True Or False: Five Things You Thought You Knew About CBD For Dogs
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Recently I had a conversation with an acquaintance about his dog. Last time I had spoken to him, he had just been forced to put one of his dogs to sleep due to a congenital neurological condition and had expressed fear that the same thing would happen to his remaining dog, her sister. "How's your dog?" I asked, mildly concerned over the answer. He gave a small smile. "Fine. She's a pothead now."
I don't know this man well by any means. In fact, we have only ever discussed dogs. But he is an older, strait-laced sort of guy and the last person on earth to turn to a supplement that, owing to its derivation, still possesses a mystique of lawlessness, however undeserved. His dog began showing mobility problems and, not wanting to experience heartbreak a second time, he did his research and turned to CBD because it was simply the best option out there. His experience sparked my curiosity.
Here are five preconceptions I myself had about CBD as a supplement for dogs which subsequent research has proven wrong.
- True or False: CBD will get my dog high. False. CBD for dogs is therapeutic, not psychoactive. Like THC, CBD (also known as cannabidiol) is derived from the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, there is no "high" from CBD. Your dog will not become a "pothead". That was merely a little joke.
- True or False: CBD is dangerous for dogs. False. Like any other supplement, CBD must be administered with careful attention to dosage. First-time users should start slowly. A conservative recommendation is .25 mg CBD per 1 kg of body weight, 2-3 times per day. If after two weeks, you observe no negative side effects (vomiting, itchiness), you may double your dog's dosage. Mild sleepiness is common and harmless.
- True or False: CBD is difficult to administer. False. CBD is available in oil form which can be mixed with food or in treat form.
- True or False: CBD is only for anxiety. False. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support CBD's efficacy in managing anxiety in dogs, but there is similarly plenty of anecdotal evidence supporting its ability to relieve pain and inflammation, treat epilepsy, and certain cancers. The gentleman with whom I spoke used it to increase mobility in his dog's hind legs. Sadly, he lost one dog when she became completely paralyzed and impossible to care for. But, knowing his second dog could suffer the same disease, he explored his options and began administering CBD as soon as she began to show signs. Now, he says, she bounces around like a puppy.
- True or False: CBD for dogs is expensive. False. A 125 mg bottle of CBD from Innovetpet starts at $25.95. The number of doses you will get from this bottle will obviously depend on your pet's body weight and responsiveness to the supplement. However, considering the potential of this treatment, such a price is hardly exorbitant.
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