Is CBD Safe for Puppies?

Puppies are wonderful companions for any home. However, your puppy may experience many health conditions ranging from behavioral issues to injuries, with some even requiring surgery. When treating your new best friend, you may consider a more natural alternative to pet meds. 

Your vet may, in some instances, allow you to skip giving your puppy pharmaceuticals and instead opt for natural remedies that could reduce the severity of your dog's physical and mental ailments. CBD for dogs is a perfect example of this type of remedy. 

So, can puppies take CBD? In many instances, the answer is yes, but you should always reach out to your vet first for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

The Endocannabinoid System in Pups

All furbabies, including puppies, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This lock and key mechanism regulates everyday functions like mood, appetite, sleep, pain, fertility, and more. 

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to nudge it toward homeostasis. While the ECS is responsible for two primary functions in the body (well-being by restoring balance in the body and maintaining homeostasis), we now understand that endocannabinoid receptors help to regulate mood, appetite, sleep, metabolism, and keep the body functioning. 

Today, we can see from past studies that, when introducing cannabinoids, we can help balance the body and improve health in both pets and people. While there's not enough scientific data on the side effects of CBD use in puppies, there are always potential side effects, possibly more so in young dogs. 

To minimize any possible side effects, you should always reach out to your veterinarian to discuss CBD options and decide on your puppy's most effective treatment method. This is because CBD may lower blood pressure, decrease saliva production, and could have a calming effect on your puppy, mainly when used in higher doses.

What is CBD?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), "CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. Dr. Klein says it is essential to note that, in most cases, CBD oil does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties.

 In fact, “most CBD products are derived from hemp and not from marijuana," via Dr. Jerry Klein, KC's Chief Veterinary Officer.

Because of the considerable interest in CBD today, it's essential for pet parents to understand that it may not work for every pet in the same way. This is because all pets are different, from unique DNA to the differing biochemistry in each cat or dog. That said, all outcomes are not the same, and the same pet product may yield different results or, in some cases, may not be effective. 

What Is CBD Oil for Dogs?

As pet parents embark on the CBD journey for pet health and wellness, full-spectrum hemp oil pet products are more popular than ever. These are non-toxic and free of all bio-contaminants including glyphosate and broad-spectrum herbicides like Roundup, found in soil. They also have very low amounts of THC.

A full-spectrum hemp CBD oil will offer improved absorption, bioavailability, and higher levels of CBD. That said, verify the dosage before use with your veterinarian so that it will have optimal efficacy. Full-spectrum hemp oil has a rapid effect, and, if organic, should not contain contaminants or alcohol.

Hemp extracts made from certified agricultural hemp are called full-spectrum because they offer a wide range of natural phytocannabinoids including CBD, CBN, CBC, and CBG. Full-spectrum hemp oil will also have traces of other cannabinoids as well as plant sterols, chlorophyll, and terpenes, together with eight isomers of naturally occurring vitamin E. 

For all CBD pet products to be legal, pet CBD products should have less than 0.3% THC. CBD is safe and is derived from hemp and cannabis. Most CBD dog products will use CBD from hemp, and dogs will not get a "high," after consuming a low THC or tetrahydrocannabinol pet product. 

Benefits of Full Spectrum Hemp Oils 

Full-spectrum hemp oils for pets have been shown to have plenty of health benefits for dogs today. It can be purchased from your veterinarian, online, or in stores. 

Hemp oil products are non-euphoric (only CBD, less than 0.3% THC) and feature several pet health benefits. When giving your furbaby a CBD pet product, it should be non-euphoric (only CBD, with low THC). CBD may be beneficial when crafted with premium ingredients and tested. 

A holistic veterinarian may use CBD to support the following:

•  Healthy joints and joint mobility
•  Support inflammatory response
•  Promote relaxation
•  Support regular brain function
•  Support a healthy gut and gastrointestinal function
•  Support immune function
•  Help animals cope with external stresses 
•  Support for seasonal skin allergies and coat health

Can Puppies Have CBD Pet Products?

While there is currently not enough scientific data regarding the safety of CBD for young dogs, the available preclinical studies demonstrate promising data. If your furbaby is displaying long-term, chronic issues, either behavioral or physiological, this may be an excellent opportunity to try CBD. 

Cannabidiol may also offer a natural alternative to pain medication after routine surgeries like neutering or spaying.

If your furbaby suffers from a chronic condition or injury, then cannabidiol may be a good supporting option. Because hemp-derived CBD is a plant-based product, it doesn't have the same long-term, adverse side effects as many traditional pet meds. If you're thinking about introducing painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication to your puppy, talk to your vet first about trying CBD. 

The Entourage Effect

CBD hemp oil offers plenty of health benefits when the whole cannabis plant, including seeds and stalks, is used. Many additional benefits come from terpenes and flavonoids. 

Today, CBD pet products can be found in the form of treats, tinctures, capsules, transdermal patches, shampoos, and edibles that offer hemp oil supplements, including CBD, CBN, CBG, and CBDA for pets.

The whole cannabis plant is used instead of isolating or producing the active ingredient to allow the entourage effect. The entourage effect may enhance therapeutic health benefits because all the compounds work together instead of one or two compounds working in isolation. 

Positive Dog Training

Pups go through behavioral issues that they commonly grow out of. Adolescent dogs may exhibit anxiety, chewing, aggression, and other undesirable behaviors as they're still growing and learning. Nonetheless, most dogs do grow out of this with positive training and socialization.

If these are some reasons why you're considering giving your puppy cannabidiol, we always recommend reaching out to your veterinarian first and your positive dog trainer second.

If positive dog training does not improve behavioral issues, it may be beneficial to turn to pet CBD when you believe it is anxiety or fear-related. You should also rule out any health conditions linked to behavioral issues with your vet.

How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Adolescent Dogs?

If your puppy becomes anxious when left alone, his body language will show distress (e.g. whining, pacing, destroying furniture, panting, barking, etc.- and once this starts, it won't stop until you get back home. Signs of separation anxiety may include:

• Whining
• Barking or howling
• Destructive behavior
• Attempts to escape home
• Excessive panting

Don't despair when you’re dealing with separation anxiety in dogs. Although heartbreaking and challenging, understanding how to overcome it will help your dog feel calmer when you leave him home alone. 

But, before you do anything, you'll need to make sure that it's separation anxiety. Reach out to your positive dog trainer or veterinarian for ways to help your puppy with separation anxiety.

CBD helps maintain calmness and may help with hyperactivity, chewing, teething, excessive barking, biting, and excessive digging. It's essential to remain consistent with puppy training and not rely on CBD as a way out.

Pups get the zoomies and will need plenty of outdoor exercise. Without warning, they'll zoom around the house. This occurs from three to six months of age. Zoomies usually last a few minutes and often occur during the evening when young dogs need to release energy before settling down. This is a normal part of puppyhood, so you should not try to stop your puppy.

Puppies need to learn the basic commands and how to behave in their homes. This is an essential part of puppy training. Choosing a good dog trainer that comes to your home to work with you and your puppy is one of the best ways of helping your pup be the best he can be.

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

A great way of supporting your dog's ECS is through a healthy lifestyle. Combining canine massage, daily exercise, weight control, a high-quality diet, and regular veterinary care may help achieve good health in pets.

When treated with traditional meds prescribed by your veterinarian, numerous health conditions in dogs will benefit from CBD oil use. If you're increasing daily exercise and adding in some vigorous runs, you're also increasing endocannabinoid levels (mostly anandamide) in your dog's body. 

If you've done your research, spoken to your vet, and have decided that you want to try giving your puppy CBD, it is crucial to find the right CBD product with a certificate of analysis. The pet CBD industry is under-regulated, meaning it's possible to purchase toxic CBD pet products.

Always purchase pet CBD from a company with up-to-date COAs and discloses where their hemp is grown and how their CBD is sourced. Better yet, purchase veterinary-approved or veterinary formulated CBD pet products for your furbaby.

How to Give CBD Oil to your Puppy?

First, consult with your vet. Once you’ve got the go-ahead, use the following ideas as your guides.

CBD tinctures are easy to administer. You can add them to your dog's food, his water bowl, or even directly into his mouth. If you place the drops directly into your dog's mouth, you can be assured that he consumes them. CBD oil can be given via a tincture or also purchased as a CBD dog treat. If you're adding the drops to your dog's wet food, remember to stir it in well.

Thanks to recent research, we now understand how helpful cannabidiol is for both pets and people. While you should start with the lower end of dosing and slowly work your way up, always reach out to your veterinarian if you need to adjust the dosage or potency to be on the safe side.

Final Thoughts: Can You Give Puppies CBD?

Even though endocannabinoids play a crucial role in pre-and postnatal development, there is a lack of research regarding CBD and its effect on young puppies. You should reach out to your vet before giving your pup CBD, especially if they are already taking any other pet meds.

Cannabidiol may result in potential drug interactions, and it's essential to ensure your puppy's safety before giving him CBD. 

On the other hand, suppose you're only interested in giving your puppy CBD for preventative care or overall wellness. 

In that case, we recommend first reaching out to your veterinarian and possibly waiting until your furbaby is a year old. By paying attention to a few essential health and behavioral puppy issues, you can help your dog lead a healthy and happy life.

For more information about CBD for puppies, please contact us.

Invest in Your Puppy's Health Today

Lolahemp offers the purest, highest quality pet CBD available in today's market. If you're struggling to decide whether or not to give your puppy CBD, our veterinary team is happy to answer any questions you have so that you can make the most informed decision possible. For more information regarding CBD and puppies, please contact us!

References:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/

https://www.veterinarians.com/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7537661/

https://lolahemp.com/collections/all-products

https://lolahemp.com