When it comes to holistic wellness, CBD for pets is a popular subject. However, this remedy comes with its share of questions. If you recently discovered the world of pet CBD supplements, bites or chews and how they can improve your furry friend's life, you may be asking yourself several questions.

For instance, what is it? Is it safe for your four-legged friend? A common question that most pet parents ask is whether CBD oil can be addictive for their dogs. Part of getting answers to this and other frequently asked questions is learning about CBD in general and how it enhances your dog's life.

So, without wasting much time, let us delve into CBD, its benefits, and how to select the best CBD products for your dog.

What Is CBD?

CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol. This is a naturally occurring compound contained in the cannabis plant.

The cannabis plant is available in two varieties: hemp and marijuana. The two are similar in many aspects, with the main difference being their THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels. THC is the component responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana.

While the marijuana plant contains high THC levels, the hemp plant contains at most 0.3% of the element. You can extract CBD from both plant varieties. However, the hemp variety is the one sourced for human and animal CBD products.

CBD’s Working Methodology

If it is your first time using CBD for your dog, you must wonder how it works. CBD is like a calm and comforting presence that helps them relax and feel more at ease.

CBD interacts with their endocannabinoid system (ECS). Think of the ECS as a regulatory system like the immune system. It regulates vital physiological processes like sleep, mood, appetite, and response to pain. All mammals have the ECS. It remedies imbalances in the body to create a state of homeostasis.

CBD and Intoxication

Hemp-derived CBD products contain negligible amounts of THC (at most 0.3%). Therefore, you do not need to worry about your dog getting high on CBD.

CBD and Addiction

Another essential point to note is that CBD extracted from the hemp plant isn’t addictive. So, to answer the question, “Is CBD oil for dogs addictive?” No. No matter how long your pet uses CBD, they won’t develop a dependency to it.

You may only notice your little friend showing a preference for particular flavors over others. For instance, they may enjoy poultry treats more than those with a beef taste. This in no way infers that your dog has an addiction to poultry CBD treats.

Now that you know this, you may be asking yourself if giving your dog CBD products daily is healthy. The answer? A solid yes! Just ensure you administer the correct recommended amount based on their body weight.

How do Dogs Benefit From CBD Oil?

CBD can be used to relieve several symptoms in your dog. Here are several ways it will enhance the quality of your dog's life:

1. CBD for Mobility

As old age fast approaches, your dog’s mobility may change. They may no longer enjoy your daily walks. Also, they may have trouble climbing stairs and may become less playful. In such situations, turn to CBD.

CBD can help improve mobility by:

• Supporting flexibility and healthy joints
• Providing connective tissue support
• Relieving joint stiffness by supporting bone health and maintaining joint mobility

2. CBD for Pain Management and Relief

If you can tell whether your furry friend is in pain, tending to them will be even more accessible. Dogs are terrible communicators and will often hide their discomfort.

By the time you discover something is amiss, the situation could have escalated to dangerous levels. Whether your little friend is experiencing occasional discomfort from exercise or aging or is recovering from injuries, CBD is the way to go.

CBD can help relieve pain by supporting a normal response to inflammation in the body. This does the following in the body:

• Helps with occasional soreness and stiffness
• Supports healthy cellular activity
• Supports normal recovery of muscles

3. CBD for Stress

Stress or nervousness in dogs can be caused by loud noises, changes in the environment, routine changes, or separation from loved ones. It also isn't uncommon for dogs to be hyperactive. Typically, hyperactivity is a result of excessive energy. It often causes destructive behavior.

Fortunately for you, CBD can help calm nerves. This automatically promotes relaxation in dogs and supports emotional balance. Administering CBD oil to your pet can help them cope with external stress and situations that may make them nervous.

4. CBD for Wellness

Just like humans benefit from vitamins and other supplements, dogs, too, could use some immune-boosting foods. This is especially important for senior dogs that need extra support to improve their life quality.

Besides supporting your dog’s immune system, CBD also does the following:

• Supports normal neurological and cardiovascular functions
• Promotes long-term health
• Maintains mental and physical wellbeing

Common Dog CBD Products

CBD products come in different forms depending on your dog’s needs and preferences. Common CBD products for your pet include:

1. CBD Oils and Tinctures

They are accompanied by a dropper, usually calibrated in milliliters. The dropper ensures you deliver the correct amount of CBD oil to your dog. With tinctures, you are always sure of the amount of CBD your pet receives.

The best way to administer CBD oils is sublingually­ (placing them beneath your dog's tongue). This enables the CBD to quickly infiltrate the tissues found under the tongue and enter the bloodstream. Alternatively, you can administer CBD tinctures during mealtime.

2. CBD Bites and Chews

You should be very concerned if your dog doesn't love a tasty treat. CBD bites and chews are an easy and convenient addition to your dog’s health regimen. They are available in various sizes and shapes. They are typically made with tasty dog-friendly ingredients such as turmeric, coconut, and peanut butter.

Here is why most pet parents find bites and chews convenient:

• Each treat is infused with specific CBD amounts. Therefore, you can’t risk overdosing your favorite canine member.
• Dogs are more receptive to them because of the tasty flavors. The same cannot be said for CBD tinctures.
• They are easy to carry around as they come in resealable bags. All you have to do is throw them in your bag or the back of the car.
• Unlike tinctures, administering them isn’t messy

3. CBD Topicals

Some CBD products are non-consumable. Your dog can enjoy the benefits of CBD simply through topical application. Because CBD helps promote healthy skin, coconut oil infused with the health goodness of CBD is an incredible choice for moisturizing cracked paws and the dry skin of noses. You can also use it for hot spots.

Final Thoughts

Through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system, CBD can bring a lot of health benefits to your dog. From promoting relaxation to helping ease pain and improving immunity, you can see why CBD products are slowly garnering popularity in the holistic world.

Fortunately, your dog can now be part of this excitement, thanks to CBD pet companies dedicated to formulating the best CBD products for your pets. The best part? Your dog cannot get addicted to it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Wean My Dog off of CBD Oil?

No, this isn’t necessary. This is because CBD oil is generally safe and poses no life-threatening side effects for your dog. It cannot get your dog intoxicated as it has very negligible traces of THC–the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Additionally, it isn’t addictive.

Is Daily Administration of CBD Safe for Your Pet?

Yes, it is safe to administer CBD to your dog daily. Some dogs can benefit from multiple doses daily. Furthermore, depending on why you are giving CBD oil to your dog, regular administration can help regulate their ECS. This further enables CBD’s homeostatic properties.

CBD oil can be administered every eight to twelve hours as required. While the effects of CBD may take one or two hours to kick in after ingestion, some dogs may need more to get the full benefits. This is why you should watch your dog's behavior and establish whether additional doses are necessary.

What Do Veterinarians Think of CBD for Dogs?

Generally, veterinarians agree on the safety and effectiveness of CBD as a treatment option for dogs. Many of them have witnessed positive results in dogs, including pain relief, improved mobility, and reduced anxiety.

However, some vets caution that more research is imperative if people are to fully comprehend the potential benefits and risks of CBD in dogs. They opine that pet parents should work with veterinarians to establish the appropriate dosage and monitor their dogs' behaviors.

Another notable point to remember is that CBD products are created differently. It is, therefore, important to get your products from reputable companies that will give you access to the certificate of analysis.

Overall, although more research is required, many vets are in support of using CBD as a treatment option for canines. It is, however, essential to consult your vet before starting your dog on any treatment regimen.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs in the Long Term?

Currently, there is limited research on the effects of the long-term use of CBD in dogs. However, anecdotal evidence points to the fact that it is safe for long-term use.

According to one study, dogs treated for osteoarthritis displayed no life-threatening effects after undergoing treatment for eight weeks. Another study established that dogs with epilepsy tolerated CBD very well, with no adverse effects witnessed after four months of treatment.

However, this does not rule out the fact that any substance can have potential side effects, especially when administered over an extended period or in large doses. For this reason, always discuss with your vet before putting your dog on any treatment plan. You should also use high-quality CBD products from reputable companies and follow dosage instructions.