As CBD continues to be praised in the health and wellness communities, and scientific studies continue to prove how CBD can serve as a remedy for several different health conditions, many pet owners are considering turning to CBD to help their dogs. As it’s been shown to relieve pain, treat anxiety and stress, reduce seizures, help fight cancer and more in humans, can it offer the same benefits to our furry friends?

Unfortunately, there is currently no scientific data on how CBD can help (or hurt) your beloved pet. However, there are thousands of anecdotal reports of CBD helping pets’ various ailments. It is likely that someone you know has found success for their furry friend by using CBD.  

If other medications aren’t working, or perhaps you want to try a natural remedy, you may be considering giving CBD oil to your dog who is suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, epileptic seizures, or other conditions which CBD may be able to treat. To help you navigate the subject of CBD oil for pets, below are 5 Tips to Know When Buying CBD for Your Dog. 

1. CBD Will Not Get Your Dog “High”

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the plant Cannabis Sativa- a plant species that encompases both hemp and marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is also found in cannabis, and is the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties and puts users in a “high” state-of-mind. It’s important to understand that most CBD oils contain the beneficial CBD and little to none of the mind-altering THC. CBD oils, in order for them to be legal in all 50 states, must come from hemp, not marijuana, and contain less than 0.3% of THC. Therefore, your dog won’t be impaired or intoxicated from CBD; however, he may become more relaxed.  

It’s important to note, especially if you live in a state where marijuana is currently legal for medical and/or recreational use, or you live in a state where it may soon become legal, that there’s been an increase of THC toxicosis in dogs in these states, which can have severe consequences for your pet’s health. Therefore, it is never a good idea to give your dog or expose them to any type of cannabis product which contains a high amount of THC.

2. CBD Oil for Dog Seizures

The good news is that there are studies on the benefits of CBD hemp oil for dogs underway. AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) announced a major clinical trial to study the use of cannabidiol to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs. This study was announced in September 2017, about nine months before the June 2018 FDA approval of the drug Epidiolex, a form of cannabidiol, to be used legally to treat two rare types of epilepsy in humans.

As it’s estimated that 1 in 200 dogs suffer from seizures, this new study, and likely others to follow shortly, can legitimize the concept that just as CBD is therapeutic to humans, your dog can reap the same health-boosting benefits.

3. CBD for Treating Dog Anxiety

For many dog owners, just thinking about your furry fella experiencing anxiety can be heartbreaking, as we want our dogs to live happy and healthy lives just as we'd want for own children. But unfortunately, dogs are just as prone to anxiety as humans are. There are many factors which can contribute to their distress, including separation from their owners – even if it's only for a short time while you're at work, if the dog has been physically or mentally abused in the past, sudden environmental changes like moving to a new home, the arrival of a new family member, or the presence of strangers or strange animals.

There have been extensive studies done on how CBD can reduce stress and anxiety in humans, specifically reducing stress caused by public speaking, and how CBD is effective at treating anxiety and panic disorders and helping with post-traumatic stress disorder.

As most anti-anxiety pet meds come with adverse side effects, it may be worth giving CBD a try as a natural alternative for reducing your dog’s anxiety. If you do an online search for CBD dog treats for anxiety, there are several products you can choose from. However, there are some important factors you should consider when selecting CBD products for your dog, which we’ll get to in a bit.

4. Ways to Give Your Dog CBD

If you’ve ever tried to give your pup their heartworm or tick/flea medication without hiding it in some kind of tantalizing doggie treat, it should come as no surprise that giving your dog CBD oil probably won’t have them begging for more. Luckily, the CBD pet industry offers lots of dog-friendly options to choose from on how you can give your dog CBD.

CBD tinctures that come in a dropper bottle provide near immediate relief from symptoms when drops are placed under your dog’s tongue. The CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and will work its healing magic quicker than ingestible treats.  

If your dog is suffering from rashes, skin allergies, arthritis, muscle aches or joint pain, a CBD topical cream or salve is the best way to go. Every dog loves for their body to rubbed, so it's easy to administer and highly effective for relieving acute pain.  

 The easiest option and one which is sure to be your dog’s favorite, are CBD treats for dogs or CBD dog biscuits, which can be found in a wide array of flavors and CBD dosages.

5. What to Look for in CBD Oil for Pets

Just as when you give your dog new food to try, and you start with a small amount and watch carefully for any effects, the same should be done if giving your dog CBD.

 If you and your vet are in agreement that you should try CBD as a treatment for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying CBD oil. Not all oils are created the same, and you want to make sure you are getting high-quality oil, so it has the best chance of working.

If you are considering using CBD oil for your pet, the key is to start slowly, do your research and run it by your vet. Studies are being done and it is only a matter of time before CBD will gain widespread acceptance in the animal health community.