Should You Give CBD Oil To Ease Your Pet's Anxiety (and Other Issues)?

Pooja's doggo, Cyrus, is going through bouts of anxiety. He's prone to destructive behaviour and defecates when left alone. Behavioural training and medications don't seem to work well for Cyrus and he is struggling.

Vinod's furry friend, Dolly, is older and has arthritis. As a result, she is unable to play as much and is in constant pain from the swelling in her joints.

If you're going through the same travails with your pets as Pooja or Vinod, you must have scoured the internet for answers and come across CBD oils. Everyone seems to be suggesting it as a miracle remedy for their pet's anxiety and joint pain, isn’t it?

Is CBD really a miracle cure for your doggo, though? Here, we answer some of your most burning questions on CBD oil for dogs to help you decide if it's a good option for your beloved canine friends.

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is a chemical compound extracted from hemp. Pet parents commonly use CBD products to soothe pets with anxiety and physical pain.

Since CBD is extracted from hemp and not marijuana, it doesn't contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the compound responsible for achieving the "high" state in marijuana users.

Plenty of pet parents has suggested that CBD helps dogs with conditions like:

General anxiety/separation anxiety

Joint pain and arthritis

Seizures

However, there's little to no research done on the efficacy of CBD on dogs, and scientists don't know if CBD -

Relieves pain or helps them be playful and, therefore, not pay attention to it

Lessens the anxiety or makes them tired and sleepy

We suggest it’s best to consult a vet to understand the right dosage and if it’s suitable for your dog to ensure no side effects.

CBD oils are generally considered safe to use on dogs. But watch out for side-effects like:

Dry mouth: CBD is known to decrease the production of saliva and cause dryness in the mouth.

Lightheadedness: High doses of CBD causes a slight drop in blood pressure and may cause your dog to feel lightheaded.

Interference with other medication: If your dog is already on medications check with your vet to know if you can use CBD oil as it may inhibit the effects of the existing medications.

Moreover, CBD oils are not standardized and may greatly differ in their quality.

The quality of a CBD oil is largely determined by where it's extracted from. CBD oils sourced from hemp plants in Colorado and Kentucky are of the highest quality. And the best part is that these oils are available in India.

CBD oil mustn't contain any pesticides, fungicides, or other chemicals that may harm your pet. So, look for products with a Non-GMO and Organic label.

A certificate of analysis (COA) will give you a fair idea of what goes into your pet's CBD oil. Look for products that contain less than 0.3% THC.

CBD oils can be costly, but choosing a cheaper alternative may harm your dog as it may contain contaminants. Higher quality oils are pricey, but you have to do what's best for your pet, right?

The recreational use of cannabis is banned in India. But the term "cannabis" refers to the flowers and fruits obtained from the cannabis Sativa plant. And CBD oil is made from the extract of the leaves of the cannabis plant. Therefore, CBD oil is legal, and the sale of other related licensed products is also legal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act.

We can now assume that CBD oil is safe, legal, and can be a great option to calm and soothe pets.

No! While CBD oils can potentially provide relief from anxiety and physical pain they cannot be a substitute for exercise, training, and other proven medications. It also mustn't be used to quell normal puppy behaviour.

If you're considering CBD oil for your dog, always consult a vet and ensure that you stick to the right dosage. A healthy pet is a happy pet. And a happy you!