Many studies show that CBD can be beneficial for dogs. It reduces their pain, anxiety, inflammation, and seizures, and it can improve skin conditions. There may be even more benefits we haven't yet discovered. Some of the effects of CBD on humans, like treatment for depression, glaucoma, appetite loss, and sleeplessness, may have similar results on dogs. - CBD Treats Can a Dog Have
The Endocannabinoid System
Besides a love of German sausage, you and your dog have something else in common - an endocannabinoid system. This system affects your heart, skin, brain, eyes, stomach, and emotional state. Not only are cannabinoids found in cannabis, but your body also makes its own. One of the cannabinoids that is most prevalent in cannabis is CBD.
Things to Consider Before You Give Your Dog CBD
As you try to work out how many treats your dog can have, here are a few things to consider before you give them CBD:
Your Dog's Size
You may have already guessed that the amount of CBD your dog can consume depends on their size. And as the amount of CBD in dog treats may vary, we'll talk in terms of dosage. You can then refer to the amount of CBD in your chosen treats.
The general idea is that the bigger your dog is, the more CBD is required to have the desired effect. Some brands make the process pretty straightforward by giving you a dosage chart based on your dog's weight.
The Severity of Your Dog's Condition
Think of what you want CBD to do for your dog before you start giving it to them. What is their condition, and how severe is it? If their condition is serious, you'll likely need to give them a higher dosage to relieve their pain, calm them down, or control their seizures.
The Method of Consumption
Finally, another factor to consider when you're thinking of giving your dog CBD is the method of consumption.
CBD comes in four primary forms for your dog to consume:
- Treats
- Capsules
- CBD and Hemp Oil
- Topical Rubs
CBD oils are very popular and offer the highest bio-availability. So, you don't need to use as much to produce a positive result. If your dog is happy consuming oil, that's great, but some dogs don't like the taste of it, so CBD dog treats are perfect.
Treats are yummy, and your dog can have them in a variety of flavors, sizes, and textures. What's not to love? The only issue with dosage in treats is that it varies from brand to brand. There is no standardized dosage yet for treats. Some brands use 5 mg of CBD, but others don't. So don't take this for granted.
In dog treats, the dose is fixed, so you can always know exactly how much CBD you're giving your dog. The only disadvantage is that because your dog has to digest the treats before they get into their bloodstream, the effects happen slower than with oil.
This slower onset for treats is also true of capsules for the same reason. Now, the benefit of capsules is that they usually carry a higher dose of CBD. The downside of capsules is that your dog may resist taking them.
Topical rubs are the easiest to apply. Rub them onto your dog according to the package directions and let it soak into their skin. It will take longer to take effect, but monitor your dog for the first hour.
How Long Does it Take for CBD to Start Working?
Providing you have given them the correct dose, it can take about 30 to 45 minutes to start working. As already stated, oils work faster than treats, but you'll be happy to know that they are equally effective.
How Long Will a Dose Last?
CBD oil and treats can last in your dog's system for between 4 and 8 hours. Yes, this is a wide span of time, but how long it will stay in your dog's system depends on their size, breed, activity level, and of course, the severity of their condition. Older dogs take longer to digest their food than younger dogs, so CBD may linger longer in the system of an older dog.
The Basic Rule
The basic rule for dosing your dog is 1 to 5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body mass. Potencies may vary by CBD brand, so you should read labels carefully and be accurate about your dog's weight. Don't focus on the volume of CBD in the product.
Ensure that the treats you buy your dog have dosing instructions on the package and follow those instructions. Begin at the low end of the dosage and gradually increase.
How Often Should You Dose Your Dog?
If pain is an issue, you can give them the recommended amount (for their size) every 8 hours or as needed. If the treats are for other issues, dose them once or twice daily.
What Happens if They Get Too Much?
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that cannabidiol (CBD) is a safe, non-toxic substance, and they acknowledge that it has health benefits. As long as your dog isn't given a massive amount of CBD, there shouldn't be any side effects.
But if your dog gets into the treats package and eat a little more than is recommended, they may experience:
- Lowered blood pressure. Too much CBD can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure leading to light-headedness.
- Dry mouth. CBD can cause a reduction in saliva production, making your dog very thirsty.
- Drowsiness. The calm that comes with CBD use can lead to drowsiness, especially when the dose is high.
- Diarrhea is also a possibility.
Other than these, your dog should be completely safe consuming CBD treats.
Final Thoughts
CBD has been found effective in treating several conditions in dogs, including anxiety, seizures, pain, and inflammation. CBD may be consumed in various ways, with treats and oils being among the easiest and most bioavailable. Read the labels on your dog's treats carefully to see how much they should take, with the general rule of thumb being to give 1 to 5 mg for every 10 pounds of body mass. If your dog does ingest more than the recommended dose, don't panic. Their reaction will likely be mild and easily remedied.
