CBD offers a wide range of health benefits to canines. In the same way as it treats symptoms of medical conditions in humans, it can offer a lot of relieve for your four-legged pet. One of the main purposes of giving your dog CBD oil as a natural treatment is to relieve pain.
As an owner it can be devastating watching your pup go through acute pain that’s caused by medical conditions. According to scientists from the Veterinary Medical Association in America almost 20% of all canines, display signs of acute pain. Signs and symptoms of pain is even more prevalent in dogs that weigh more or that are reaching old age.
To help cope with the debilitating effects that pain can have on a dog, owners can consider introducing CBD oil into their diet. Learn more about different CBD oil products here: https://www.holistapet.com/product/best-cbd-oil-for-dogs-cats/
IDENTIFYING SIGNS OF PAIN IN YOUR PET
First, you have to be able to identify when your dog is showcasing signs of physical pain. Here is a list of tell-tale signs that indicates pain in your furry friend:
- Howling, crying, and whimpering while they move
- Chewing at a specific area on their body consistently
- A loss of appetite
- A decrease in energy and playfulness
- Showing more signs of submissiveness towards other dogs and owner
- Refusing to change posture or move into another position
- Appearing anxious, scared, or afraid
- Showing aggressive behavior when owner wants to pet or pick them up
It’s difficult to watch our pets suffer. Therefore, many owners grab any pain medication they can lay their hands on to give to their dogs. This is definitely a big NO in the vet’s books. Pain relievers that are designed for human consumption can actually cause much more damage to the dog’s health than be any good.
Studies by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has proved that giving your dog ibuprofen, or NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can have really bad side effects. Side effects can include vomiting, loss in appetite, stomachaches, diarrhea, and upset stomach. It might even cause temporary loss of mobility too.
When you give your dog high doses of human medication, the side effects might even cause fatality. Read this to learn more about your dog’s dietary needs.
If I can’t give my dog human pain relievers, what other options do I have?
Well, there are a few veterinarian prescribed drugs available to your furry friends that include any of the following:
- NSAIDS like Carprofen (Rimadyl/Novox),
- Firocoxib (Previcox),
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx),
- and Meloxicam (Metacam)
Even though these medications are FDA approved they can still cause bad side effects. And that is why many owners are moving towards a more natural approach. CBD oil for dogs have all the benefits without the negative side effects.
Because this is such an untrodden territory, not many owners know how exactly to use CBD oil or how to introduce it into their dog’s diet. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered.
DOSAGE OF CBD OIL FOR DOGS
Determining Factors
Canines come in an array of sizes, weight classes, and breeds. That is why this question’s answer isn’t that easy. Bigger dogs will require a higher dosage of CBD oil compared to a smaller dog. The weight of the canine should also be taken into account when calculating the dosage.
Then there is one other determining factor: just like humans, animals will also show different sensitivity levels to CBD. The dosage will determine whether the pet will benefit from its therapeutic effects or not.
The dosage amount will further differ on the delivery method used in giving the product to your canine. Humans will smoke CBD infused cigarettes in order for them to experience the therapeutic effects much faster, whereas for dogs they can only digest it orally through treats, capsules, or oil drops.
Studies have shown that oral bioavailability is between 13%-19%.
Condition Types
Dosage amount will also differ when treating different medical conditions in your dog. Studies have reported positive outcomes in small rodents that digest 25 milligrams of CBD oil per day to treat arthritis. Compared to only 2 milligrams of CBD oil twice a day to treat osteoarthritis in dogs.
More information on this topic will be available in coming years, as the finer details and logistics are still in experimentation stages.
Dosage Chart
A New York-based vet has compiled a dosage chart for owners who aren’t sure of the number of milligrams to introduce into their pet’s diet. Based on this chart you have to start with a dosage based on your canine’s weight.
Every 5 pounds of dog weight is equivalent to 0.25 milligram starting dosage. So, a dog that weighs 10 pounds will have a starting dosage of 0.5 milligrams, a 20 pounds pup a starting dosage of 1 milligram, and a 40 pounds pup a starting dosage of 2 milligrams. A large dog weighing 140 pounds will have to start on a 6 milligrams dosage.
Keep a close eye on your canine’s reaction once they digested the product. If they don’t show any signs of relieve, you might have to experiment with a higher dosage.
How to Give my Dog CBD Oil
CBD oil products for dogs can be found as an oil, snack, or capsule. Your pup will have to eat the product in order for it to get into their system. Even canines who love devouring treats and snacks in exchange for impressive tricks, might pull up their nose at the strange smell of CBD oil treats.
The best way to get them to eat it, is by adding it to their normal bowl of food. Sprinkle oil droplets over their dry food or on their favorite treat. If you bake doggy treats yourself, you can incorporate it into the recipe.
As long as you keep a close eye on your dog and regulate dosage levels, you’ll be able to help your dog cope with intense pain.
