Hundreds of thousands of dog parents have reported success when using CBD for various issues like discomfort, distress, allergies, and more. There seems to be a high rate of success, but there are certainly dogs who don't see the same benefits as most do.
So, what's different about the dogs that experience benefits compared with the dogs that don't? It's not as simple as large dogs see benefits and small dogs don't, or vice versa. The same goes with breeds, age, and condition. Each category has had dogs who saw significant benefits from the proper use of CBD oil formulated for dogs.
Let's take a look at some of the factors that could determine your dog's CBD success, as well as what you can do to troubleshoot if your dog isn't seeing results.
Why Doesn't CBD Work for All Dogs?
In much the same way as all people respond differently to cancer treatment or even things like antibiotics for minor infections, all dogs will respond slightly differently to CBD. It won't work for all dogs, but many dogs benefit when given the appropriate dosage over time.
Let's break that down further and examine some of the key aspects of this issue, hopefully opening up things for your own dog to have a better experience.
1. Improper Dosage & Administration
While it's impossible to say for sure, it's likely that many of the dogs who don't see results from CBD aren't receiving it properly.
It can be difficult to give dogs oil from droppers, as many aren't keen on having a dropper put into their mouth. Still, the most effective method to give CBD oil to dogs is to drop the oil into their cheek where they have the highest concentration of blood vessels.
When you drop oil into your dog's cheek, you give them the best chance to absorb the active ingredient. Alternatively, dropping the oil onto your dog's food or treats can lead to a lot of the compound being lost in the digestive system. CBD oil works more effectively when it's absorbed into the bloodstream, rather than being sent through the digestive system.
Another thing that can be tricky is the dosage. Giving your dog a minimal amount of CBD based on their weight can lead to limited results. The rule of thumb is 1mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, twice daily.
So, a 150 pound dog would require a 15mg dosage twice per day.
Additionally, while results can be quick, lasting results come when this dosage is continued over a period of time, allowing the CBD to build up in your dog's blood stream. It's wise to give your dog their daily dosages of CBD for up to three weeks before making a decision on whether or not to continue. It can take a few weeks for results to show if your dog isn't receptive early on.
2. Ineffective Products
There are countless pet CBD brands available, with some of them even being sold with questionable manufacturing processes and labeling. CBD products for dogs should be formulated specifically for dogs, and they should be lab-tested by third parties. General CBD and hemp products formulated for humans can be either too strong or ineffective.
Additionally, products like "hemp seed oil" do not contain CBD. The labeling of certain hemp products can be a little confusing at times, and it's important that you choose "hemp oil for dogs," rather than hemp seed oil. Full-spectrum hemp oil, or full-spectrum CBD oil are the options that tend to be the most effective.
Full-spectrum hemp oil contains the complete range of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, many of which work in synergy with one another. The result of this synergy of the cannabinoids in hemp is often called the "entourage effect."
Products like isolated CBD and hemp seed oil are much less likely to be as effective as full-spectrum hemp oil.
3. CBD Isn't Intended for Severe Issues in Dogs
Some dog owners try CBD as a remedy for their dogs severe issues, but it's important to note that CBD hasn't been approved by the FDA to treat any diseases, disorders, or issues in dogs. The body of research is still growing on the effects of CBD for dogs.
While reports from dog owners vary, it's important to keep in mind that severe issues in dogs should be examined and treated by veterinarians. Some issues are too advanced and serious to be influenced by CBD, and knowing this can keep healthy expectations for dog owners.
The majority of dogs who see benefits are those experiencing lesser issues.
4. Individual Variance (Endocannabinoid System, Medications)
At the end of the day, all dogs will respond differently to any medication. The individual's body, endocannabinoid system, metabolism, and more can influence the way that CBD is processed in a dog's body.
Other supplements or medications that your dog is on can also influence the way CBD is processed, and vice versa. It's important to discuss CBD with your veterinarian, especially if your dog is on other medications that could interact negatively. CBD interacts with a specific pathway in your dog's body, and you can learn more about that pathway and potential drug interactions here.
Conclusion
CBD can have varying levels of efficacy on dogs based on a number of factors. The primary things that could reduce CBD's benefits include dosage, product, issue severity, and individual differences in dogs.
It's important to give your dog a few weeks to feel out whether or not CBD will have an influence, as CBD can take a few weeks to reach noticeable levels in your dog's system. It's also important to give your dog the proper dosage in order to give them the best shot at results.
To explore full-spectrum CBD products for dogs or learn more about CBD for dogs, explore our site.
