The Side Effects of CBD Oil in Dogs
CBD oil is a hot topic in the medical world right now, but do you know how it could impact the health of your furry companions?
A lot of people are turning to CBD for all kinds of medical problems from anxiety to skin irritation, and even more serious issues like seizures. Because humans are animals, people have started to investigate these same treatment methods for their pets.
While the research is still pretty new, there are a few documented side effects of CBD oil in dogs that you might want to be aware of before you start using it on your furry friend. Knowing what to watch out for will help keep you from being alarmed when these side effects pop up and help you to know what’s unusual.
Keep reading to learn more about CBD oil side effects for your canine companion.
CBD Oil: Is it Safe?
CBD is a hotly debated topic in the veterinary community, and for good reason. Any animal lover wants to protect their pets, but also keep them happy and healthy through whatever means possible. This means riding the line between testing new treatment methods and exercising caution.
It’s important to remember the distinction between CBD and THC. While they have a similar source (sometimes the same source, depending on the CBD) they function in entirely different ways.
THC is what gives the “high” feeling associated with marijuana. It has some hallucinogenic properties, as well as some stimulating properties. THC is what a lot of people immediately think about when they’re considering CBD oil for their pets. THC isn’t really tested for use in treating animals though it does have some therapeutic use in humans.
CBD is the much milder cousin of THC. While the source is similar, the effects are different. It’s only used for therapeutic and medicinal purposes. The side effects mentioned here are in reference to CBD oil made for your pets with only trace amounts of THC.
Side Effects of CBD Oil in Dogs: What are They?
Provided that you’ve ensured that your CBD oil is third party tested and approved for use in pets, there are a few side effects that you can look out for when you’re treating your dogs.
CBD side effects are typically mild, but if you notice any unwanted side effects of CBD oil in dogs, it’s best to pause your dosage. While you should be consulting with a veterinarian before giving your dog something new, if you notice side effects, you should also consider speaking with your vet again.
Your next dosage, should you choose to continue, should be lower.
Common side effects of CBD oil include:
- Drowsiness, tiredness, or increased fatigue during daily activities or playtime
- Decreased coordination or muscle control (basically, brief clumsiness)
- Increased thirst and water intake
- Increase in appetite
- Decrease in appetite or vomiting
- Skin irritation or itchiness
- Slowed heart rate
Overall, these side effects should be mild and dissipate when the CBD oil works its way through your pet’s system.
Vets aren’t always able to talk to you about CBD, but if you’re worried about the health of your pet, an inquiry doesn’t hurt.
What Do I Do if I Notice Side Effects?
If you notice any alarming side effects, you should stop administering the CBD to your dog at least temporarily.
While most side effects are temporary and mild, it’s possible that your dog has a reaction that isn’t as common as the ones already documented. If side effects last longer than a few hours, it might be time to call your vet and discuss your options. They may give you medication for your dog or suggest your next steps.
If you haven’t consulted with your vet beforehand, it’s possible that your dog is suffering from a rare interaction between the CBD oil and a traditional medication that it’s already taking. For this, you’ll need a professional opinion.
The more likely scenario, though, is that the side effects go away quickly as the dog metabolizes the CBD oil. In this case, you may want to consider a different approach.
CBD oil is tricky, and different amounts are going to work well for different animals. It’s possible that you used a recommended amount for a dog that’s the same size as yours, but your dog just needs less to start off.
There are vet-created and approved dosages recommended for your pet that provide a good starting point for finding the right about of CBD for your pet. Following this calculator is a great way to find the correct dosage of CBD for your canine companion. Any necessary adjustments can be made from there.
If you’re going to continue with the CBD oil after seeing side effects, start with a lower dose next time. It’s better to go too low than too high. Your dog can’t tell you how it feels, but if you feel comfortable upping the dosage after a week of the low dose with no change, that’s appropriate.
Can My Dog Overdose?
You’ll be happy to know that even if your dog experiences side effects from CBD, these side effects won’t be from a dangerous CBD oil overdose.
CBD is highly compatible with the body. An amount that would be considered an “overdose” would be more than your pet could reasonably consume. This doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t accidentally administer too much CBD oil. It just means that your pet won’t be suffering from serious adverse effects, or worse, death.
Remember, whenever you’re giving something new to your dog, it’s important to start slow. Even if overdosing isn’t a factor, you don’t want your dog to be uncomfortable.
CBD Oil Side Effects Are Mild for Dogs
While side effects of CBD oil in dogs might look alarming, they’re generally short-lived and not actually harmful to your beloved pet. They’re just a reminder that you need to start slow with your dosage and be careful.
CBD can ease a lot of discomfort for your pets, but you don’t want to start too strong and make them more uncomfortable in the process. Like with any medicine, ease into it.
For more information on CBD oil for pets, visit our site and check out our products.
