If you're someone who is just starting to consider using CBD for your dog, it's natural to want to look into some of the benefits and potential drawbacks. While CBD is a natural, often simple solution to some issues in dogs, there can also be a lot to learn.
This article will cut through some of the fog surrounding CBD and look at the pros and cons, ups and downs of using this product for your dog. Hopefully, the ideas below can lead you to the right decision and get your dog feeling their best as soon as possible.
Let's get started.
The Pros of Using CBD for Dogs
There are a handful of distinct upsides that come with CBD for our canine companions when compared to some of the other alternatives for mobility, calming, and overall wellness.
1. Lack of Common Side Effects
One of the biggest advantages of CBD is that it doesn't pose many common side effects when used at weight-appropriate dosages. CBD is considered generally safe for healthy dogs that aren't on other medications. Even if they are on other medications, there's still a good safety profile, but you should discuss potential drug interactions with your vet.
The worst side effects reported from high doses of CBD are lethargy, brief lack of coordination, and loose stool. The most common reported side effect is loose stool.
These side effects are uncommon, and they're relatively mild when compared to many of the side effects that come with options for mobility and calming.
Plus, CBD is typically safe for daily long-term use in dogs without significant risk of the side effects listed above.
2. Support for Multiple Areas of Health
CBD's primary uses in dogs are for mobility and calming concerns. Studies into each of these respective use cases have yielded positive results (look at the references at the bottom of this article), and those results are echoed by thousands of dog parents who have tried various CBD products for their pets.
Many dog owners note positive results in just a few days, or longer depending on the issues that their dogs are facing. In a world of supplements that aren't able to produce visible benefits, CBD stands out as a favorite among pet owners who are refreshed at the improvements they see in their dogs.
Note that CBD won't benefit all dogs, but it appears that more than half of the dogs see a noticeable benefit or improvement to quality in life, per the studies cited below.
3. Ease of Access and Use
CBD oils and chews are relatively easy to use and administer to dogs. Chews are extremely easy, as dogs tend to see them as treats. Oils require you to measure a dosage and drop it into their cheek, under the tongue, or onto a treat.
In either case, use is relatively easy and stress-free. With chews, your dog will come willingly in most cases. With oils, you may have to get a little more creative but the flavor is typically not an issue for dogs.
Additionally, you don't need a prescription to give dogs CBD. It's available to all dog owners, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Some states don't allow the sale of CBD for dogs, but most of the states in the United States allow the shipment and sale of pet CBD products.
The Cons of CBD for Dogs
CBD has a few potential downsides as well, so it's important to be aware of the risks when shopping around. Let's take a look at the potential cons of CBD for dogs.
1. Not FDA-Approved
CBD isn't approved for use in dogs by the FDA, which isn't to say that it's not safe, only that it hasn't been given the green light by the FDA. FDA-approval is a long and arduous process that is typically spearheaded or supported by a particular company in an industry, although this isn't always the case.
As a result, there are many things that haven't gone through FDA approval but are still very commonly-used. One of the biggest downsides of CBD's lack of FDA approval is its consequent lack of strict regulation.
CBD for pets isn't as closely monitored as other pet supplements are, which means it's very important to find a reputable company that upholds high manufacturing standards.
Lolahemp is one such company that pays for third party lab tests and carries out its manufacturing with complete transparency. We also have excellent reviews and a 7 year track record of success with our customers' pets.
2. Potential Drug Interactions
CBD has the potential to interact with the way other prescription medications for dogs are metabolized. Specifically, CBD engages with the CYP450 metabolic pathway, the same pathway that NSAIDs, antihistamines, opioids, benzodiazapines, steroids, and some antibiotics.
As a result, it's important to discuss CBD with your veterinarian if they're on any medications at all. If there's a negative interaction in the way these substances are metabolized, it could lead to significant risks to your dog's health.
3. Lack of Veterinarian Guidance
Due to CBD's lack of FDA-approval, there's a legal gray area for veterinarians when discussing and recommending CBD.
Veterinarians may think that CBD is a good option for some dogs, but laws in many states prevent them from recommending it. They are also not trained on the research and results of CBD in many places simply because they can't incorporate it into their practice.
This makes it difficult for pet parents to get solid insights into how CBD could benefit their dogs, or whether it's the wrong choice. This is one regulatory hiccup in the world of pet CBD that will, hopefully, soon be eliminated.
Conclusion
So, while CBD can be an effective option for dog parents looking for calming, mobility, and health solutions, there are a few drawbacks when it comes to discussing options and finding reputable sellers.
If you have more questions about CBD products, uses, or anything else, Lolahemp has been in the pet CBD industry for 7 years. We're knowledgeable and we'd be happy to help you find the right product for your pet, even if it isn't one of our own. We're just looking to find the best solutions for pet parents everywhere, and it's our pleasure to do so.
Contact us via email or by phone today.
