Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

We see our dogs like our children and desire to do everything in our power to make sure that they’re as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, traditional medicines can fail us, so we may seek alternative methods. CBD has taken the alternative medicinal community by storm in recent years, but is it safe for dogs?

What is CBD?

First and foremost, CBD is not marijuana. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is extracted from Cannabis plants and turned into ingestible oils. Cannabidiol is the active ingredient in cannabis that causes relaxation. It is not to be confused with THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, or Hemp, which is extracted through similar processes. Most CBD oils do not contain THC because it’s filtered out through the extraction process. However, THC content does depend on the type of plant the CBD is taken from, so you must ask your grower or dispensary to double-check. 

What is it used for?

CBD is used for much of the same reasons as regular marijuana. Pain relief, anxiety relief, heart health, and more are all reasons to take CBD and can be the reason you give it to your dog. When you give it to your dog, it can be in various ways. Some stores sell CBD as an oil, while others sell them in pill form. Some dispensaries even sell CBD dog treats or lotions to help soothe your pet.

Is it Safe?

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research to determine whether or not CBD is safe for your dog. However, the research is ongoing and could yield promising results. That being said, you should proceed with caution. You don’t want to give your dog something that might hurt them, so do proper research. 

If you frequent a dispensary, ask your clerk for more information about CBD for dogs. If you’re comfortable enough, try it yourself and see if Fido reacts well. If you notice anything wrong, contact your veterinarian immediately.