CBD use in dogs and pets is a trending holistic supplement for dogs. With an influx of products on the market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. It is important to differentiate CBD from THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. CBD carries with it most of the benefits one gets from medical marijuana, but none of the “high” since there is no psychoactive compound. It is important to consult your animal’s veterinarian before beginning any CBD treatments. Some of the potential uses for CBD in animals are:

• Nausea
• Stress/anxiety
• Help mitigate some seizure activity
• GI issues
• Joint pain
• Alleviate some cancer symptoms
• Arthritis 

Disclaimer - There is no scientific evidence of the benefits of CBD use in pets. All current data is from anecdotal reporting from pet owners and businesses. The AKC is currently sponsoring research through Colorado Springs Veterinary School to examine the risks and benefits. Due to there being no research, the FDA has not released a dose chart, so it is advised to start out with a very small amount and go up in increments until you see any sort of response. 

Current types of CBD products:

• Liquid - Recommended form
• Tablets/supplement chews (think gummy vitamin for dogs)
• Treats 
• Ointment
• Soaps - the Newest form

Reported side effects:

• Dry mouth - your pet may increase their water intake to counteract their dry mouth, which means they will have increased urination frequency. 
• Lowered blood pressure - This may make your pet feel dizzy or light-headed.
• Drowsiness - the calming effect of most CBD products can make your pet more lethargic, especially at higher dosages. 

Our recommendation:

Do your research and consult your vet. When looking for potential products, do not try to bargain shop. The higher the purity of your product, the higher the price will be. Less pure products could potentially include toxic substances, so you want the best quality product you can find. Most manufacturers will send a certificate of authenticity with their product with a detailed report of what is in the product. This is the sign of a high-quality product and should be your go-to when purchasing! 

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Good luck and happy shopping to you and your dog friend!