Are CBD treats/oil safe? And should you use them for your dog?
CBD oil/dog treats are still relatively “new” to the dog world. Vets may not suggest this product for your dog since this drug isn’t approved for dogs by the FDA. There also hasn’t been a lot of scientific evidence on how this product affects dogs. Although there has been plenty of evidence from dog owners themselves.
What it can possibly treat
So far CBD has been tested on arthritis, itchiness, cancer, seizures, anxiety, aggression, pain, and inflammation. From the studies that have been conducted, most of these areas have seen positive results, while other areas have seen little to no change or further testing needs to be conducted. Since there hasn’t been enough evidence for treating these problems, it’s not 100% that the use of CBD will help treat your dog specifically in these areas.
Is it safe/legal?
As mentioned before, CBD hasn’t been tested enough to fully say if the drug is safe for dogs. Based on the people who have tried this drug on their dog, some of the effects have been diarrhea and changes in liver enzyme levels after some time of taking CBD. On a more serious note, CBD is known to metabolize most drugs, so if your dog is on another medication you should consult with your vet before giving your dog CBD.
CBD products are legal, however, your vet may be hesitant to suggest the use of CBD for your dog.
What to look for
If you think CBD can help your dog feel better, then it’s important to choose the right product. Look for a product that lists the ingredients, level of potency, and other additives that may be harmful for your dog. Avoid products that are made for human consumption, which contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Avoid products that include THC, since this is also toxic. Look for a product that has the National Animal Supplement Council Seal of Quality Assurance on it (shown here).
The correct dosage should be given based on your dog’s weight. Again, discuss the possible use of CBD oil/treats with your vet before attempting to give these products to your dog.