The use of cannabis and hemp-derived products is gaining a lot of popularity in the world of medicine – human and veterinary. However, is it safe to use CBD oil for dogs in India? Is there enough research to show the benefits of cbd oil for dogs India supplements for dogs and the side effects of CBD in veterinary medicine?
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is a natural compound found in cannabis and related plants, such as hemp. CBD is commonly found in the form of highly purified CBD oil in the Indian market. CBD oil for dogs in India is gaining steady popularity as an alternative therapy for chronic pain, nausea, cancer and behavioural issues. Since CBD is extracted from hemp plants, it has no psychoactive effects unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD oil for dogs allegedly has multiple medical properties.
Each dog possesses cannabinoid receptors in the muscles, intestines and CNS that bind cannabidiol (CBD) molecules.
When a dog consumes CBD in oil form, the molecules predominantly adhere to receptors situated in the intestines. Subsequently, these receptors transmit signals across various systems within the dog’s physiology.
In Which areas do people give CBD oil to their dogs?
To reduce the frequency of seizures:
CBD oil can help reduce the frequency and duration of seizures in dogs. In a study conducted by Colorado State University (CSU), veterinarians showed that 89% of the dogs receiving CBD supplements for seizures had fewer episodes as compared to the control group dogs (who did not receive CBD supplements). It should be noted that the CBD supplements for epilepsy in dogs were given in addition to the regular epilepsy medication. The veterinarians do not recommend taking your dog off conventional seizure meds while adding cbd oil for dogs India. However, multiple studies have failed to reach any conclusion about the long-term effects of CBD in epilepsy treatment. There are no guidelines in terms of safe dosage and data on its interaction with other seizure meds. So, always talk to your veterinarian before you give any CBD oil to your dog for seizures.
Pain:
CBD oil is being used to treat chronic pain in dogs in the US. Many dogs are responding positively to this alternate therapy. The very first study conducted on the effectiveness of CBD in veterinary medicine was on pain management in dogs. The study by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine shows that over 80% of the dogs affected by arthritis experienced less pain after CBD supplements. However, the study used a very high dose of CBD and there are significant concerns about the long-term safety of CBD in dogs. CBD for chronic pain in dogs is an option only if your dog isn’t responding to conventional medicine and physiotherapy. Joint pain and arthritis often respond to anti-inflammatory meds and supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin and glucosamine supplements, and joint health food/diet.
Aggression:
Studies show that CBD oil can reduce fear-based aggression in dogs. CBD oil can calm dogs down. CBD supplements for dogs can reduce aggression. However, if you can give your dog behavioural training and obedience training, that’s highly recommended. You should only use CBD in treating aggression in dogs if you have tried conventional methods and they have not worked.
Anxiety:
CBD oil can reduce separation and social anxiety in dogs. Several dogs suffer from separation anxiety and travel anxiety. Your dog may be one of them. If you have tried training and calming supplements for your dog already, and none of them have worked, you can try CBD oil for calming your dog. However, you should always speak to your veterinarian about other available options before going with CBD. There are very few studies that confirm the effectiveness of dog CBD supplements in treating anxiety. The dose of CBD for anxiety in dogs has not been confirmed in any study.
Is it safe to be given to your dogs?
CBD oil for dogs in India is entirely legal. You may even be able to find other formulations of the supplement but oil is more popular. Today, several variants of ready-to-consume CBD are available in the market for dogs. However, there is no conclusive evidence that CBD is safe for dogs in the long run. Sadly, there aren’t enough studies to show the safe dose, highest dose or maximum duration of CBD treatment for dogs. There are some studies that show the benefits of CBD in dogs. Nonetheless, these studies do not talk about a standard dose for the different conditions.
Like all medicines, CBD oil for dogs has its pros and cons. If you think you are ready to try CBD oil for your dog, you need to consult your veterinarian.
