CBD isn’t just for humans. This naturally-occurring compound is also being scooped up by dog owners and has found its way into countless canine diets.
If you’re considering using a dog CBD product, you may be wondering how your pooch will react and what sort of results you can expect.
Let’s take a look.
How Will My Dog Feel After Taking CBD?
Dogs react differently to CBD depending on the breed, size, and usage amount. Some dogs may appear calmer and more relaxed. Others may not display any positive or negative signs at all.
The vast majority of dog owners report that their pooches seem more relaxed and content, but these effects won’t necessarily materialize right away.
It could be hours, days, or even weeks before the effects of CBD take hold.
Keep an eye on your dog following CBD use and monitor their symptoms.
You should also look out for the following adverse reactions and seek veterinary advice if you notice any. They are very rare and rarely serious, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution:
- Upset Stomach: A reaction that can be triggered any time your dog consumes something it’s not used to. This may also be the result of sweeteners, flavorings, and fats used in CBD treats and CBD oil.
- Vomiting: If the stomach discomfort is severe enough, your dog may vomit.
- Diarrhea: Another sign of gastrointestinal discomfort and one that can result from CBD treatment as well as a reaction to an additive.
- Drowsiness: Pet owners are more likely to report drowsiness as a symptom when CBD is used to treat anxiousness. It’s also more common in higher concentration amounts. It’s important to know when your dog is just feeling more relaxed and calm, and when they are spending most of their time sleeping. If the latter is true, consider reducing the amount.
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of CBD in humans, but it’s still rare and it’s equally rare in dogs. Pay attention to whether your dog is drooling less and drinking more. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water.
- Skin Irritation: Dogs are always scratching something, but if you notice that they are scratching more than usual, it could be a sign that the CBD is causing skin irritation.
Dogs tend to eat whatever they find, but that doesn’t mean they have strong stomachs. In fact, there are many substances that can seriously harm your dog, including grapes, raisins, alcohol, caffeine, and certain plant extracts.
To prevent the above issues, always use high-quality CBD oil designed for dogs. If you’re going down the edibles route, look for CBD dog treats as opposed to CBD gummies or candy.
You must also pay close attention to what your dog is eating, drinking, and doing. Dogs are very smart creatures, but they’re not always great when it comes to self-preservation and always seem to be eating/doing something they shouldn’t.
CBD adverse reactions are rare, and it’s not a dangerous substance, so you may attribute an issue to CBD oil and dismiss it, only to realize that it was actually caused by your dog coming into contact with a toxic food, plant, or medication.
What are the Best CBD Products for Dogs?
CBD oil is often the best thing that you can give your dog. Look for a full-spectrum CBD oil as opposed to a CBD isolate, and if your dog is very picky, purchase a flavored oil.
You usually get more bang for your buck when using CBD oil. It’s also easier to adjust the amount based on your dog’s exact body weight and needs.
Furthermore, CBD oil is very versatile. It’s best when taken on a full stomach or around mealtime. With CBD soft chews, there’s a chance that your dog won’t like them and will turn its nose up every time you offer one.
If that happens, you may find yourself trying to sneak CBD treats into slices of bacon or cheese. If you’ve ever had to give your dog antibiotics or painkillers, you’ll know just how frustrating that can be.
Before you buy CBD for your dog, make sure it’s formulated for animals and comes with a certificate of analysis (COA) produced by a third-party lab.
The COA will verify the cannabinoid content of the CBD product while also confirming that it contains harmless levels of pesticides and heavy metals and legal levels of THC.
Do Dogs Feel High On CBD?
Dogs don’t get “high” from using CBD. It does not have any psychoactive effects and while your dog might feel calmer, it won’t suddenly start listening to the Grateful Dead and wearing tie-dye collars.
THC is the only psychoactive component found in the cannabis plant. This is the compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana. It can be found in full-spectrum CBD products, but it’s in such small quantities that it won’t produce any effects (toxic, humorous, or otherwise).
How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Feel The Effects Of CBD Oil?
You may notice a reaction within a couple of hours, but it could also take several days of regular use.
CBD for dogs is always consumed orally (as opposed to CBD for humans, which can also be vaped/smoked or ingested orally – through the mouth). As this means that it must first pass through the digestive tract, it will not enter the bloodstream immediately and may need at least 30 minutes before it starts to work.
Does CBD Oil for Dogs Work?
Humans have been using cannabis and hemp for a long time, but throughout much of recent history, cannabinoids like CBD have been grouped into the same category as THC. There was no distinction between a low-THC hemp plant and high-THC cannabis flowers, so scientific evidence is slim.
However, there have been numerous studies pointing to the potential benefits of full-spectrum CBD products in human and animal subjects, and there is also a wealth of anecdotal reports out there.
More importantly, CBD oil is completely okay and there is minimal risk of adverse experiences. But you can always feel free to consult your veterinarian, especially if they are an expert in hemp and cannabis and how their extracts and oils work for canines.
