A look at the potential side effects of CBD oil in dogs and possible solutions

Does CBD hurt dogs? Dogs can experience side effects from CBD, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. CBD doses that are high are associated with a greater risk of unwanted side effects. Alternatively, if you follow your veterinarian's instructions, high-quality CBD oil designed for dogs may be an effective treatment.

Dogs can experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy after consuming CBD. If you use high CBD dosages, you are more likely to experience unwanted side effects. Alternatively, high-quality CBD oil is safe for dogs if the veterinarian follows instructions. 

"CBD is generally well-tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile," according to the World Health Organization. Recent studies support this claim. According to a Colorado State University 2018 survey, "CBD is well tolerated as a supplement in healthy dogs." In 2019, the same findings were published in a study titled "Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceuticals in Healthy Dogs and Cats."

It's important to remember that each dog is unique, and some may be more sensitive than others. While there is a possibility that some dogs could develop severe side effects, it's also true that not all dogs are expected to suffer from them. This understanding can help you empathize with your pet's unique needs.  

Dog owners need to know how CBD works and what it does to understand the possible side effects. Cannabis plants contain an active ingredient known as CBD (cannabidiol). It's important to note that the hemp and Marijuana plants, which are used to produce CBD oil, contain only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. This means that CBD oil from hemp is non-psychoactive and safe for dogs. 

There is little research and definitive scientific data about CBD's medicinal use in veterinary medicine since pet wellness is relatively new. Consequently, human studies are the most reliable source of information about potential benefits and negative effects. 

Anecdotal evidence and clinical trials support the claim that CBD can benefit various conditions. There are several ways CBD can help dogs with arthritis, including joint pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, allergies, cancer, seizures, and seizures in combination with other seizure medications. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also has an anti-nausea effect. Furthermore, CBD oil is beneficial to dogs suffering from insomnia and arthritis and can stimulate appetite.

How does CBD Oil affect dogs?

CBD oil's three most common side effects in dogs are drowsiness, dry mouth, and lethargy. Even though there are some safety concerns, two things should be considered. Second, CBD oil has several health benefits that outweigh the risks associated with its consumption. 

Here is a short list of what to expect after you start your dog on CBD oil before we dive deeper into the various side effects of CBD oil in dogs:

• Having a dry mouth
• This resulted in lower blood pressure 
• Laziness
• Unsteadiness
• Symptoms of diarrhea
• Experiencing vomiting
• Enzymes in the liver are inhibited 
• A dog with an upset stomach

Mundane drier

CBD oil has other side effects on dogs, including dry mouth. CBD reduces saliva production, making the mouth feel unusually dry. Even when proper dental hygiene is maintained, dry mouth may result in swallowing problems, bad breath, or even teeth issues if it persists over time. Fresh drinking water must always be readily available to your dog to prevent such adverse effects. 

This resulted in lower blood pressure.

It is known that CBD can temporarily lower the dog's blood pressure, especially if it is given in high doses. As a result of the blood pressure dropping, you'll feel lightheaded and dizzy. There's good news: CBD's side effects are dose-dependent, so you can reduce the dose to avoid them. 

Lethargic

Canine CBD side effects include lethargy. When your dog is tired, sluggish, or lazy after receiving CBD oil daily, you are giving it too much. During such times, you should decrease the dosage to avoid lethargy. As a result of the dosage modification, similar issues will usually not recur in the future.   

Unsteadiness

In addition to dizziness, CBD oil may also cause nausea in dogs. When your dog feels dizzy, they have difficulty standing up, loses balance, and falls over. You will likely experience dizziness if you use a CBD product that is made for humans (and that contains THC). It may be pleasant for some people to experience the psychoactive effects of THC, but it is toxic for dogs. Lethal consequences can result from THC consumption in severe cases. The use of CBD products manufactured specifically for pets without THC minimizes the risk of such an event.   

Irregular bowel movements

It is common for dogs to suffer from diarrhea, which can be attributed to various factors. The two options you have if the diarrhea is caused by CBD oil use are to reduce the dosage or to stop giving CBD to your dog. A different CBD brand can also be used as an alternative. CBD itself cannot trigger diarrhea; the carrier oil can do so. 

Throwing up

Aside from vomiting, CBD can cause dogs to vomit. Dogs can vomit when exposed to CBD compounds, essential oils used for carrier purposes, or the bitter taste of the supplement itself. Your dog might like flavored CBD oils such as chicken, bacon, or beef if CBD oil tastes too upsetting. 

Enzymes in the liver that are inhibited

CBD impacts hepatic enzyme production. Research on the topic reveals conflicting results. Some studies indicate an increase in alkaline phosphatase, while others demonstrate an inhibition of liver enzymes. An inhibited liver enzyme prevents the dog from properly metabolizing drugs, putting it at risk for accidental overdoses. If your dog is on medications that may interfere with CBD usage, consult your vet to find out if this holistic treatment is compatible with them. 

Having an upset stomach

It is important to note that any new food or medication can cause an upset stomach in dogs. Unfortunately, CBD does not fall into this category. It is recommended to start with low doses of CBD and gradually increase the dose as your dog's body adjusts to the new supplement. There are several potentially serious side effects associated with giving your dog too much CBD all at once, including stomach upset. 

There are no side effects associated with CBD dog treats.

As with CBD oil, CBD dog treats like soft chews, bites, and other edibles can have the same side effects. In addition, the different compounds and ingredients used in the treats may cause allergic reactions (something oils are unlikely to cause). 

You can get the same CBD benefits from treats as oil. Treats are also easier to administer to picky eaters than oils. 

What are the risks associated with CBD treats for dogs?

Dogs can become ill from CBD treats, experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or lethargy. Dogs can usually cope with the side effects of CBD dog treats once they have become accustomed to the new addition of CBD to their diet. 

CBD Oil and Dogs: Risks and Benefits

Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club, Dr. Jerry Klein, says that much information about CBD oil for dogs is floating around the internet. If you plan to use CBD products on your pets, please consult your veterinarian first. As a result, pet owners find it difficult to distinguish between accurate and exaggerated information. 

Remember that CBD hemp oil is not a prescription drug, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve its use in pets. Veterinarians are, therefore, prohibited from recommending CBD under federal laws. For such cases, you should contact a licensed holistic veterinarian who is familiar with hemp-based products for pets and who can answer all your CBD-related questions.  

The first step is to inform the vet about your dog's medications and supplements to determine if they are compatible with CBD oil. Afterward, it would be best if you discussed dosage. Choosing the lowest dosage to achieve the desired effect is always best. In that way, you can ensure that your dog benefits from the potential benefits without worrying about any side effects. 

The last but not least step is always to use CBD oil made specifically for pets. Canine THC is present in high concentrations in human CBD products. In addition to low heart rates, respiratory depression, urinary incontinence, and neurological signs (loss of coordinated movement, vocalization, tremors, seizures), THC toxicity leads to low heart rates and respiratory depression. Dogs can die from THC ingestion in worst-case scenarios. 

In dogs, how long do CBD oil side effects last?

A few days is usually enough time for CBD oil side effects to disappear. Generally, if you experience adverse reactions or negative effects after three to four days of using CBD, you should contact your veterinarian. The frequency and intensity of side effects will likely decrease significantly after a simple dosage adjustment since most side effects are dose-dependent.