Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Dogs: Expert Tips for the Best Experience

Family is arguably one of the best parts of life, and pets are a part of that! Since they're family, we want our furry friends to feel great and live the best lives possible. Because of this, we're always on the hunt for the best products to support their wellness! You may have heard about how CBD oil can benefit pups — but what are the pros and cons of CBD oil for dogs?

CBD oil has a lot of benefits, but like anything, it has its cons, too. As experts in hemp, we believe the positive effects of dog CBD greatly outweigh any potential cons. Stick us to learn more about why so that you can decide for yourself!

Are There Pros and Cons To Giving Dogs CBD Oil?

Like with most things, there are both perks and disadvantages to giving dogs CBD oil. Fortunately, though CBD may not be right for every dog, it is generally well-tolerated by most dogs. The best way to find out if CBD is right for your dog is to start with a small amount and see how they tolerate it.

We want to break down some of the pros and cons of CBD oil so that you can get a better idea of what to expect before buying it for your dog. We ask that while reading, you please remember that each dog is different and that results may vary for your pup.

Pros Of CBD Oil

Many pet owners love buying CBD hemp oil for their dogs because of all the benefits it can offer! From its versatility to its wellness benefits, CBD oil has a lot to offer our furry friends.

It's Federally Legal

As per the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products are legal as long as the CBD comes from the hemp plant (a kind of cannabis plant). This also means that CBD products must contain 0.3% Delta 9 THC or less to be federally legal. CBD pet products are generally broad spectrum, which means they contain no THC — so as long as they're hemp-derived, they're in the clear!

CBD Hemp Oils Are Versatile

You can give CBD hemp oil to your dog in a handful of ways. You can feed them CBD directly by adding (only a few) drops into their mouth or you can mix it into their food. This versatility is great for pet owners who have specific preferences for feeding their dogs, as not all dogs can have extra treats.

Helps Maintain Overall Wellness

When you give your dog CBD oil, the CBD interacts with their endocannabinoid receptors to help support their Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating a lot of your pet's main bodily systems. CBD can help maintain your dog's overall well-being by supporting the ECS.

May Help Ease Environmental Stress

Since it supports your dog's ECS so well, CBD oil does a great job at helping to soothe your dog from uneasiness that may arise as a result of environmental stress. This kind of strain can occur if your dog enters environments that make them uncomfortable. Examples may include areas that have large crowds, loud noises, are affected by storms, and more. This is why so many pet parents give their dogs CBD before going to the vet!

Cons Of CBD Oil

Like all other products, CBD oil has a few potential cons. Thankfully, you can avoid many of these by giving your dog the right amount of CBD and by maintaining a full, well-rounded care routine.

Suggested Serving Recommendations

Since CBD isn't yet approved by the FDA, there are no official serving recommendations for CBD oils (or any CBD products, for that matter). This is why we suggest that you calculate an amount for your dog based on their weight!

We generally recommend between 0.25 mg (regular serving) to 0.5 mg (double serving) of CBD per every 1 lb. of your dog's body weight. Again, please be advised that every pet is different. This is why we believe the best way to find the perfect amount for your dog is by starting them off with a lower amount first to see how they respond.

Potential Side Effects

While CBD oil is generally well-tolerated by most dogs, some may experience side effects (especially if it's their first time trying it). Luckily, any side effects are usually mild and short-lived and may be alleviated with some water and a good nap.

Here are some potential side effects that may accompany the consumption of CBD:

• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Mild upset stomach or diarrhea
• Dry mouth

Remember that every dog is unique and will have its own response to CBD products. We suggest closely watching your dog if it's their first time trying CBD. Dog owners who are unsure if CBD is right for their dogs may want to reach out to their vet before giving any amount to them.

Can't Replace Traditional Medicine

Though CBD does have a lot of great benefits, it's not meant to be a replacement for traditional medicines. The best way to get proper treatment for your dog for any ailment is by visiting or calling your vet. Licensed veterinary medicine workers — like vets, vet assistants, etc. — can give you personalized advice for your dog.

Vets are also the only ones who have licenses to administer treatments to your pets. A vet can help with pain, neurological disorders, and other medical conditions that your dog may be experiencing.

While you wait for your vet's assistance, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association to read more about current research on CBD for dogs and other pets.

Final Thoughts — Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Dogs

Even though there are both pros and cons to giving your dog CBD oil, we think the benefits of CBD definitely outweigh any potential cons. When you give your dog CBD, you're making a holistic choice that can help increase their wellness — enriching both their life and yours. Try out HolistaPet's natural CBD Oil for Dogs to see how it can help your pet!

Interested in checking out other CBD pet products? HolistaPet has a whole range of natural hemp goodies for pets! Visit our store to shop CBD for all your pets' needs.