When Should You Stop Giving CBD To Your Pet?

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has gained immense popularity as a medical drug in the last few years. In pets too, CBD oils have seen tremendous growth for the treatment of anxiety, joint-pains, relief from inflammation, etc. Although lab tests on mice have shown promising results, research on the efficacy of CBD on other animals is still in the initial phase.

Therefore, before you jump on the bandwagon to use CBD oil for your dog, you must know how it works, what it promises, its side effects, and when to stop its use.

How Does CBD Work on Dogs?

According to the American Kennel Club, there have been no formal studies on how CBD affects dogs. However, scientists believe that it interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in their body. These receptors, primarily located in the nervous system and brain, help in maintaining the wellness and balance in the body.

Treatment of Health Problems by CBD

CBD-based products are commercially available as edible oils, topical creams, and lotions, etc. An independent study by Cornell University in 2018 found significant improvement in pain levels and quality of life in dogs by using CBD oils.

Several high-quality CBD products are commercially available on the market that improves the overall wellness of dogs. For example, made from non-toxic ingredients, you can rely on a trusted company like CBD FX for your pets. It is, therefore, no surprise that even without FDA approval or proper guidance from vets, pet-owners are increasingly using CBD products for their pets.

Again, since there are no scientific results to back their claims, dog-owners often boast about the following health benefits from CBD:

Provide relief from chronic as well as acute pain, especially neuropathic pain.
Can help to control seizures.
CBD, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can help treat bowel disorders.
It can help in treating mobility issues in dogs due to arthritis.

When to Stop Giving CBD to Your Pets?

Being a relatively new and untested product, veterinarians are debating the safety of CBD products on pets.

Some of the most common risks of CBD for pets include:

Contamination from Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): Although hemp-derived CBD contains around 0.3-0.5% THC, lack of regulation makes it difficult to control the quality of CBD products. THC, being a psychoactive product, can cause dilated pupils, unsteadiness, or low blood pressure.
Interaction with other Medicines: Always consult a vet before administering CBD to your pets. CBD can interact with other medicines and alter its effect.
Side Effects: Due to the lack of scientific data, potential side effects of CBD on humans might appear in pets as well. For example, CBD can decrease the saliva-production in dogs, which results in dry mouth. The soothing effect of CBD can also cause drowsiness or disorientation.

Whether CBD is interacting with your pet's medications or adversely affecting its overall wellness, you should stop CBD. If you notice any of these distress signs in your pet, stop the dosage of CBD and consult your vet immediately.

Precautions to Consider While Using CBD

Being an uncharted territory, you don't know what to expect when you are using CBD on pets. If you decide to try CBD on your pets due to an overwhelming response from your friends or relatives, you should take baby steps.

Here are a few suggestions:

Consult Your Vet: If your state has legalized CBD, discuss with your vet before giving it to your pet.
Choose Genuine Products: Being an unregulated product, CBD for pets can be a risky affair if not chosen carefully. Invest in organic and natural products as they are less prone to side-effects. Look for labels mentioning ingredients and manufacturing environments.
Start with a Low Dose: Due to the lack of research, ensure that you start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase it. The idea is to increase the dosage in steps until you see noticeable results without any side effects. Since it is easy to control the dosage in liquid form, vets frequently recommend CBD oils and tinctures.
Store CBD Products Properly: Since CBD oils can degrade under extreme environmental conditions, ensure that you store them carefully. Store them in dry conditions at room temperature, away from sunlight. Do not use a product if you see any discoloration.
Observe Your Pets: Although CBD has a low chance of side-effects, you must pay attention to your pet's behavior, especially during the early days of medication. Similarly, CBD might interact with other drugs used by your pet.

Final Thoughts

Rather than scientifically-backed, health benefits by CBD products on pets are anecdotal. From pain management to inflammation control, from curing bowel disorder to treating arthritis, CBD products appear promising and tempting.

The article covers various aspects associated with using CBD products for pets. However, as a pet owner, you must consult your vet before introducing your pet to CBD. Being unregulated, ensure that you shop from a reputed supplier, and buy a genuine product. Start with a low dose and observe your pet's behavior. If you notice any unusual signs, stop using CBD products immediately, and get your pet checked thoroughly.

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