Humans have been using the hemp plant for many years to help support their overall wellness and specific health concerns.  Naturally, given how effective these plants may be on humans, dog owners, and their veterinarians are wondering if these plants can help our furry friends the same way.

We know from scientific studies, such as the one referenced in a 2018 article in Frontiers In Veterinary Science, a leading international veterinary medicine journal, that CBD oil given to dogs with occasional joint discomfort improved mobility and the amount of occasional discomfort

There is also a lot of anecdotal evidence, that is, stories from people’s everyday experiences, that CBD may help with pets experiencing external stressors.

So, while more research is needed (in fact the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation sponsored a study on CBD and canine epilepsy), we can infer that daily use of CBD may help support the nervous systems of dogs, which may either support your pup’s mood or help their responses to daily stressors, like the person delivering your mail or you leaving your home. Additionally, CBD may help support joint health and movement.

Is CBD safe for dogs daily?

While there is more research needed to determine how CBD affects dogs, it appears that CBD is beneficial for dogs to use daily when given the recommended dosage. According to PubMed, a study was done to determine the safety of giving pets CBD. This study looked at what happened when healthy cats and dogs were given two milligrams of hemp-based (all commercial CBDs are from the hemp plant, which is a close cousin to the marijuana plant) concentrated CBD by mouth twice a day for 12 weeks. Blood panels demonstrated many animals did not experience a negative impact.

Another study done using 24 dogs tested how five milligrams of CBD would change the dogs’ daily activities. The dogs were fitted with electronic activity monitors and it was shown that this higher dosage of CBD did not substantially change their interactions or activity level

Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs?

Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club, calls the issue of whether or not Veterinarians can recommend CBD “…an intriguing topic.”. However, this in no way shape, or form should prevent you from bringing CBD up with your vet. Like with any physician no topic related to health, or in this case, the health of your pet, should be off-topic. Dr. Klein recommends doing your own thorough research and finding peer-reviewed studies. That said, Dr. Klein says that you should check with your vet if your pet is already on medications and that some vets may know more about different CBD products. In addition, veterinarians can recommend other treatment options to go along with your own CBD plan.

Sentesa, a patent pending formulation, was developed by a world-renowned Scientist and is a revolutionary Tri-Active supplement for Dogs. Sentesa’s combination of Beta-Caryophyllene, Caprylic Acid, and Full Spectrum Hemp Extract creates a synergistic effect in your pet’s body to support their immune system, enhance bone health, support a healthy brain, and much more.

A 28-day, multi-site, randomized, controlled field study in dogs diagnosed with severe mobility issues was conducted using Sentesa. The owners of these dogs reported significant improvements in : happiness (75%), energy (67%), mobility (58%), and calmness (58%).

Discomfort from a long walk, a hike, or daily exercise could trigger the need to add Sentesa as a part of your dog’s daily health regimen. Ask your veterinarian if Sentesa is right for your dog.

Can you give your dog too much CBD?

Although marijuana and hemp both stem from the cannabis family, marijuana and hemp have many differences. The hemp plant is very low in THC and very high in CBD, while the marijuana plant is the exact opposite. Unfortunately, pets cannot metabolize THC the same way that humans do. It could be potentially dangerous for your pet to be administered a CBD oil that has high levels of THC and if that does occur, an emergency trip to your veterinarian may be necessary. It is always best to choose pet CBD brands, as it’s important to make sure all ingredients are pet-friendly and that you’re administering the right potency based on your pet’s size.  

Pet CBD products will never get your pet “high” and there are no known overdoses of full-spectrum hemp oil among animals. 

When giving your pet the correct recommended usage of a high-quality CBD product, like those from Pet Releaf, you can feel confident that your pet’s overall health is being supported. Pet Releaf’s CBD products are designed to be administered every day. Pet Releaf’s hemp CBD oil (also comes in convenient capsules!) and Edibite chews may support a healthy immune system, help maintain healthy hips and joints, promote calmness and relaxation in the face of daily stressors, and help support healthy skin.