Explore CBD's Wide Range of Benefits for Dogs
Published: 2023-03-09 06:01:10

Let's begin with a note that there needs to be more research into the use of CBD for pets; therefore, you need to speak well with your veterinarian about the use of CBD before using it for your pets. In some states, talking about its use for pets is illegal. That's because there are still a lot of grounds to cover in the research on the benefits of CBD for pets.  

You may be wondering if CBD can be used for pets. The simple answer is yes, and the reasons are obvious. Most of the research on the effect of cannabis on humans was carried out on animals. Moreover, humans and dogs have cannabinoid receptors in their bodies, and animals often suffer from most of the same physical conditions that humans suffer from, including anxiety, epilepsy, and arthritis, albeit on a smaller scale. However, we hope to grant you access to the many benefits of [CBD for dogs](https://cbdfx.com/collections/cbd-for-pets/). 

We'll look at the wide benefits your dog will derive from using CBD, and we'll also consider the dosage requirements, side effects, and legal considerations. But first, let's look at things to consider before administering CBD to your pet. 


## Before giving CBD to your pets

Before you consider giving CBD to your pets, you should have some information at the back of your mind. First, humans always want to avoid THC, and so do animals. CBD contains a very minute amount of THC; any value beyond 0.3% is considered illegal. So when giving your dog CBD, ensure that you avoid THC. Zero THC should be the goal for your pets, so be sure that you check the specifications carefully before administering it. You'll find this information and many other essential details in the product's certificate of analysis. 

Also, it would be best if you considered the dosage of CBD by checking with your veterinarian. Interestingly, there's no prescribed dosage for CBD for pets for now, so you may run the risk of giving more dosage than necessary. If this happens, your dog may start showing adverse reactions. While there's no standard prescription model, it is believed that the dog's weight should determine how much CBD they are given. Some studies suggest a dose of between 2-8 mg/kg.  

Also, we need more information or data from research, for now, to justify using CBD alone as a health remedy for dogs. So, it is recommended that you use CBD as a supplement to other therapies. Do not use CBD alone without having other alternatives for your dog's ailments. However, if you're not treating any condition specifically, you may use CBD to give your dog a healthier life.  

Let's now look at CBD's benefits for your dogs. 


## CBD's Benefits for Dogs
 
Let's now look at some of the conditions that CBD can be used to treat in dogs. They are similar to what happens in humans.  

**1. Arthritis **

Regular treatment for arthritis and joint problems in dogs has a significant disadvantage. That is because while it relieves pain, it gradually weakens the bones. Moreover, some of the drugs have severe side effects. But with CBD, the bones of your dog are not only strengthened, but it also comes with no side effects.  

Many studies have shown that dogs treated with CBD in managing sprains, dysplasia, and bone problems recover better than those treated with other methods. Many dogs whose bone problems have rendered them incapable have gotten help thanks to CBD. 
 
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ahu44ad8gueepolpsacc.png)

**2. Anxiety** 

One factor that drove many people to turn to CBD for their dogs is anxiety. Anxiety is a significant problem for many dogs, and they have severe reactions sometimes. But with the use of CBD, many dogs can get stabilized.  

Anxiety and stress may require a longer time for CBD to work, so it isn't a one-time use. When a dog suffers from anxiety, he may become overly aggressive or moody. The use of CBD can restore your pet to its jolly good self. The best way to achieve this would be to begin a daily dosage regimen for your dog. It may not yield immediate results, but you'll start seeing changes with consistency. 

**3. Seizures **

If a dog suffers from seizures, it could be a very troubling experience for both the pet and the owner. Although the number of dogs affected by this condition is not very much, dogs that suffer from the state can benefit from the use of CBD.  

Just like arthritis, the main reason why many dog owners prefer alternative medicine for the treatment of epilepsy in dogs is that conventional drugs are often known to cause severe side effects. However, CBD can address seizures by binding to receptors in the brain, thereby interacting with the endocannabinoid system and interfering with the electrical activity that causes seizures in the brain.  

From research, we know that CBD can reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs. So, if your pet suffers from epilepsy, you can use the efficacy of CBD to manage it.  

**4. Pain **

Many factors may cause pain for dogs. Sometimes the pain may be a result of undergoing treatment. Dogs, by their nature, often get injured from falling, being hit by a car, or getting ill. While there are several ways of treating pain in dogs, a natural way to make your dog feel better is through CBD.  

It can help reduce pain by activating some receptors in the brain that initiate a better response to pain. Since pain perception is a function of the brain, CBD can help the dog cope better. 

**5. Cancer** 

A dog undergoing chemotherapy can benefit from using CBD as it helps the dog manage the treatment better. CBD itself is not a cure for cancer; although it has [anti-cancer properties](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7693730/), its use while a dog is undergoing cancer treatment could help in recovery.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4g401agnbah0vsradwn2.png)


## Conclusion
 
As you can see, CBD plays an essential role in the life of [pets](https://dev.to/), and dogs especially. While administering CBD to your pets, try to avoid any THC content, as this may lead to unintended and unpleasant consequences for the dog.  

Moreover, always consult your veterinarian to determine what dosage is appropriate. Finally, since there's still developing research on CBD's effect on dogs, ensure you are very familiar with the contents of the CBD you administer to your dog.