CBD oil has a range of potential benefits, but few of those benefits are likely to occur if you don't find the right product for your pet. There are thousands of different CBD oil products for dogs on the market, and many of them are low quality.
Shopping for pet CBD oil is made more complicated by the range terminology used to describe slightly different qualities of different products. This guide was made to help you quickly and easily identify the best CBD product for your dog and its specific needs.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD (cannabidol) oil is extracted from the hemp plant. Hemp grows naturally with cannabinoids, and CBD is one of those natural cannabinoids. CBD oil is extracted in a handful of ways, but the end result is always to have a high concentration of cannabidol left in the formula.
Hemp grows with a variety of other cannabinoids as well, and the different formulations you'll find of CBD oil are distinguished by either the presence or absence of these other cannabinoids.
It's important to note that CBD oil for dogs is formulated with a lower concentration than CBD oil for humans. Do not give your dog CBD oil made for human consumption. Human products are stronger, and they often have additional ingredients that are not safe for dogs.
Let's look at the most common types of CBD oil formulations available for dogs.
Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolated CBD Formulas for Pets - What's The Difference?
All of the following options are, in fact CBD oils, but their differences lie in the chemical makeup and presence of cannabinoids other than CBD.
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil: Full spectrum CBD oil contains all of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids in hemp. This range of additional cannabinoids can support added benefits via a synergistic effect called "the entourage effect."
- Broad Spectrum CBD Oil: Broad spectrum CBD oil contains all cannabinoids found in hemp apart from THC, which can be harmful to dogs in high concentrations.
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Isolated CBD Oil: Isolated CBD oil contains CBD alone, stripping all additional cannabinoids out.
There are pros and cons to each of these formulations, but it's important to note that while THC is not safe for dogs, it is present in dog-safe concentrations when it's found in hemp.
Hemp, by law, must contain only 0.3% THC content or less. When hemp is grown with a higher concentration of THC than 0.3%, it falls under the legal definition of marijuana.
With this in mind, full-spectrum CBD oil is not any less safe than isolated CBD oil, and in most cases the full-spectrum variety can be more natural and less impacted by harsh processing practices.
Which Pet CBD Oil Brands Should I Look at?
When shopping around for a high quality CBD product for your dog, look for brands that use third-party testing facilities and list the results of those tests clearly for pet owners to see.
Even if you're not totally familiar with reading lab results, the presence of these tests typically indicates a trustworthy brand. Further, you can share the lab results with your veterinarian if you're curious about the contents of the product you're buying.
Good CBD oil brands have accessible customer service as well. It's always a good idea to call the brand before you make a purchase, just to get a sense of how they treat their customers. If there's no response, or the person you're talking to doesn't have an idea about the product, that's not a good sign.
When giving a supplement to your pet, it's very helpful to have an easy method of contacting the brand to ask questions, get answers, and feel comfortable giving your pet the product.
Finally, check the reviews. CBD oil brands should have a lot of great reviews on their websites, and many also have reviews on third-party sites like Trustpilot or Amazon.
Dosages & Concentration Matter in CBD Oil for Dogs
The last thing to have a grasp of before giving your dog CBD oil is dosage. Every brand that sells CBD oil for dogs should have a clear, comprehensive explanation of dosing.
CBD oil is generally considered safe for dogs when given in weight-appropriate dosages. Giving your dog too much CBD oil could result in drowsiness, lethargy, upset stomach, and more.
Be sure that you know precisely how much of a particular brands CBD oil to give your dog before starting dosages. Start slow, and monitor your dog's response to the product. If they tolerate the CBD oil well, you can continue to give it to your dog at the established rate and look for results at anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks after starting.
Veterinarian Approval is Recommended
If your dog is struggling with health issues, on existing medications, or is generally sensitive to supplements or medications, it's highly advised that you talk with your veterinarian before starting on CBD oil.
It's always the best choice to discuss CBD oil with your vet before starting your dog on it, and this is where lab tests, clear dosing guidelines, good reviews, and clearly-listed product information become so important.
You can show these things to your veterinarian and get a confident answer on whether or not CBD oil is the right choice for your dog. There are some dogs that should avoid CBD oil and stick to other treatments, but it can be very effective for many dogs who do try it.
Conclusion
CBD oil can be an effective option for dogs struggling with hip & joint challenges, emotional issues, and more. Finding a quality brand is paramount to the success that your dog has while taking a CBD oil product.
Additionally, always discuss the product and the brand with your veterinarian before making a choice to use CBD oil for dogs, particularly if your dog is on existing medications or has serious health issues.
If you're curious to learn more about CBD oil for dogs, you can contact Lolahemp to get more insights and talk with an expert. There's no pressure to purchase if you call, we will simply help you answer the questions you have and put you in a position to find the best product for your pet.
