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Cannabidiol (CBD) is used for several human health conditions, like anxiety, chronic pain, and even epilepsy. Dogs can be affected by these same health issues, and recent studies suggest that CBD could be beneficial for some pups.
The keyword here is “could.”
Giving your dog any CBD product has pros and cons, so it’s best to speak with your veterinary team before treating your dog with CBD. CBD for dogs comes in two main forms: oil or treats. Today, we’re going to look a little closer at CBD treats for dogs, including the advantages, disadvantages, and how exactly it all works. Read on to learn more.
How Does It Work?
The bodies of dogs (and most mammals) have native receptors for cannabinoids. They run throughout the nervous system and impact how the internal systems and organs operate. The function of these receptors is to regulate and control things like pain tolerance, metabolism, and immunity.
CBD may be able to provide relief by acting on these receptors and, therefore, impacting the various bodily processes that these receptors affect.
Different Types of CBD Dog Treats
There are many types of CBD dog treats available from countless manufacturers. They come in formats like soft chews and harder, crunchier bites and in flavors like poultry, bacon, peanut butter, and more.
Each manufacturer has its own line of treats, which consists of differing ingredients and doses of CBD per treat. The products we looked at while writing this contained anywhere between 3 to 10 mg of CBD per treat.
Where It’s Used
Many places worldwide still consider cannabis to be illegal, but CBD is generally considered legal in most countries. However, because it comes from the cannabis plant, CBD usage does come with some conditions in some places.
For example, recreational cannabis is illegal in the United Kingdom, but CBD oil is legal, provided it has less than 0.2% THC. This seems to be a pretty common law as countries like Japan, Ireland, and Poland all have very similar regulations regarding CBD.
In the United States, some states consider any cannabis product to be illegal. Some states have only legalized CBD for medical purposes or have only legalized CBD products that are certified THC-free. We highly recommend researching your state’s laws before choosing to buy CBD products for yourself or your pet.
Advantages of CBD Treats for Dogs
There are many reports of CBD products helping dogs with a variety of ailments. Many of these reports are purely anecdotal, based on the owner’s perception. There are, however, several studies that show CBD can be helpful for dogs.
Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine conducted one of the very first studies looking at how CBD affects dogs. The goal of the study was to see whether CBD oil could be beneficial in pain management. The results showed that most of the dogs with osteoarthritis in the study had a decrease in their pain levels.
One study found that giving CBD before stressful events such as car travel or a period of separation can reduce the impact of acute canine stress.
A study from Colorado State University found that hemp-derived CBD may help dogs with epilepsy have fewer seizures. However, it is important to note that the dogs in the study continued taking traditional anti-seizure medications in addition to CBD.
CBD treats may be a useful tool in reducing your dog’s stress or pain, particularly in dogs that refuse or are resistant to medications in pill or tablet form.
Disadvantages of CBD Treats for Dog
Using CBD for health conditions is a complicated process as these products are not FDA-regulated or approved. There’s a huge variation in the quality of products. One study from 2020 looked at the cannabinoid content of CBD products for pets. Researchers found that the products had variable concentrations of CBD, and many were sometimes labeled incorrectly. Additionally, they found heavy metal contamination in some of these products.
Since CBD for pets is a relatively new concept, there’s no standard therapeutic dose. Many of the products available are made without standards, so dog owners don’t actually know how much of the active ingredient is present.
CBD may also interfere with other medications that your dog is taking, so be sure to talk to your vet before giving your dog any of these treats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do CBD treats and CBD oil differ?
The biggest differences between the two are the format and method of delivery and the amount of CBD. Oils generally contain more CBD per serving. Treats are often easier and more convenient to provide CBD for your dog, as they come in tasty flavors dogs love. CBD oil can be put in your pet’s water or food or squirted directly into their mouths. Picky pups, in particular, may be able to pick up on the “addition” to their food and water and refuse to eat or drink.
How can I choose a good quality CBD dog treat?
- Was the hemp used in the product grown organically?
- How was the CBD extracted?
- What evaluations were done on the product before it hit the shelf?
Do not buy treats that have not been third-party lab testing. This testing ensures that your dog’s treats contain the amount of CBD listed on the label and have no harmful contaminants. You should be able to find the results of these tests on the manufacturer’s website.
You should also check the ingredient list for unnecessary fillers or artificial flavors. Even though they’re treats, you should still try to choose something healthy. Finally, check with your veterinarian for their recommendations.
Where can I buy CBD treats?
Due to the legality of cannabis products, CBD products are not available for purchase from big box retailers. You will not find them on Chewy, Amazon, or in your local PetSmart. If your vet suggests you try CBD treats for your pup and does not have a specific brand recommendation, your best bet will be to buy them directly from websites that carry such products. Be sure to screen all potential online retailers and read unbiased reviews of their products before giving them your money.
Conclusion
CBD treats are an easy way to give your dog a dose of CBD if you and your vet agree that the benefits outweigh the risks. Some dogs may take to CBD treats better than oils or other medications as treats are tasty and familiar to them. As always, we recommend you do your research to ensure you’re buying quality CBD treats that contain the amount of the active ingredient they claim to.
The legality of CBD for dogs is a gray area, so make sure you check your state’s laws to ensure you’re not breaking any.
Featured Image Credit: PRO Stock Professional, Shutterstock
