CBD for my dog: good or bad idea?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule present in cannabis, but which does not have a psychoactive effect unlike THC. CBD has recognized therapeutic properties in humans, but what about dogs? Can we give him CBD safely? What are the benefits and contraindications of CBD for dogs? Here are some answers.

What are the benefits of CBD for dogs?

CBD acts on the dog's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the regulation of many physiological and psychological functions. CBD can therefore have beneficial effects on the health and well-being of dogs.

Concretely, CBD for dogs can be used for:

• Relieve skin irritations and allergies
• Stimulate appetite and improve digestion
• Beautify the coat
• Reduce chronic pain linked to osteoarthritis, dysplasia or injuries
• Reduce inflammation and promote healing
• Soothe anxiety, stress or aggression
• Prevent or treat seizures due to epilepsy or other neurological diseases

CBD can therefore be a natural and effective complement to conventional drug treatments, reducing their side effects or strengthening their action.

What are the contraindications of CBD for dogs?

CBD is generally well tolerated by dogs, provided they follow the dosage appropriate to their weight and condition[2. You must also be careful to choose a quality product, certified without THC or pesticides[4. Indeed, THC is toxic to dogs and can cause serious symptoms such as vomiting, tremors or convulsions[5. Pesticides can also be harmful to your health.

However, there are a few situations where you should avoid giving CBD to your dog:

• If the dog is pregnant or nursing
• If the dog suffers from liver or kidney disease
• If the dog is already taking other medications that may interact with CBD (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, blood thinners, or sedatives)
• If the dog has hypersensitivity to CBD

If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian before administering CBD to your dog. You must also monitor your behavior and reactions after taking CBD. If you observe adverse effects such as excessive drowsiness, decreased blood pressure or loss of balance, you should stop treatment immediately and contact a veterinarian.

How to give CBD to your dog?

CBD comes in different forms: oil, capsules, treats… CBD oil is the most common and the easiest to dose. Simply place a few drops under the dog's tongue or on his food. The quantity of drops varies depending on the CBD concentration of the product and the weight of the dog. There are indicative tables that allow you to calculate the optimal daily dose. In general, we recommend between 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg per kilo per day. You should start with a low dose and gradually increase if necessary.

In conclusion, CBD can be a valuable ally in improving your dog's quality of life. It can relieve his physical and mental ailments, without making him dependent or making him high. However, you must respect some usual precautions: choose a quality product, adapted to the weight and condition of the dog, respect the recommended dosage and consult a veterinarian in case of doubt or adverse effect. CBD is not a miracle cure, but it can effectively complement traditional veterinary care.