As a dog owner, you want to ensure your furry friend lives a happy and healthy life. However, like humans, dogs develop various health conditions that require medication. Conventional canine medications provide relief but often come with side effects.
Less risk of side effects
All medications come with potential side effects, and conventional canine medications are no exception. Common side effects of prescription meds for dogs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Panting
- Agitation
- Lethargy
- Irritability
These side effects often resolve after stopping the medication but negatively impact your dog’s quality of life. Certain medications also carry more serious risks like liver or kidney damage with prolonged use. CBD oil has a far better safety profile. According to research, CBD appears well-tolerated by dogs with few side effects. Mild effects like reduced blood pressure and drowsiness may occur but often resolve on their own. More importantly, there are no records of CBD causing permanent harm or vital organ damage in dogs when used appropriately.
Natural alternative for pain relief
Chronic pain from arthritis, joint issues, and injuries is one of the top reasons pet owners administer medications. Prescription painkillers provide relief but have risks like gastrointestinal ulcers, liver disease, and dependency. Growing evidence suggests CBD reduces inflammatory and neuropathic pain in dogs. In one study, arthritic dogs given CBD oil for 4 weeks saw significant improvements in pain symptoms and mobility. CBD is thought to alleviate pain by reducing inflammation, interacting with neurotransmitters, and regulating the perception of pain. Unlike NSAIDs and opioids, CBD does not cause organ damage or dependency and is used long-term for sustainable pain relief. Always consult your vet first, but CBD shows promise as a natural pain management option for dogs.
Calms anxiety and stress
Anxious or stressed behaviors like aggression, barking, chewing, urination, and hyperactivity are frustrating for both dogs and owners. Conventional medications for canine anxiety include benzodiazepines and SSRIs, both linked to side effects like sedation, irritability, and agitation. CBD interacts with receptors involved in regulating emotions, anxiety, and stress response. Studies indicate CBD elevates mood and reduces stress levels and anxious behaviors in dogs. CBD also induces calm without sedation or impairment, making it ideal for anxious dogs. Some research suggests best cbd oil for dogs with noise phobias, travel anxiety, and age-related cognitive decline by lowering excess anxiety and nervousness. CBD oils and treats provide daily anxiety relief without major side effects. However, it may take trial and error to find the right dosage for your dog.
Natural support for seizures
Seizures in dogs are caused by epilepsy, toxin ingestion, liver disease, tumors, and other conditions. If your dog has recurring seizures, your vet will likely prescribe anti-epileptic drugs like phenobarbital or potassium bromide. While effective, these drugs damage the liver and kidneys and cause side effects like sedation and hindlimb ataxia. Exciting research shows CBD is beneficial for managing seizures in dogs. CBD appears to reduce both the frequency and intensity of seizures by regulating electrical activity in the brain and neurotransmitter release. In one study, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy given CBD oil alongside anti-epileptic drugs for 12 weeks saw a significant reduction in seizure frequency. CBD even allowed some dogs to be weaned off conventional anti-seizure medications. More research is needed, but CBD could provide a safer supplemental treatment for canine epilepsy.
