Can I give my Dog CBD in Chicago, IL?

 

The short answer about giving your dog Cannabidiol (CBD oil) is yes; you can give it to your dog. However, before you begin giving your dog this supplement, you need to know some essential information. There are several commonly asked questions about Cannabidiol (CBD), such as; what is CBD, and where does it come from? Will it make my dog high? How much should I give to my dog? Does CBD really do anything for my dog? Is CBD veterinary-approved? What do vets say about CBD? What are the pros and cons of CBD for my dog?

Throughout this article, you will find the answers to these questions. You should know all of this crucial information about CBD oils before using them as a supplement in your dog’s daily diet. You will also understand why all CBD is available to you is a supplement.

What Makes CBD Oil Unique

 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in cannabis or hemp, also known as the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD does not contain the psychoactive ingredient delta-nine tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the ingredient that produces the “high.” Most legal CBD products come from the hemp plant, not the marijuana plant. A study of eighty-four CBD products purchased online found that more than a quarter of those products contained less CBD than represented on the labeling.

A possibly dangerous result showed that eighteen of the products purchased online contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD oil is made using stalks, leaves, and flowers, while pure hemp oil is created from the plant’s tiny seeds, making hemp oils and CBD oils two different products. CBD shares some metabolic pathways (interactions between genes and the product causing changes). Medications known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), Ibuprofen (poisonous to your dog but a common NSAID for humans),  Novox, Rimadyl, and Duramax prescribed by your vet for your dogs are some of their common NSAIDs.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and medical marijuana are two different products because medical marijuana is mostly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and very little CBD. If your dog gets too much THC, it can cause excessive thirst, tiredness, incontinence, seizures, coma, and even death. It is essential that you know if a product contains THC. Since hemp and CBD oils do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is legal in all fifty states.

Like humans, dogs have endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems. There are two sets of working cells; here is the easy-to-understand science of endocannabinoid receptors. One is found in the spinal cord and brain (the central nervous system). The second set of cells is more prevalent as part of the immune system (peripheral nervous system). They are like the key messengers for your and your dog’s body’s needs.

They help your dog’s body maintain balance keeping it in a normal healthy state. Your dog has more endocannabinoid receptors than you have which is one of the main reasons for cautiously selecting the appropriate CBD oils. The cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors. That is why CBD works so well for anxiety and pain management. They are more susceptible to the effects of CBD oils.

 

Epilepsy, Seizures, and CBD

 

There is only one CBD product approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the market today. In 2018, the FDA took a groundbreaking step supporting the use of Epidiolex (well, they did not say they couldn’t) in dogs who suffer from seizures. However, the drug Epidiolex is not exactly legal in the United States. Yet! The original purpose and approval of Epidiolex are to treat human patients who suffer from rare and severe epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Before Epidiolex can be sold in the United States, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has to review and classify it.

There are some concerns about any level of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which Epidiolex does because dogs are known to suffer seizures as a side effect of THC. Why is this important information if this is as confusing as it sounds and could have poor side effects for your dog?

The Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is studying the use of CBD in dogs who are currently treatment-resistant to what’s now available. Up to thirty percent of dogs presently receiving the standard anti-epileptic therapy do not have the seizures under control.

The side effects of the anti-epileptic drugs are their own demon for the dog and pet parents. Cannabidiol (CBD) has anticonvulsant properties, which could reduce the number of seizures or the severity a dog has in a year. Suppose CBD has the potential for saving lives. In that case, it is crucial that we, as dog parents have as much knowledge about the product created from it and support the science centers and scientists in search of the facts.

 

Proven Benefits of CBD

 

Because Cannabidiol (CBD) research is currently in its infancy stages, there is no factual scientific data about CBD to treat dogs. However, dog owners who have used Cannabidiol (CBD) supplements are happy to share their results, good and bad. The minute amount of research that has been done is speaking volumes to many benefits and the need for more analysis of CBD products. One in four dogs will be diagnosed with Arthritis or Osteoarthritis. As many as sixty percent of dogs exhibit some signs of arthritis during their lifetime.

Because Cannabidiol (CBD) shares metabolic pathways with many anti-inflammatory medications, it makes sense that CBD supplements would undoubtedly help with inflammatory conditions. Research has shown that when CBD is given twice a day at an appropriate dosage, dogs experience substantial pain relief. A misconception about Cannabidiol (CBD) is that it relieves anxiety in dogs because it is not a psychoactive drug.

The likely hood that this is the case requires significantly more research. Suppose your dog suffers from pain-related anxieties such as compulsive barking for no apparent reason. In that case, the Cannabidiol (CBD) could relieve their pain symptoms, making it appear as if the CBD has calmed the anxiety. One of the most studied uses of Cannabidiol (CBD) influences is in humans. However, there is limited information about how CBD can influence seizures in dogs. Some research shows that Cannabidiol (CBD) could be helpful in reducing the frequency of seizures.

These benefits have only been demonstrated in dogs who are currently taking anti-seizure medications along with an appropriate dose of CBD supplements. As with seizures, Cancer is a term with diverse complications for many diseases. In people, the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) has been studied for many layers of treatment. While very few studies have been done on the effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) in dogs with cancer.

A study on rats and ferrets suggests that dogs receiving chemotherapy could benefit from CBD for its anti-nausea effect. Other beneficial uses of Cannabidiol (CBD) are prevention and pain. We know our dog’s age. Depending on your dog’s breed, you may already know they are susceptible to arthritis or osteoarthritis.

This means starting your dog on a regular low-dose CBD supplement may slow the effects of what may come in the future. As for the secondary part of pain control to consider, some dog owners have reported using Cannabidiol (CBD) as their dogs are recovering from surgeries. If you use CBD as a recovery supplement, be sure to inform your vet.

 

Over the Counter CBD Knowledge

 

Is Cannabidiol (CBD) safe for my dog? As long as you purchase the CBD supplement from a reputable supplier, the formula does not contain more than minute trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The answer is Yes, Cannabidiol (CBD) is safe for your dog. There are three compositions of CBD available. Originating solely from the hemp plant, Broad-spectrum does not have THC. You don’t have to worry about your dog getting high.

A mix of cannabinoids and compounds, including up to 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), makes up Full-spectrum Cannabidiol (CBD). The THC may make your dog feel intoxicated if given in a large dose. Full-spectrum CBD should always start on the low end and gradually increase if you see the need. You can confidently use both broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD to support your dog’s joints, handle skin issues, help keep the shine in their fur, and can even help alleviate pain. The third compound CBD is available in is a CBD isolate and does not contain any THC.

Isolate variation may be less noticeable than broad or full-spectrum CBD. Not all cannabidiol (CBD) are the same, so how do you know if you purchase a high-quality CBD oil? Look for organic this means it has a high chance of being free of pesticides, fungicides, or solvents. Also, look for a National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Seal of Quality on the label. NASC is an organizational group trying to regulate the safety of supplements.

Do not shop by price. Cheap products could contain heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, or other ingredients that are toxic to your dog. The manufacturer should provide a certificate known as the analysis that clearly states the amount of THC found in the product. Remember that Cannabidiol (CBD) research is in its infancy, so always buy CBD as a liquid. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dosage one drop at a time.

Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not necessarily approved Cannabidiol (CBD), all CBD products are considered supplements. This is also where unique terms such as; hemp extract, full extract cannabis oil, and phytocannabinoid-rich (PCR) oil – the wording companies use to promote their products – at the same time, keep the FDA at a safe distance.

It would be best if you continually keep your vet in the loop of everything you give your dog, promoting their healthy lifestyle. Yet, when it comes to CBD oils, you need to understand your vet is very glad you gave them the information. Still, due to federal and state laws currently in place, they are prohibited from providing you with any formal CBD product information.

Conclusion

Many vets are willing to speak about CBD oil in general without making any specific recommendations. Even though some fear the legalities of those conversations. It is best if your vet knows any supplements you give your dog. If they ever have to take medications, your vet is aware of drug interactions and side effects that could save your dog’s life. The knowledge you share about CBD and what it does or does not do for your dog can also help motivate more research for better treatment options in the future.