How to Use Cannabis to Treat Your Dog
Are you a cannabis user? If the answer is yes, you have probably experienced the positive effects of CBD. Now you are wondering if it is something you could share with your dog. It is hard to imagine a better treat than their favorite food infused with CBD. But before you use cannabis to treat your dog, here is some information that you need to know.
What You Should Know About Cannabis for Pets
The basics are the same as when using cannabis for people. If you want to maximize the benefits while minimizing side effects, you should give your dog CBD (cannabidiol). CBD is one of the cannabinoids that doesn’t have psychoactive properties. It is why it is so popular among users.
CBD can have an analgesic effect, and it can help your dog with both acute and chronic pain. In conditions like osteoarthritis, it can reduce pain and increase mobility, which can be the way of securing that your dog remains active.
Anxiety relief is also among the primary benefits of using CBD for dogs. That can be useful if your pooch is scared of people, fireworks, or social situations.
Related:
CBD For Your Dog – Important Things You Should Know
Do Veterinarians Approve Using CBD for Dogs?
The increased interest of pet owners for CBD is obvious, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the veterinarians get a lot of questions related to this topic. The problem is that the law doesn’t allow the vets to answer those questions because any advice on using cannabis they can offer may lead to penalties and suspensions.
Some states have more relaxed regulations than others. California is famous for being a pro-cannabis state, and vets do not risk penalties if they discuss cannabis with clients. However, they should give you advise on how to use cannabis to treat your dog and pinpoint all potential effects, including contraindications.
It may be interesting to mention a survey conducted in 2018 in California. According to the reports of pet owners to vets, or their observations, at least some analgesic effect was obvious in 79% of pets, and more than half reported success in treating anxiety.
All this is encouraging, but veterinarians have to follow the regulations, which is why you should be gentle to your vet if they refuse to give you a prescription, or even give you advice on using cannabis for the benefit of your pet.
What Are the Different Cannabis Forms to Give to a Dog?
The easiest way of giving cannabis to a dog is to buy ready-made treats. The manufacturers already infused these with CBD, which means that the only thing you need to do is to give the treat to your pet.
However, you should be careful when choosing treats. Each of them has a different level of CBD, and it may offer a different ratio of CBD and THC. You want to aim for the highest level of CBD possible, but also make sure that there is no, or almost no THC in the product. It is the component that may get your dog “high,” and its psychoactive properties are the reason why people think bad of marijuana.
Now, you can also purchase CBD oil, and add it to the favorite food of your dog. That gives you a lot more freedom when it comes to meals. Additionally, you cannot go wrong because you can always add oil to the food your pet already likes.
If it is possible, you can directly put CBD oil in your dog’s mouth (aim for the area below the tongue). We assume that swallowing a capsule can be a bit tricky, but you can also try that if you think the pet will listen.
Related:
How High do Dogs get on Marijuana? THC-Free Therapy for Dogs
How Much CBD You Should Give to a Dog?
The experts haven’t established the exact dosage of CBD you should give to your dog. It may vary depending on the effects that you want to achieve. For example, research suggests that you should aim for around two milligrams per kilogram of your pet’s weight if they are suffering from osteoarthritis.
However, take any dosage recommendation with a pinch of salt. You should follow the instructions on the specific product that you bought, but it is always better to start slowly.
That way, you can see whether your dog reacts to CBD. If you estimate that there is no reaction after a couple of days of use, try to increase the dose a little bit. Don’t make big increases because you want to estimate the right dose carefully. When it comes to CBD, taking too much may also decrease the desired effects.
Related:
How to Introduce CBD to Your Dog Safely and Effectively
How Will Cannabis Affect Your Dog?
Your dog may react in one of two ways – positively or negatively. It is something that you might have assumed, but that is why it is important to stay close to your dog after giving them CBD. If you go with the best CBD oil for dogs, you will minimize the chance of side effects occurring.
It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes for the dog to exhibit first reactions. If your pet seems more active than usual, you can be satisfied with the initial results.
In some cases, dogs won’t immediately react to CBD. It may take several days to see the overall effectiveness of cannabidiol. Continue with the default dosage and observe the reactions. Does your dog seem more mobile even though they have arthritis? Are they happier even during the fireworks, and not as afraid like they used to be? Those are all positive signs, and indications that you should stick to that dosage.
However, your pet may also exhibit side effects, such as vomiting, balance loss, and excessive panting. They may also become lethargic, which is not the effect you want to achieve. If that happens, you may have started with too much CBD, so you might consider giving them a little less next time. It is worth noting that the side effects rarely happen because dogs tend to react well to cannabidiol. If you are going buy online just make sure the dispensary is be trusted and authentic.
Her own animal experience is vast, having raised and rescued Alpine Goats, Chickens, Turkeys, Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs, Turtles, Raccoons, Cats, Dogs, and even an Opossum and Bearded Dragon.
- Mindful Travel With Your Dog This Holiday Season - December 23, 2019
- A-Z of Australia’s Endangered Wildlife - December 20, 2019
- Teaching Your Kids How to Walk the Dog Safely - December 2, 2019
Interesting read, we have came long ways since reef maddness.
Coffee is on