcing them to take one form if they handle a different one better.
Some forms of CBD for dogs include:
- Tinctures
- Oils
- Capsules
- Soft Chews
- Infused Treats
Regardless of which type of CBD product you use, it is extremely important to make sure you know what strength your pet needs and which form they prefer to use.
Tips for Starting Your Furry Friend on CBD for Pets
When you first try adding CBD to your pet’s regimen, it’s important to follow a few important steps.
1. Start Low and Slow.
The upper limit to a daily dose of CBD for a pet is about 1mg a day. When you first introduce it to your pet, it’s better to start way below that at about .05mg to see how they react.
If you don’t notice any negative side effects, it’s okay to increase the dose gradually every five days or so until you get to a proper CBD dose for your pet.
2. Don’t Force It.
Your pet may not handle the taste of CBD well, and it could just not be the best option for them. While it is okay to want to go a more natural route for things, not every dog will respond the same to CBD.
3. Don’t Mix Medications.
CBD is a natural compound, but that doesn’t mean it will play well with other medications. Always speak to your vet before adding CBD to your pet’s regimen to make sure it won’t interact with any medication they are already on.
Potential Risks and Precautions of CBD for Pets
As with all things, CBD may cause some side effects.
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Dry Mouth
CBD may temporarily limit how much saliva is being produced in your pet’s mouth. This can cause thirst and be inconvenient for both humans and animals alike.
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Low Blood Pressure
CBD has been known to cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. There is reason to assume our pets can experience the same effect, so it’s important to follow a vet’s instructions when considering using CBD.
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Drowsiness
CBD has a calming effect on those who use it, both human and animal alike. If you notice your pet acting more sluggish or sleeping more often, CBD may be playing a hand in this.
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Drug Interactions
CBD may interact with certain prescription medications, even for pets.
Many drugs are broken down by enzymes in the liver. These enzymes are a key factor in medicine acting properly and being in the body for the right amount of time. These same enzymes also break down CBD, and that can be the problem.
Some medications may have negative interactions with CBD, including:
- Warfarin.
- Levothyroxine.
- Amiodarone.
- Lamotrigine, Valproate, Clobazom.
Additionally, research on drug interactions with CBD is still ongoing. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian before adding CBD to your pet’s supplement regimen.
Pet owners should give CBD supplements as directed and follow usage instructions carefully. Altering the dosage may increase the risks of adverse side effects.
CBD for Pets: Wrapping Up
In our guide, we were able to answer the question, “Is THC safe for dogs?” extensively. The short answer is, no — it’s not. But other parts of cannabis are. CBD and other hemp compounds may offer your pup relief from various symptoms. These include pain, anxiety, sleep issues, and more.
We understand the importance of prioritizing your pet’s safety and well-being. That’s why we offer CBD pet products as a safe and effective alternative to THC.
Our limited-ingredient formulas provide potential benefits without the psychoactive effects of cannabis. With our CBD for pets, trust your furry friend is receiving the support they need in the gentlest, non-intoxicating form.
Take the first step towards giving your pet the best care and support they deserve. Explore our range of CBD pet products, backed by our commitment to quality and safety. Together, let’s ensure that your pet lives their happiest, healthiest life.