As an individual who is sure to stay informed on the latest advancements in holistic wellness, you're likely familiar with CBD. In fact, you may already use it regularly to combat a slew of ailments. CBD is continuing to prove itself to be a remarkably effective alternative for just about every commonly prescribed conventional medication. It's no secret that more and more people are turning to the powerful herb over the potentially harmful adverse reactions of chemically manufactured drugs.
Read more about CBD Hemp Oil and Why it Works
What you may not know is that CBD has also proven to be extremely effective and safe for our dogs providing comparable, impressive benefits without the need for prescription medications.
However, with the sudden rise in popularity of the herb, there is also a rise in the unknown surrounding it. What exactly is CBD? Where does it come from? Will it make my dog high?
We'll tackle these questions and many others as we dive into: CBD for dogs.
What is CBD
CBD oil is a liquid extracted from the hemp plant. The hemp plant falls under the Cannabis Sativa L. "umbrella," along with the marijuana plant. Here's where several uncertainties and miscommunication begin. While the hemp plant and the marijuana plant do have many things in common, there are also a fair amount of differences that make each of the plants unique.
For starters, the marijuana plant has high amounts of THC. THC is the psychoactive property that gives the user a "high," euphoric feeling. The hemp plant has less than 0.3% THC. In other words, CBD derived from the hemp plant will not give its user a high feeling.
The CBD that is safe for pets is derived from the hemp plant. Because of the fact that it is derived from hemp, it won't get your dog high. However, it will offer your dog a slew of benefits that you may have to see to believe.
Benefits of CBD Oil
The health benefits of CBD oil are truly remarkable.
CBD oil effectively provides relief for:
- Anxiety disorders (separation anxiety, anxiety caused by traveling, etc.)
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Fears and phobias (such as thunderstorms and fireworks)
- Pain and inflammation (chronic and acute)
- Chronic inflammation & autoimmune disease
- Reduces environmental allergies
- Supports heart health
- Reduces the growth and spreading of cancerous cells
- Decreases nausea and side effects of conventional medications
- Boosts the immune system
- Promotes overall wellness
Additionally, CBD acts as a preventative. Not only does CBD treat present ailments but it actually helps prevent many conditions from developing in the first place.
Dangers of Conventional Medication
All conventional medicine has one thing in common: side effects. While the severity of the side effects varies with each drug, they exist nonetheless. It ultimately leaves dog owners up in arms and feeling defeated when it comes to medicating their animals. Yes, it's necessary to treat a dog suffering from seizures, but at what cost? Thankfully, with CBD, pet owners now have a choice in the matter.
Furthermore, CBD is effective. One of the scariest things about conventional drugs is that they may not work, even when administered correctly. Some dogs are immune to certain medication but the veterinarian will likely not have a way of knowing. Incredibly, CBD has proven to be effective in cases where conventional medications didn't work.
Side Effects of CBD
One of the most incredible features of CBD is the fact that it has virtually zero side effects in dogs. Even the extremely mild side effects of CBD in humans (lethargy, sleepiness) don't seem to exist when the herb is given in the appropriate dose to your four-legged companion.
Read more about Demystifying CBD
CBD Oil Tinctures
Pet owners may opt to introduce CBD through CBD oil. The CBD oil comes in tincture form with an easy-to-use dropper. The dropper allows dog owners to have total control over the amount of CBD product that the dog receives. CBD oil can be administered directly into the dog's mouth, mixed in with their food, or placed on top of their favorite treat.
CBD Dog Treats
Dog owners may also choose to introduce the CBD product in treat form. The great thing about CBD treats is that they can either be given for overall wellness or pet owners can purchase treats that are specially formulated for specific ailments. 
CBD Oil for Dogs: The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, you want what's best for your dog. Pet owners go above and beyond to ensure their dog's happiness and well-being. However, many dog owners don't fully realize that they are likely doing more harm than good with the use of conventional medication.
Luckily, we are living in a time where the conversation surrounding holistic medicine is increasing by the day. Conventional medicine is no longer the end all be all which allows pet owners to have a choice in how they treat their beloved animals and for that, we are incredibly grateful.
Editor's Note: Always consult with your veterinarian before discontinuing use of medications or introducing new supplements to your dog's diet.
