Pets

Do Vets Recommend CBD Oil For Dogs?

Have you been considering purchasing CBD oil for dogs? As a dog owner, you’ve probably been hearing quite a lot about CBD oil in recent years. Many people in the canine world have been positioning CBD oil as the go-to, must-have food supplement for dogs. The praise and excitement of CBD oil for dogs is only growing stronger as more embrace it.

With an abundance of anecdotal evidence coming from dog owners about the benefit of this oil, it’s become rather difficult for the rest of the dog owner community to simply brush off this therapeutic oil as being the latest food supplement craze. In this article, we are going to be focusing specifically on what the vets, or veterinarians, have to say about CBD oil.

As the ‘new kid on the block’, have vets been advising caution against the use of CBD oil for dogs or are they welcoming it with open arms? This is the question that we are going to be focusing on. Throughout the course of this article, we will also be taking the opportunity to discuss some of the most commonly asked questions about CBD oil for dogs.

We will be looking specifically at these commonly asked questions relating to CBD oil for dogs and whether veterinarians are actively recommending this product:

  • Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs?

  • Can a dog overdose on CBD oil?

  • How quickly does CBD work in dogs?

  • What is the best CBD for dogs?

  • Is CBD safe for dogs with anxiety?

  • How much CBD oil should I give my dog for anxiety?

  • Will CBD hurt dogs?

  • What is the best CBD oil for dogs?

  • Do CBD treats for dogs work?

  • Where do I buy CBD for my pets?

After reading this article, we are confident that you will have a solid understanding of how vets feel about CBD oil and whether they are recommending this product to enhance the wellbeing of dogs.

Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs?

If we cut straight to the chase with this question, the short answer is – it depends. The country that you live in will determine whether your local veterinarians are allowed to openly discuss the possibility of using CBD oil for dogs. In some countries, such as the UK, CBD is now considered to be a veterinary medicine. Therefore, if you have been thinking about purchasing some CBD oil for your dogs to try, you must first get a prescription from a qualified vet.

The current US laws on CBD oil for animals

The majority of veterinary boards in the US are advising practices to completely avoid selling, recommending or even just discussing CBD products. Under federal law, there are no approved uses of CBD for pets, including dogs. This can restrict the ways in which a veterinarian could prescribe a dog with a CBD product, such as CBD oil.

There are, however, a few different ways in which a US-based veterinarian could end up prescribing a dog with a CBD product. The Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 (AMDUCA) permits veterinarians to prescribe human drugs for pets that are suffering from potentially life-threatening conditions. In this instance, if CBD was considered to be lifesaving, it could be prescribed. Although, this is extremely unlikely and would be extraordinary.

Prescribing CBD oil for dogs in the UK

If we go across the pond and take a look at the position of veterinarians in the UK, the situation is slightly different. According to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), who are the regulators for the manufacture, sale, and use of veterinary medicines in the UK, CBD is now considered to be a veterinary medicine. This means that it is now nearly impossible to get CBD oil for dogs over-the-counter unless you have a prescription from the local veterinarian.

If a dog owner in the UK now decides to administer CBD products to their pets without a prescription, this is actually illegal. This is likely to have caused some anger after its initial announcement. When a dog owner in the UK believes that CBD oil is a necessary form of treatment for their dog’s ailments, they must first consult a qualified veterinarian who can advise on the most appropriate method of care.

Whilst this must be frustrating for dog owners in the UK that recognize the potential of CBD, it also shows that major state-level regulators are starting to take the medicinal properties of CBD seriously. Otherwise, why else would they class it as a veterinary medicine? They must see some value in it. Even though it’s now more difficult to access, the growing acceptance and understanding of this cannabis-derived chemical compound is certainly promising.

Change might be on the horizon

It’s important to remember that laws can sometimes vary depending on the state you are in. As an example of this, in California, a bill (California Senate Bill 627) was recently proposed to give veterinarians the special powers to recommend CBD products and other cannabis-derived products for specific medicinal use for animals. If this bill passes, it could be groundbreaking.

In Michigan, veterinarians are campaigning to be able to talk about CBD products with pet owners. They have been asking the lawmakers for more leeway when it comes to discussing the potential benefits of products like CBD oil for dogs and other pets. This comes after many Michigan vets have recognized the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD oil for pets.

The legislation, which is currently pending in the House Agriculture Committee, would add specific wording to Michigan’s public health code, giving vets the legal permission to discuss cannabis-derived products with pet owners as potential solutions to certain ailments that the pets may be facing. Change is happening, even if it is at a slow and steady pace. 

Can a dog overdose on CBD oil?

If we presume that you are able to legally obtain CBD oil for your dogs, whether that be through a medical prescription or an over-the-counter purchase, what are the next steps? It’s important that people understand the nuances between how humans take CBD oil and how it is best administered to pets like dogs. There are some big differences that we will discuss.

It might feel like we’re stating the obvious, but the right dosage of CBD for you isn’t necessarily going to be the right dosage for your dogs! On rare occasions, dog owners may report that their pets have received negative side effects after taking CBD products, such as CBD oil or CBD treats. Some of the reported side effects of CBD for dogs include:

  • Hyperesthesia
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Ataxia

We should note that these side effects in dogs are rare. If your dog is experiencing any of these side effects, you could seek the advice of a veterinarian. However, in most cases, they will simply advise that you, the dog owner, provide the pet with comfort until the effects eventually wear off. The amount of CBD that a dog can have will depend on their breed and size.

Initially, vets are likely to encourage a small dosage of CBD, advising you to gradually increase the dosage over time. As the dog owner, this will give you ample time to monitor the effects of CBD on your pet and adjust the dosage accordingly. Like any new food supplement that is being introduced to dogs, it’s always best to start small and gradually increase the dosage.

How quickly does CBD work in dogs?

There are many different factors that will determine the speed at which a dog will begin to experience the therapeutic benefits of CBD. From the method of administration to the dosage, lots of things are at play here. CBD oil and CBD pet treats are administered in different ways. CBD oil is taken through sublingual administration (under the tongue or around the gums) and CBD pet treats are to be taken orally, traveling down to the stomach.

With different levels of bioavailability, the type of CBD product that your dog is consuming is going to determine the speed at which they begin to see the benefits of this chemical compound. The extent of these potentially therapeutic benefits will give you an indication as to whether you might need to increase the CBD dosage or not.

Generally, you can expect CBD oil to display effects quicker than CBD pet treats. This is because CBD oil has a shorter route to the dog’s bloodstream. For CBD to be effective, it needs to enter the dog’s bloodstream. CBD oil can quickly diffuse into the bloodstream through tissues under the tongue, whereas CBD pet treats take a much longer, less efficient route.

What is the best CBD for dogs?

Much like humans, dogs may have their own unique preferences when it comes to how they take CBD. According to several research studies, CBD oil is thought to be well-tolerated among dogs of all shapes and sizes. In 2018, Colorado State University conducted a study to assess the safety of CBD being consumed by dogs. To assess the effectiveness of this chemical compound, the researchers have 30 healthy dogs CBD capsules and CBD oil.

Overall, it was found that CBD products are well-tolerated by dogs. At Spero CBD, we recommend introducing either our CBD oil or CBD pet treats to your canine companions. With 100% THC-free CBD, these products are designed to provide your dogs with a sense of therapeutic, grounded calm whilst supporting their overall wellbeing.

Is CBD safe for dogs with anxiety?

In many cases, CBD can prove to be a beneficial, natural solution for dogs that are suffering from anxiety. There seems to be plenty of anecdotal evidence from dog owners that the consumption of CBD has offered some therapeutic relief to their dogs. More research still needs to be done to establish the clear behavioral benefits of CBD for dogs.

Dogs can express their anxiety in a variety of ways. From whimpering and panting to loss of appetite and frequent urination. If you have been a dog owner for some time, you are likely to have a pretty strong sense of how your dog displays their anxiety. Once you’ve identified these symptoms, you will be able to see whether the consumption of CBD eases them.

How much CBD oil should I give my dog for anxiety?

If you are buying CBD oil that was specifically manufactured and bottled for dogs, you should follow the specific dosage instructions on the packaging. It’s important not to ignore or deviate away from these instructions, as this could later result in adverse effects. The general rule for dogs is that they can have 1-5 milligrams of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight.

As you start to introduce CBD to your dog, you may find that it’s working perfectly – promoting a sense of calm and easing the typical symptoms of anxiety. At this point, you could consider potentially lowering the dosage to see if the positive benefits remain. Using a smaller CBD dosage is going to be more cost-effective in the long run. 

Will CBD hurt dogs?

With the exception of some rare and very minor side effects, CBD has not been found to be harmful to dogs in any way. The number of dog owners that have, in recent years, been singing the praises of this cannabis-derived chemical compound is a testament to the many positive benefits that it has presented when administered to dogs.

Unfortunately, as we discussed earlier, veterinarians are very limited in terms of what they can and cannot say about CBD products. These limitations also extend to the level of scientific research that can be undertaken to look at the specific therapeutic benefits of CBD products on dogs. If veterinarians were given more freedom to explore CBD, our understanding of how this chemical compound affects dogs would accelerate at a rapid pace.

What is the best CBD oil for dogs?

At Spero CBD, we currently offer 500mg tinctures for dogs. With zero-high and great taste, these are the perfect products for your canine companions to try. This CBD oil can be consumed orally. You can mix a few drops into pet food or water for a subtle introduction. This CBD oil can also be taken sublingually, under the tongue, for maximum benefit.

Our CBD tinctures contain natural, organic ingredients, ensuring that your dog is receiving some of the most exceptional CBD on the market. Every component of these tinctures is produced right here in the US. Traceability is something that we are incredibly passionate about at Spero CBD.

Do CBD treats for dogs work?

CBD pet treats have the potential to be just as effective as CBD oil for dogs. One of the major frustrations that dog owners face with CBD oil is how it needs to be administered. Getting a dog to open its mouth can be challenging at the best of times. When you add a dropper into the equation, it would be reasonable to expect some level of resistance from the dog.

CBD pet treats are like any other snack that you would give your dog. This means that they can naturally blend into your dog’s daily diet. Our bacon and sweet potato flavor is enough to tantalize anyone’s taste buds. Every individual pet treat includes 2 milligrams of CBD. With this in mind, a single treat each day will provide your dog with plenty of CBD.

Where do I buy CBD for my pets?

Here at Spero CBD, we are incredibly passionate about the overall wellbeing of your pets. Every pet deserves to have a happy and fulfilling life that is free from any suffering or pain. Whilst it’s important to remember that the effects of this chemical compound can vary from canine to canine, anecdotal evidence from dog owners and preliminary research studies have found that CBD can offer many therapeutic benefits for dogs.

If you have been considering purchasing some CBD products for your dogs, we highly recommend browsing through our range at Spero CBD. We have oversight across the entire production process of our CBD products, ensuring quality at every stage of the process. This means that we can trace our CBD right back to the source. As a dog owner, you could start by purchasing some of our CBD oil and CBD pet treats, giving your dog a varied introduction to this chemical compound.

Final Thoughts

Over the next few years, we are anticipating that there will be several changes to the general accessibility of CBD products for dog owners. A system where CBD for dogs can only be obtained through a vet prescription won’t last forever. As extensive research into this cannabis-derived chemical compound continues, we will begin to learn more about its therapeutic benefits.

A greater understanding of CBD is likely to result in the change of laws and regulations that are currently restricting vets from talking about and preventing dog owners from purchasing it without a prescription. Before buying any of our CBD products for your dogs, you should check the laws and regulations in your state to see whether you need to consult your local vet.

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