What do you do when your furry friend becomes sick, overprotective with the baby, or just won’t stop barking at an old friend?
Research has it that dogs are more vicious when uncomfortable or in pain. You need a solution to this and fast!
When looking for treatment options for your dog, hemp oil may be the last thing that comes to mind. However, hemp oil for dogs has proven to relieve pain and increase appetite in dogs – and no it doesn’t get them high.
Here’s everything you need to about hemp oil benefits for dogs.
What is Hemp Oil for Dogs?
CBD hemp oil for dogs is basically full-spectrum hemp oil. This is the pure oil extracted from different parts of the hemp plants (flowers, seeds, leaves, flowers, and stalks) which contains all the cannabinoids found in the original hemp plant. The oil contains high amounts of CBD and trace amounts of THC (the compound with psychoactive properties).
CBD can offer relief from pain in humans and dogs without the mind-altering effects of cannabis or some pharmaceutical drugs.
What Are the Hemp Oil Benefits for Dogs?
Here are some of the evidence-based benefits of hemp oil for dogs:
1. Promotes Cardiovascular Function
Hemp is one of the best sources of omega fatty acids available in plants. It can help dogs maintain healthy-looking skin with shiny coats and improve the dilation of blood vessels and regulate irregular heart rate for better cardiovascular health.
2. Relieve Arthritis Symptoms
It’s estimated that 60% of dogs exhibit some degree of arthritis in their lifetime. Fortunately, research has shown that hemp oil provides substantial pain relief in dogs with arthritis symptoms when given daily at appropriate doses. CBD decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines and inhibits the production of inflammatory macrophages, providing quick pain relief.
3. Eliminates Potential Cancer Cells
The full-spectrum hemp oil for dogs has an anti-tumor effect on cells. According to a study on cancer, cancer cells that were exposed to hemp oil had inhibited growth. There was also an increase in the number of immunity cells fighting off the cancerous cells.
What’s more, dogs that have undergone chemotherapy can use hemp oil to alleviate any cancer treatment side effects such as pain.
4. Manages Anxiety and Stress
If your dog gets stressed out easily by separation anxiety or noise phobia, then hemp oil may come in handy. Dogs with traumatic past experiences can also benefit from this therapeutic oil as it helps to regulate moods. CBD has a calming effect and helps controls obsessive behaviors in dogs.
5. Increases Appetite
Hemp oil has a stimulating effect on dogs which increases their appetite for food. The endogenous cannabinoid system which serves as a regulator for feeding behavior suppresses symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, positively enhancing appetite.
6. Pain Reliever
Hemp oil studies show that it can help treat chronic pain. The cannabinoids in the hemp oil act on the neural receptors within the brain and spinal cord that regulates pain signals within the body. This helps to numb the pain and ease discomfort. The oil also comes with anti-inflammatory properties that are instrumental in relieving pain.
What are the Side Effects of Hemp Oil for Dogs?
Side effects will differ depending on factors such as size, gender, age, and the amount of CBD you’ve given your dog. While CBD is generally safe, an excessive amount may have some negative effects on your dog, including:
Dry Mouth
CBD might decrease the amount of saliva production in your dog. When saliva production is limited, it can be difficult for your dog to swallow food. It’s always recommended to give your dog lots of water when they’re taking CBD. If your dog is showing signs of a dry mouth, consider decreasing the hemp oil dosage for the dog.
Dizziness
If your dog is constantly tired without expending any energy, then you need to look at its CBD intake. Some of the most common signs of dizziness in dogs include trouble standing, tripping on things, and poor paw-eye coordination.
Diarrhea
One of the side effects of CBD in dogs is diarrhea. However, it can sometimes be difficult to determine if this causes diarrhea in your dog. One of the best ways to know is setting aside the CBD intake and putting your pup on a strict diet for a week or two, and see if the diarrhea goes away. If it goes away, then CBD may be causing diarrhea.
When prolonged, diarrhea can cause serious health complications. Your dog could lose weight, get fatigued, or lose their appetite. Dehydration is also a major issue when you have a sick dog – so ensure your dog is constantly drinking water.
Inhibit of Drug Metabolism
CBD can inhibit the production of liver enzymes, which may interfere with the efficiency of a drug. More specifically, it makes drugs to be more potent in the liver, which could lead to liver failure and even death. As a result, it’s always recommended to avoid mixing hemp oil with other medications.
Vomiting
This can be due to irritation in the stomach. Your dog may hate the taste of hemp oil (which is usually bitter and nutty). This can lead to regurgitation. If this is the issue, consider mixing small amounts of hemp oil in other dog food.
Is Hemp Oil Legal for Dogs?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and use of hemp and its products – as long as it has THC levels of 0.3% and below in dry weight. Consumption of hemp products for dogs is legal in all 50 states. However, ensure the product you choose is approved by the necessary regulatory body such as the FDA.
Let Your Pup Enjoy the Many Benefits of Hemp Oil
With so many studies showing hemp oil benefits for dogs, it’s only fair to conclude that this essential oil is safe for your dog. You can manage the side effects by giving your furry friend the right dosage at the right time. Don’t forget to consult your vet before you give hemp oil to your dog.
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