CBD Oil For Dogs: Possible Risks And How To Avoid These

By on November 14, 2018

CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is a natural compound from the hemp plant. It is known to give humans a wide range of therapeutic effects and benefits. Dogs also benefit from CBD oil, but every time you introduce a new supplement or medication for your pets, it’s always essential to consult a veterinarian and look for potential risks it may impose, so you know how to avoid them.

CBD is usually given to help anxious, scared or restless dogs and it can be consumed in different ways. CBD oil drops can be added to your dog’s food or water, or you can directly administer it in the mouth. CBD dog treats that are infused with CBD oil can also be a quick and easy alternative. Additionally, there are CBD capsules available if your pets are not too picky with what you put inside their mouths. The capsules are best when traveling with your dogs for easy packing and accurate dosing.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

CBD has been tested on both animals and humans in different trials and is known to be safe with the correct dosage. Although the FDA hasn’t officially approved CBD, there have been no reports that CBD is harmful to dogs or humans. Visit your veterinarian to learn more about CBD oil and supplements and their administration for dogs.

Can a Dog Overdose on CBD?

CBD is not the compound that’s psychoactive, so it won’t cause a high like its brother THC. Just like any other supplements, there’s a specific dosage that should be consumed daily. Although there have been no reported overdoses of CBD, it’s advised to just stick to the recommended dosage. After all, the recommended dosage exists for a reason and administering additional CBD will not be beneficial anyway, so what’s the point of overdoing it?

What Are the Possible Risks of CBD in a Dog?

The side effects of CBD in dogs are minimal, and there is no indication of serious risk. CBD has been reported to cause some side effects in humans, including changes in appetite, change in weight, tiredness, and diarrhea. Fortunately, these side effects haven’t been observed in pets.

The only notable side effects of CBD oil for dogs are:

  • Dry Mouth

It’s been observed that CBD can affect the production of saliva. People smoking cannabis have commonly reported experiencing dry mouth. This is also true for dogs. There may be increased thirst after consuming CBD oil so be sure that your pet has access to adequate water.

  • Lowering of Blood Pressure

A slight drop in blood pressure is observed after a high dosage of CBD. The drop is not very significant but may cause a temporary feeling of light-headedness.

  • Drowsiness

Because CBD oil for dogs is used to treat anxiety and panic in dogs due to its calming effect, your dog may experience slight drowsiness, especially with increased dosage.

  • Nausea

Ingesting CBD oil can cause mild stomach discomfort. Though there’s no scientific study backing this up, there are users saying that this is true. If nausea does occur, it’s typically mild and lasts for a short time. If this happens to your dog, decrease the dosage of CBD.

While there are continuing studies proving that CBD oil is safe for your furry friend, exact dosages are still to be determined by experts. Most of the CBD oil products in the market have the recommended dosage on the packaging label to guide you. The dose is typically determined by the dog’s size and weight. It’s best to introduce CBD in low dosages first then proceed with following the recommended dosage in the label. You could start with half of the recommended dosage and increase it after a few weeks. This will help ensure that your dog will not experience the adverse side effects of CBD oil.

Simply Pets offers more information on its very useful site, too.

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