CBD Gummies for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
Can I Give My Dog a CBD Gummy?
Yes, you can give your dogs a CBD chewable treat, soft chew, or “gummy.” Unlike THC, CBD is non-toxic and can be safely administered to pets given that you follow the proper dosage. CBD gummies are a phrase some brands and manufacturers use, but these are not the same as human gummies or human edibles! Always give pet-specific CBD oil (pet products) or treats to your dog, not human CBD oil.
It’s important to understand that while THC can be toxic to pets, CBD extracted from industrial hemp is legal in all states. The most important differentiation is that hemp CBD offers all the benefits for pets without THC. Consult with a vet before you begin giving your dog CBD gummies to ensure there are no medications that may be an issue.
What about tinctures (with droppers) versus treats? CBD bites and treats do have their place and treats are generally harder to dose. Pet owners can control the measurement and dosage of CBD without giving an excessive number of calories. On the other hand, the odor alone may make your dog turn off their nose at CBD oil. This is one of the major reasons pet owners use CBD treats instead as some come in flavorful bacon or salmon flavors.
What Are CBD Gummies for Dogs?
CBD treats or “gummies” for dogs may be made of several proteins like salmon, peanut butter, chicken, peas, potato starch, and other natural ingredients alongside cannabinoids. The terms gummies and soft chews are used when talking about a CBD treat for dogs. They are both treats and come in a variety of textures, but always look at the packaging for the dose. CBD gummies and CBD oil may improve the quality of life of your dog or cat.
If you want to use CBD gummies for your dogs, pay attention to the dosage instructions for the health condition you are trying to treat so that you can know how to divide and administer the treats to your pet. Please remember that CBD gummies are not like regular treats that you can give to your pet however and whenever you want.
How do CBD Gummies Work in Dogs?
Humans, dogs, and cats have an endocannabinoid system. Dogs rеѕроnd to CBD muсh іn thе ѕаmе way аѕ humаnѕ dо. This framework is an interconnected chain of receptors in the cerebrum, sensory system, and organs. It controls well-being and recuperation by keeping up equalization inside the body.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the physical effects that the cannabis plant has on the body. How does this work?
- The body naturally produces some molecules that bind to the cannabinoid system and activate it.
- The body only produces cannabinoids when they are needed, but cannabinoids derived from plants like cannabis can produce the same effects on the body as naturally produced cannabinoids.
There are two major cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system of your canine:
CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors:
- The CB1 receptors are mostly found around the brain and spinal cords. CB1 receptors are found in the hypothalamus; the portion of the brain responsible for controlling appetite. The amygdala is the portion in charge of memory and emotion control. And in the nerve endings and portions of the brain that control pain.
CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors:
- The second type of cannabinoid receptors found in cats and dogs is primarily concentrated in the immune and nervous systems. These receptors, when activated, can help to regulate inflammation, boost immune system function, and promote relaxation.
What are the Benefits of CBD Gummies for Dogs?
Some of the reasons why pet owners use CBD gummies include anxiety, pain relief, epilepsy, nausea for car rides, pacing, seizures, and fear of fireworks. And the list of conditions CBD seems to help get longer each year. As mentioned previously, a gummy, calming chew or soft chew does have its place and use but to guarantee the dosage, a CBD oil tincture is the better choice than CBD dog gummies. Dog owners need to decide what’s best for their dog’s health. Research now shows that CBD controls seizures in animal models. User surveys show that cannabinoids can dramatically reduce seizure rates and intensity in dogs but no published studies are available yet.
- Trouble falling asleep. CBD oil can promote feelings of relaxation in your dog making it easier for them to fall asleep. It’s like when a human drinks chamomile, turmeric, or passionflower tea.
- Vomiting. Nausea can be a common issue and will help dogs that get car sick.
- Poor appetite. A change in your dog’s weight may be an issue. If you notice lethargy and your dog is skinny CBD oil and CBD dog chews may help.
- Behavior issues anxiety. Whether it’s noise anxiety or separation anxiety, CBD is known to help with a variety of anxiety-related issues.
- Pain and swelling. Your dog’s feelings and awareness of pain are reduced due to the inhibition of the receptors that are supposed to communicate the feelings of pain to the rest of the body.
- Epileptic seizures. Clinical studies at Colorado State University describe CBD as a promising anti-epileptic drug that balances the dog’s nervous system and may reduce the intensity and frequency of seizures. It can also boost the effects of conventional anti-epileptic drugs.
- Arthritis. Pets that suffer from osteoarthritis benefit from CBD as it not only reduces inflammation but pain and decreases symptoms. CBD blocks disease progression and protects the joints. Check with your vet about CBD, omega-3, joint support, fatty acids, and glucosamine products being used together.
- Cancer. The National Cancer Institute documented that cannabinoids are not only helping manage symptoms of cancer and its treatment but reduce inflammation and slowing cancer growth.
Do CBD Gummies Help Dogs With Anxiety?
Yes, CBD gummies can help dogs with anxiety. Anxiety can be debilitating, and according to CBD Oil for Dogs author Oliver Michael, when a hound is on edge or restless, the mind “discharges a blend of pressure-related hormones,” so the suggested dose is 15 minutes before you intend to leave your dog. Always monitor your canine friend the first time you use the treats to ensure these work for their anxiety. This helps dogs adjust their feelings. CBD treats also help with noise anxiety and fear of thunderstorms.
How Much of a CBD Soft Chew Gummy Can I Give My Dog?
Unlike the methods of administration for tinctures, the dosage for treats can be followed by the instructions provided on the product label as treats are designed differently. The bottom line is treated are vеrу hard tо accurately dоѕе.
Don’t double the dose or number of treats as there is only a certain amount of CBD that can be absorbed in your pet’s system. Pet parents must follow the directions.
How Long Does it Take for CBD Gummies to Work on Dogs?
It may take around 30 minutes to 5 hours for CBD gummies to work on dogs, depending on the severity of their health condition. For therapeutic use, you can opt for CBD tincture. Tinctures are the fastest way to get CBD into your dog’s bloodstream. Typically, CBD oil starts to kick in about 30 minutes to an hour after dosing, but with treats, it may take longer. This is because CBD gummies or chews contain additional ingredients that may take longer for your dog to break down.
What Should I Look for in a CBD Soft Chew Gummy for Dogs?
Fifty-plus years of medical research on cannabinoids have produced thousands of studies revealing dozens of health applications for animals, according to experts. What should pet owners look out for? Avoid Xylitol in treats! It’s important to check the ingredients before you buy. If the product doesn’t work the brand should offer a money-back guarantee.
Certificate of Analysis (COA). Look for certifications from three respected organizations. National Animal Supplement Council, US Hemp Authority, and USDA Organic on products. The endorsement should demonstrate high measures of CBD and zero THC. You can always check the brand’s faqs.
No detectable THC. While all CBD from hemp should only contain low THC (under .3%) we suggest acquiring an item that contains zero THC on the declaration of investigation. Even a small amount of THC could negatively impact a puppy.
A lower price tag is a red flag. The brand is almost definitely compromising on quality if the cost of CBD oil is lower than others. This may also mean the measure of CBD is very low.
Laboratory Test. Make sure the CBD product is genuinely lab-tested to ensure that it is pure and 100% natural and doesn’t contain any hidden ingredients like soy, heavy metals, or GMO products. A store owner can help dog owners determine the best CBD oil for canines.
Herbicides and Pesticide-Free: Non-GMO doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a broad-spectrum CBD oil. If it is non-GMO, you have to be sure that the hemp plant was not treated with pesticides. Make sure it’s high-quality and full-spectrum CBD.
Cannabinoids. Some CBD oil products are not made from original or organic hemp plants but are chemically formulated to mimic the properties and effects of plant cannabinoids. These synthetic cannabinoids are dangerous and cause severe injuries and even death. Therefore, it is important to be sure that your CBD oil comes from a natural hemp plant and is not synthetic.
Concentration. Some pet CBD oils are sparsely concentrated and provide little benefit for your cat’s health and wellness. Talk to experts about how much CBD oil you need and which size bottle of pet-specific hemp-derived CBD oil you need.
Additives and preservatives. Please look for additives and preservatives on the ingredients list of your CBD oil too.
Opt for products that contain only hemp; the fewer additives and preservatives, the more potent and better the oil would be.
The Honest Paws Calm CBD Soft Chews check these boxes. Plus, the brand is trustworthy and reliable. These treats are made with full-spectrum CBD, organic, and loaded with cannabinoids.