One of the most frequently asked questions we get from dog owners about CBD is “what are the side effects?" Even though the majority of dog owners that try CBD on their dogs have positive experiences, there are no products that can guarantee a side-effect-free experience. However, before we discuss the possible side effects of CBD it may be helpful if I first explain what CBD exactly is.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. In most cases, CBD oil does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. In fact, most CBD products, such as ours here at Zen Frenz, are derived from hemp and not from marijuana.
How Does CBD Affect Dogs?
Currently, there has been no formal study on how CBD affects dogs. What scientists do know is that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which help maintain balance in the body and keep it in a normal healthy state.
Potential Side Effects
Since there is no scientific data on the side effects of CBD usage for dogs, there are potential side effects based on how CBD affects humans. To minimize any potential side effects, make sure you are following the proper dosage. Potential side effects include:
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Dry mouth: Research has shown that CBD can decrease the production of saliva. For dogs, this would manifest as increased thirst.
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Lowered blood pressure: High doses of CBD have been known to cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. Even though the drop is small, it might create a brief feeling of light-headedness.
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Drowsiness: Dog owners have used CBD to treat anxiety. The calming effect of CBD can also cause slight drowsiness, especially when using higher doses.
Best Advice
Any medication or supplement carries the risk of a reaction. It is always advisable, when giving your dog something new, to start out with small amounts and then closely monitor the effects. Our products here at Zen Frenz are all labeled with dosage amounts based on your pet’s weight as well as having manufacturer certification to ensure quality control.
CBD Products on the Market
If you decide that you should try CBD as a treatment for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing CBD oil. Not all oils are the same; you’ll want high-quality CBD oil to have a better chance of it working.
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Look for natural. Try to purchase CBD products with the least amount of additives as possible such as our CBD Peanut Butter which only contains 2 ingredients; dry roasted peanut butter and cannabidiol extract.
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Don’t only shop based on price. Higher quality and purity are usually associated with a higher cost. A cheaper option could contain toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. Make sure your CBD oil is free of additives.
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Get the analysis. Like every product we sell here at Zen Frenz which are manufacturer certified, every CBD product you buy should certify the amount of CBD that is in the product. Many CBD products contain only small amounts of CBD. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.