It’s only natural if you, as a pet owner, want your four-legged companion to live the healthiest and happiest life possible. Chances are, you already pay more attention to your pet’s diet than your own and ensure it has a sufficient amount of physical activity and time spent outdoors. The increasing availability of wellness products for pets probably has also made you curious about incorporating some of these ingredients into your pup’s regimen.

When it comes to choosing supplements for supporting and maintaining your pet’s well-being, there are a plethora of options to choose from. One of the most popular ingredients in supplements these days is cannabidiol (CBD), which is a generally well-tolerated substance thought to produce a variety of wellness benefits for both humans and pets.

However, before incorporating a new product into your dog’s routine, you must consult your veterinarian first and learn as much as possible about the subject. Below, we explore the use of CBD for pets, providing essential information about its effects on a dog’s body.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a natural chemical compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – another compound present in the cannabis plant – CBD does not produce intoxicating effects since it’s typically derived from hemp, meaning that CBD-based products should contain less than 0.3% THC or no detectable THC at all.

In other words, CBD products won’t produce the feeling of getting “high” while still providing the benefits associated with cannabis use – e.g., promoting relaxation or sleep support.

How Does CBD Interact with a Dog’s Body?

CBD works by influencing the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex network of receptors present in both humans and animals. The ECS is involved in maintaining balance within the body, which means it’s responsible for regulating various functions in the body, including pain, mood, sleep, and appetite.

The ECS contains various receptors that interact with cannabinoids produced naturally by the body (endocannabinoids) or derived from plants (phytocannabinoids). CBD is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, along with THC.

Are There Any Potential Side Effects of CBD for Pets?

CBD is considered to be generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. The most common side effects associated with CBD include the following:

• lethargy or drowsiness,
• dry mouth,
• decreased appetite,
• low blood pressure or dizziness,
• itchiness.

These side effects are usually mild and temporary and should go away with time.

It’s important to note that CBD products are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which means they may contain other ingredients that may produce side effects or allergic reactions. Therefore, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian before using any CBD products to ensure they are safe for your pet.

What Factors Affect How Long CBD Stays in a Dog’s System?

CBD will remain in your dog’s body for up to 24 hours after administration, with each dose lasting for 4-8 hours. However, it is not a definitive answer – the time CBD stays in the system and how long the effects of CBD last may vary depending on several factors:

Dog’s Size, Weight, and Metabolism

When it comes to any kind of substance that’s ingested, how long it lasts in the body depends on the size and weight of the individual. The same rule applies to dogs.

Smaller dogs have a more rapid metabolism, which means they may process CBD faster than larger dogs. This also means that smaller dogs may require higher doses to achieve similar effects as larger dogs.

Frequency of Use

CBD may accumulate in the body over time with regular use, which means it may take longer for it to leave the body when used on a daily basis. Furthermore, if your pet takes CBD regularly, it might build up a tolerance to this compound, meaning it will require higher doses over time to produce similar effects on the body.

For these reasons, it is crucial to start with small doses at first and increase gradually as needed.

Route of Administration

CBD can be administered in various ways, including orally, topically, or even through inhalation. Your chosen method may affect how quickly the CBD leaves your pet’s system.

For example, when given CBD oil orally, it is thought to stay in the system for a longer period of time than when inhaled.

Quality of Product

In addition to all the factors mentioned above, you should also consider the quality of the product you’re giving your pet. Only purchase products made by reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients and provide third-party lab results to ensure their products are safe and effective.

Also, make sure you purchase products designed specifically for pets since they contain lower doses compared to products intended for human use and do not contain additional ingredients – which is very important since some of them can be toxic to pets, resulting in adverse effects.

Takeaway

If you’re considering incorporating CBD into your pet’s routine but aren’t sure if it’s worth trying, make sure you talk to your veterinarian first.

Remember that you should purchase products made by reputable brands that use only high-quality ingredients and conduct adequate testing to ensure a transparent manufacturing process. Understanding how a particular product works and is being manufactured will help you rest assured that you’re giving your pet the best treatment without putting its health at unnecessary risk.