Should Your Dog Be Taking CBD if They Don’t Feel Well?

If there’s one thing that unites all dog owners, it’s a deep care and love for their four-legged companions.  If dogs are man’s best friend, then that explains why so many dog owners feel a sense of despair when their pooch is feeling unlike themselves.  It can be hard to watch a dog struggle with sort of ailment as we can’t comfort them with words and ask them what their symptoms are.

Dog owners who appreciate a more holistic approach to pet care are starting to turn to CBD products derived from the hemp plant, that are specifically manufactured for canine use.

Is it Safe to Give a Dog CBD?

First, let’s answer the most important question, which is whether or not it’s actually safe to give a dog CBD.  Experts agree that CBD is fine for dogs, because all mammals share an endocannabinoid system.  This system is the reason why our bodies utilize CBD and other cannabinoids in such a widespread and useful way.  This system is in charge of regulating various bodily processes, and it does this by sending cannabinoids to strategically placed cannabinoid receptors.  Because of this system, CBD is nontoxic to mammals, as the endocannabinoid system simply stores excess levels of cannabinoids for later use.

What Can CBD Do for a Dog?

So, what can CBD do for a dog?  Well, because dogs also have endocannabinoid systems, it seems like any properties that CBD can offer us, it can offer dogs as well.  This includes its calming properties, and its potential properties for pain.  If you’re unsure as to whether or not CBD will be helpful for your dog’s specific issue, you can look for studies regarding CBD’s effects, and apply them to your canine.

Is Giving a Dog CBD Legal?

It’s perfectly legal to give your dog CBD that comes from the hemp plant, which is the plant from which all commercial CBD goods are made.  Hemp contains too low an amount of THC to produce psychoactive effects.  It’s important to note that marijuana is unsafe for dogs due to their difficulty processing high levels of THC.

What Should a Dog Owner Know Before Giving Their Dog CBD?

So, how can you give a dog who isn’t feeling well a useful dose of CBD?  Well, we’ve created a short guide that covers everything that you need to know before starting them on a routine.

Tip #1: Speak to Your Vet

First, you want to speak to your vet.  If your dog isn’t feeling well, your vet needs to know.  And, if you plan on giving them CBD, your vet may be helpful when it comes to determining the right amount to give them, how long it may take before the CBD begins working, and so on.  You should update your vet on any changes as your dog begins taking CBD on a regular basis.

Tip #2: Select a Pet-Friendly CBD Product

It’s absolutely crucial that you only give your dog a CBD product formulated for canines.  For one thing, CBD products for humans may contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.  Further, pet-friendly CBD products contain potency levels that are more appropriate for dogs’ bodies.

Tip #3: Monitor Them

When you start your dog on a hemp regimen, it’s important that you monitor them closely to see how they respond to the intake of CBD and other hemp compounds.  Look for changes in behavior and signs in relief.  There’s always a small chance that your dog won’t enjoy CBD, so look for signs of that as well.

Tip #4: Choose the Right Milligram Strength for Their Body Weight

Companies that make CBD pet products offer a number of milligram strengths that each correspond with a different body weight range.  Choose the right milligram strength for your dog’s body weight to ensure that they’re getting the proper number of cannabinoids for their unique needs.

Tip #5: Choose an Agreeable Delivery Method

CBD dog goods come in a number of delivery methods, including edible treats, tinctures, food additives and topicals.  Each delivery method has its own activation period and level of potency felt within the body.  Explore the options that are available and choose the one that’s most likely to agree with his or her needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

Not only does it appear to be totally safe to give dogs CBD, but many vets are beginning to recommend it to their patients as well.  If you wish to begin a CBD regimen for your pup, then use this article as a guide so that you can go about it in the right way.