The Benefits of CBD for Dogs
CBD is a compound that can be found in hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not have any psychoactive effects. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant and then suspending it in an inert oil. CBD oil has become increasingly popular for humans, and now it is becoming more popular for dogs as well. Here are some of the potential benefits of giving your dog CBD oil.
CBD and Pain Relief
One of the most common reasons why people give their dogs CBD oil is for pain relief. Dogs can experience pain for a variety of reasons, ranging from arthritis to cancer. CBD oil may be able to help alleviate some of that pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating pain, inflammation, and other similar functions. Studies on humans have shown that CBD may be effective in reducing pain, and there is reason to believe that it could work similarly on dogs. If your dog is in pain, talk to your veterinarian about whether or not giving them CBD oil could help.
CBD and Anxiety Relief
Dogs can suffer from anxiety just like humans can. Some dogs may be anxious because of separation anxiety, while others may be anxious due to a traumatic event. Whatever the cause, anxiety can make life very difficult for both dogs and their owners. Luckily, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD oil may be able to help with anxiety relief in dogs. One study showed that CBD was able to decrease the number of barking episodes in dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Another study found that CBD was effective in reducing fear and promoting relaxation in dogs who were afraid of thunderstorms. If your dog suffers from anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about whether or not giving them CBD oil could help them feel more relaxed.
CBD and Cancer Treatment Side Effects
While there is still much research to be done on the subject, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD oil may be able to help improve the quality of life for dogs suffering from cancer. One study found that administration of CBD led to an decrease in tumors in rats. While this study was not done on dogs specifically, it does provide some hope that CBD may be effective in treating cancer in our furry friends. Cancer treatment often comes with a host of side effects, such as nausea and pain. Some studies have shown that administration of CBD may help alleviate these side effects. If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, talk to your veterinarian about whether or not giving them CBD oil could help them feel more comfortable during treatment.
There are a variety of potential benefits associated with giving your dog CBD oil. If you are considering giving your dog CBD oil, make sure to consult with your veterinarian first to make sure it is appropriate for them and will not interact with any other medications they are taking. Once you have gotten the green light from your vet, start out slowly by giving them only a small amount of oil and seeing how they react before increasing the dosage if necessary.
