THC for Dogs: Is It Safe?
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is largely considered the main psychoactive compound of cannabis. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most concentrated cannabinoid found in cannabis.
Like THC, CBD has a wide variety of health benefits. CBD-based products for humans have exploded in popularity for their use in treating countless ailments, ranging from anxiety to joint pain.
It has now been found that hemp-sourced CBD can also be beneficial in dogs. The caveat is that some CBD-based products contain THC, while others do not.
When choosing a CBD oil for your dog, should it have THC in it for maximum results? Here is what you need to know about THC for dogs, and if it’s safe.
Finding the Right Dose: THC For Dogs
In humans, THC activates the part of the brain that responds to pleasure, like food and sex. The chemical dopamine is released when THC-laden marijuana is smoked, vaped, or consumed, leading to a relaxed, euphoric sensation.
Unfortunately, when dogs consume too much THC, they can experience negative reactions that require medical attention. Not only are dogs more sensitive to THC, they also experience the effects of THC for a longer period of time than humans.
Here are some of the adverse effects of too much THC on dogs:
- Difficulty walking
- Twitching
- Drooling
- Wide-open eyes
- Tense muscles
- Rocking back and forth in one spot
- Hunger
- Incontinence
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Whining and/or crying
All of these symptoms can indicate ataxia, which is a loss of coordination, bladder control, along with hypersensitivity to touch and a slower heart rate and a lower temperature. This condition requires vet intervention and could be worsened by home-health measures such as medication administration or induced vomiting.
Despite these reactions, there are some medical professionals that believe in giving a dog micro-doses of THC. For conditions like anxiety and inflammation in dogs, small amounts of THC have proven helpful. Because the process of finding the right dosage requires special expertise, it is necessary for a pet owner to consult their veterinarian in order to find the right product and amount.
There are many ways for a dog to encounter too much THC. These are the possible delivery methods that owners should be aware of:
- Direct consumption: The dog could ingest an owner’s marijuana
- Indirect consumption: The dog could consume a product containing THC
- Secondhand: The dog experiences that effects of marijuana smoke
For these reasons, owners should always be cognizant of both the products they give their dog, as well as the items their dog could contact or be exposed to.
Dog's Best Friend: CBD Oil for Dogs
While too much THC is problematic for dogs, hemp-sourced CBD products can be revolutionary. It is important to make sure that any product you use is hemp-derived, and not marijuana-derived. CBD products made from hemp should boast a 0-0.3% THC label, which is a government mandated level for animals.
Full and broad-spectrum CBD oils that contain 0.3% THC or less can more effectively stimulate the endocannabinoid system. This is called the entourage effect. A dog receiving this amount of THC will receive the pain-relieving and immune supporting benefits of the chemical without any negative effects.
There are many conditions in dogs that respond to CBD treatment:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Pain (especially joint pain and/or osteoarthritis)
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Inflammation
- Noise sensitivity
Use a dosing chart to determine the correct CBD dose for your dog. It is important to know how many milligrams (mg) of CBD are present in each milliliter (mL) of oil. Not every product shares this information, so it is important to do your research before buying anything.
Extracts, Tinctures, Creams, and Edibles: CBD Delivery Methods
The market has a plethora of CBD products for dogs, ranging from extracts, edibles, tinctures, and topical creams. Let’s explore the many types of products and their uses in dogs.
CBD Oil Extracts
CBD oil is ideal for pet owners because it provides precise dosing and a swift reaction time. It is important to note that the oils can either be hemp-derived or full-spectrum. Full-spectrum oils often contain THC, and some vets do believe these oils provide superior benefits.
Again, it is important to consult with a vet to determine which oil is appropriate. Oil extracts are more potent than other delivery methods, and they should be purchased from suppliers that conduct third-party lab tests.
Tinctures
Like oil extracts, tinctures come in a bottle with a dropper. The difference is that they are less potent than extracts, and they combine CBD ingredients with vegetable oil, glycerin, or alcohol. They are consumed orally via dosage under the tongue. The moderate to low potency of these tinctures make them a favorite of owners who want to dispense them on a daily basis.
CBD Topicals
Topicals are creams that are applied to the skin, delivering immediate localized relief. They are best suited for sore joints, muscle pain and inflammation, and allergic skin conditions.
The creams are sometimes combined with other agents that contain cooling or warming properties. Older dogs that have pain respond beautifully to the soothing effects of these topical creams.
Edibles
CBD edibles are perfect for dogs because they are in treat-form. Dogs that are resistant to extracts or tinctures respond well to edibles because they taste good and are easy to swallow.
Because they go through the digestive process, edibles take longer to kick in than other supplements. It can be dangerous to give dogs too many edibles. It is vital that owners follow proper dosage guidelines, and start with the smallest dose possible to monitor pet responses.
Mile High Pawducts: Safety, Transparency, and Integrity
Mile High Pawducts is committed to safety, transparency, and integrity. Our hemp-based products for dogs are organically grown, and third-party tested for potency and purity.
We are the only pet CBD company on the market to offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. Mile High only makes claims that are completely honest and backed by evidence, and we understand the benefits a true full spectrum oil can have on your dog’s life. We only offer the highest-quality CBD products manufactured with your pet’s safety and health in mind.
To learn more about the amazing benefits of CBD for your pet, please check out our CBD tutorial and ailment guide here on our website.
