CBD Oil For Dogs

WHAT IS CBD OIL FOR Dogs?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the many natural cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant species.  We make our CBD oil products from the industrial hemp plant* (which contains less than 0.3% THC). Industrial hemp has lower concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects.

Scientists know that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems of people and animals, which help maintain balance in the body and keep it in a normal healthy state.

CBD is not psychoactive, unlike THC, which is. It can impact an individual's psyche in positive ways. CBD is a powerful mood-altering compound with potentially significant therapeutic properties. In short, your dog won't get "high" from CBD oil, but he might feel relaxed without being intoxicated.

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill clinical research/trials about CBD's uses and efficacy will likely increase over the next few years.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

Dogs, similar to humans, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that monitors a wide range of bodily functions. When these functions become unbalanced, the ECS triggers a chemical response to return them to normal.

Naturally occurring, non-toxic CBD is similar in molecular structure to your animal's endocannabinoids and can stimulate your pet's ECS encouraging it to keep bodily functions in balance.

Research is currently underway to determine if the ECS can influence the following bodily systems, though more is needed to fully draw a conclusion:

Immune Response, Appetite, Metabolism, Sleep, Memory, Pleasure, Movement, and Coordination. 

what can cbd do for my dog?

There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may compensate for deficiencies in your dog's health by supplementing the endocannabinoid system (ECS), though further research is needed to know for sure.  

Our Relievet CBD oil for dogs is non-psychoactive as it doesn't contain any THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana).

We'll discuss the questions of how much CBD oil should I give my dog and what are the side effects of hemp oil for dogs later on in the article.

We believe the best CBD oil for dogs are independently lab tested to ensure quality, purity, and consistency.

Is cbd oil safe for dogs?

CBD is widely considered by veterinarians to be safe for dogs, but some products are more reliable than others. Many CBD products for pets also contain THC, which at high doses, causes toxicity in dogs. 

CBD has been used for many years as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals and can take the' edge off' when your pet is suffering.

We first tested CBD oil on ourselves and then tried it on our dogs. The older dog, who had mobility issues following a broken bone that happened when still a pup, appeared more at ease and could run around comfortably.

The younger dog (only two years old) gets upset and scared when he hears loud noises like fire engine sirens, so we tried adding CBD to his daily regime, and that worked well - he seemed more relaxed when he heard loud noises.

Is it legal to give my dog CBD oil?

Yes, it is legal to give CBD oil to dogs, now that the Farm Bill passed in December 2018. 

Can I give too much CBD oil to dogs?

No, it is unlikely. Follow our dosage guidelines, and you will find the range of options depending on your dog's weight.

We recommend you start your dog off slowly and observe the effects for a few days before decreasing or increasing the dosage slightly.

How much cbd oil should i give my dog?

Use the dosage table printed on the side of every bottle of our CBD oil for dogs to find out how much CBD oil to give your dog based on their weight. Then use our included 1ml plastic dropper to get the oil under your dog's tongue where it will be best absorbed.

The dose of CBD oil suitable for relaxation in dogs might be less than the quantity required to influence something more severe. So when you ask, how much CBD oil should I give my dog? The answer can vary widely based on a number of factors.

Oil is the most effective delivery method

Oil is the most effective delivery method when dropped directly under the tongue. It is far better than dosing with CBD dog chews, which may seem easier to manage.

Full Spectrum CBD oil can taste bitter, Relievet CBD oil for pets uses broad-spectrum CBD oil in an MCT carrier oil derived from coconuts to make it more palatable and enabling us to create a range of oils suitable for dogs of various weights. We recommend you dose directly under the tongue every time. 

How long does it take for CBD oil to work on dogs?

CBD taken under the tongue (sublingually) is absorbed in 20 - 40 minutes. It is absorbed faster as it can avoid the liver and digestive system, and more directly enter the bloodstream.

How to tell if CBD oil is working

Don't expect your dog to be high; this would be a negative side effect! You should look for a change in the behavior. e.g., a brighter coat, better mobility, or a calmer dog.

As CBD is non-intoxicating, your dog can get some relief, without the risk of being high.
 

Possible side effects of CBD in dogs

Pending research on the side effects of CBD usage for dogs, here are potential side effects based on how CBD affects some humans.

• Dry mouth: Research shows that CBD can decrease the production of saliva. For dogs, this would manifest as increased thirst.

• Lowered blood pressure: High doses of CBD are known to cause a temporary small drop in blood pressure, which might cause a light-headed feeling.

• Drowsiness: The calming effect of CBD may also cause slight drowsiness, especially when using higher doses.

The side effects of CBD oil for dogs are still being researched, but nothing has been shown to cause any serious harm to pets.

Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD and has not issued a dosing chart. Therefore, we do not know what size dosage would be toxic. Any medication or supplement carries the risk of a reaction. It is always advisable when giving your dog something new, to start with small amounts, and then closely monitor the effects. Always check with your veterinarian first.

THC toxicity in dogs

We chose to use broad-spectrum CBD Oil in our Relievet CBD oil for dogs because it contains no THC, but it does include a broad range of beneficial cannabinoids. We understand the benefits of the entourage effect but also the risks of THC, causing toxicity in dogs.

We have found that excellent results can be achieved without the risks associated with THC and pets. 
 

WILL CBD OIL FIX SEIZURES IN DOGS?

If you have spoken to your vet about seizures in dogs, you will likely have discussed drugs like Phenobarbital, Potassium bromide, and Keppra. We have written about these drugs in our blog, and learned of the many, often severe, possible negative side effects. 

A CBD drug was recently approved by the FDA to treat seizures in humans, but right now, there have been no large scale studies on the CBD oil for dogs with seizures.

We recommend that you open up a discussion with your vet about CBD oil for dogs with seizures, and ask for their opinion, as while its certainly not a guaranteed cure for seizures, the side effects are generally considered to be minor. 

DOES CBD OIL WORK FOR DOGS WITH ARTHRITIS?

If your dog has arthritis, your vet has likely recommended some prescription and over the counter drugs that can have serious negative side effects, especially when taken long term. 
 
CBD works with endocannabinoid receptors in your dog's central nervous system. The endocannabinoid system is closely tied to many of your dogs bodily functions, including those which regulate pain and inflammation. 

We recommend that you bring up CBD with your vet as an option to help your arthritic dog, and ask for their opinion. 

Is CBD oil good for dogs with old age?

When dogs get older their health can deteriorate quickly, which is heartbreaking. You will often end up with a laundry list of pills and prescriptions, which can sometimes have side effects which are worse than the original symptoms. 

CBD is not a cure or a guaranteed alternative to these drugs, but the endocannabinoid system may influence many of the same systems that these drugs target. 

Our advice is to talk to your vet about CBD as an option, as though further research is needed to make a full conclusion, CBD is widely thought to have a good safety profile. 

Does CBD oil work for dogs with cancer?

No, there is little or no evidence to suggest that CBD can cure cancer, but the endocannabinoid does is closely related to systems in the body which manage pain and inflammation, symptoms which are often associated with cancer.

The endocannabinoid system also has the potential to influence the speed at which tumors grow. 

We had a family dog who sadly passed away a few years ago at 16 years old; he had prostate cancer and was in severe pain and discomfort in his last few weeks. We gave him the medicines and painkillers as prescribed by our Vet.

The painkillers seemed to be effective but had some unwanted negative side effects.

When I reflect, I wonder if our product CBD oil for dogs had been available at that time, would it have helped too? I certainly would have tried it.

The best thing to do is try to discuss CBD as an option with your vet, in many cases they wont discuss it, but at this point they are certainly aware of it. 

Full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate, which CBD oil is best for dogs?

CBD products can be produced using different forms of CBD. To be considered legal under the 2018 farm bill, they must be manufactured from industrial hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC. We have outlined the key points for each:

• Broad Spectrum CBD Oil:
o it has 0.0% Psychoactive THC
o It has a broad range of cannabinoids.
o It contains very few residual flavors and aromas.

• Full-spectrum CBD Oil:
o It has less than 0.3% THC and trace amounts of terpenes.
o Has a full spectrum of cannabinoids
o It can have a smell and taste (bitter)

• CBD Isolate:
o Is a powder
o Contains isolated CBD and no other cannabinoids

CBD buying tips for dogs

If you and your veterinarian decide to try CBD as a treatment for your dog, note that not all products are created equal; you'll want high-quality CBD oil designed specifically for pets to have a better chance of it working.

• Quality Ingredients - Not all products are created equal. Look for a company that uses US-grown hemp-derived CBD oil.

• Lab Results - Look for a company that displays lab results for full transparency and shows you precisely what is (or isn't) in their products.

• Safety - Many CBD for pet products re-brand the same product for humans and pets, which include glass droppers. Our Relievet CBD oil for dogs comes with a pet-safe plastic graduated dropper to ensure safety and dosage accuracy for your pet family.

• Range of Product - Look for a product which fits your pet weight, a product designed for a 5lb pet will be ineffective for a 150 lb Mastiff as they would have to consume vast amounts to receive an effective dose.

Summary of our findings on CBD oil for dogs

Research is still in the early phases but is very encouraging in many cases. There is a lot of misinformation and ineffective products, so it is essential to do your research and buy from a reputable company.

Remember to always consult your veterinarian before giving any new product to your pet. 

CBD OIL FOR DOGS WITH ARTHRITIS: BISCUIT'S STORY

Biscuit is a Pitt-terrier mix, and to say she has lived an active life would be an understatement; she has spent more days running around and digging holes at the beach than we can count.

All of this physical activity didn't seem to take a toll on her; we thought she was invincible.

One day after a trip to the San Diego dog beach, she began limping, and it persisted for a couple of days.

At this point, we decided to take her to the veterinarian, who diagnosed her with arthritis. The Vet recommended a prescription of Previcox, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly given to dogs with arthritis.

We gave her Previcox every day for around a year, and it did reduce the signs of joint pain, but not without some concerning side effects. Occasionally, after eating the tablet, she would vomit.

In our search for alternatives, we discovered CBD, and learned that the endocannabinoid system was closely related to the systems in dogs which regulate pain and inflammation.

The thought of a completely natural option was appealing.

After consulting with the veterinarian, we decided to try CBD. We tried it first on ourselves and didn't notice much, other than a slight feeling of relaxation.

We gave biscuit CBD oil the morning before taking her to her favorite beach, and again that evening. She had no problem with us placing it under her tongue.

After her usual antics at the beach, we were expecting her to have a severe limp the next day.

For around two years, we have given her CBD oil every day, and there havn't been any apparent negative side effects, though further research is needed to fully confirm if this will be true for all dogs. 

Shortly after this experience, we decided to start Relievet and make CBD oil products for dogs, since then we have expanded our line to include CBD soft chews and topicals, and we plan on making many more products down the line.