I wanted a reliable source to work from so I went directly to the American Kennel Club’s website.  I wanted to make sure I knew what CBD Oil was and whether it was actually good to give to my dogs if I should ever need to.  The AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jerry Klein, explains what CBD oil is, what it does, and its safety concerns and side effects.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. Dr. Klein says it is essential to note that in most cases, CBD does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. In fact, most CBD products are derived from hemp and not from marijuana.

 

Treat pain, especially neuropathic pain

Help control seizures

Has anti-inflammatory properties

Has Cardiac benefits

Has anti-nausea effects

Appetite stimulation

Anti-anxiety impact

Possible anti-cancer benefits

 

Remember, there is no scientific evidence proving that this oil actually works.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD and has not issued a dosing chart. Therefore, we do not know what size dosage would be toxic. 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. And always check with your veterinarian first.

 

Not all oils are the same; you’ll want high-quality CBD oil to have a better chance of it working.

1. Look for organic. If the CBD oil is not organic, it at least should not contain pesticides, fungicides, or solvents.
2. Don’t price shop. The higher the quality and purity, the higher the cost. You don’t want to go for a cheaper option that could have toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. Make sure your CBD oil is free of additives.
3. Get the analysis. The manufacturer should provide a certificate that tells you 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.
4. Buy CBD as a liquid. You can buy dog treats containing CBD, but the best form to administer is an oil or tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop.