Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD Pet Oil: What to Watch Out For

For centuries, cannabis-based therapy has been applied to humans and animals for various medicinal purposes. With time and evolution in medical and biological engineering, hemp products have gained recognition as an effective treatment for medical conditions in humans and their furry companions. However, the pharmacokinetics, side effects, and efficacy of marijuana medications and supplements are still not ascertained. 

As such, pet owners and veterinarians are still searching for evidence of the tolerability of cannabis compounds by healthy animals such as dogs and cats. This article focuses on the use of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive weed component, in pets to educate pet owners about safe product choice and dosage. 

Is CBD Pet Oil Safe for Animal Consumption?

Cannabis has been used as a medical remedy for numerous ailments in pets, including nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, stress and anxiety, seizures, pain, and sleep disorders. The cannabinoid widely used in modern treatments is cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic compound with high medicinal value. CBD extracts are used to produce capsules, topical creams, and infused oil drops. 

In veterinary medicine, CBD use is relatively new, and there is a need for more research and scientific testing to evaluate its medicinal use and effectiveness. Thus, most findings about CBD’s efficacy, absorption, benefits, and effects are drawn from human studies, ongoing animal health assessments, and clinical trials.

As the consumption of CBD-infused pet products grows, there has been more extensive safety research to determine if there are short and long-term effects of CBD and the appropriate dosages. According to the World Health Organization, CBD has a good safety profile and is typically well tolerated in animals and humans. The findings are supported by other medical investigations and reviews from pet owners who have used CBD products. Although most CBD products are not FDA-approved, the agency regularly updates the findings of its CBD product investigations.

How to Administer CBD Pet Oil

To understand the potential side effects and risks associated with CBD oils, pet owners need to know how the products work and how they should be dispensed. A 2019 study by Colorado State University concluded that hemp-based products appeared to be relatively safe in healthy populations of cats and dogs. Yet, dogs seemed to absorb CBD better than cats. The report showed that after 12 weeks of daily administration, both canine and feline animals displayed a health improvement, with most displayed symptoms fully diminished. 

CBD pet oils are dispensed in two main ways: orally and topically. The dosages vary for each pet depending on a few parameters, such as the concentration of the oil infusion, the purpose of consumption, the ailment being treated, and the animal’s weight. The oils also come in different potency levels and contain different CBD types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. You can study more information about CBD pet oils at https://askgrowers.com/cbd/cbd-products-for-pets/pet-cbd-oil. Here are some easy ways to administer CBD to your pet: 

1. Give your furry friend CBD oil directly from the dropper. The tinctures are packaged in medicinal bottles with droppers that make them easy to administer. Oral administration is a good choice if your pet doesn’t mind it. The required CBD potency varies depending on the pet’s size; therefore, you will need to calculate the ideal dosage based on your pet’s weight and the condition being treated.

2. Combine CBD oil with your pet’s food. Since most pets love feeding time, mixing the oil with their favorite meal is an effective way of administration. Some pets also resist CBD oil because of its strong odor and taste; therefore, blending it with meals is an excellent choice.

3. Make your pet’s beloved happy treat with CBD oil. Another convenient option is to use the oil as a pre-measured ingredient for soft chews that can be broken into smaller pieces and given at regular intervals.

4. Put the CBD oil in a treat dispensing toy. Applying the oil on your pet’s lickable or fillable chew toy makes its consumption a fun and playful activity. The soothing licking activity is relaxing and entertaining for the pet and the owner.

Let us now explore the signs and symptoms of CBD overdose.

How Can I Tell That My Pet Has Overdosed on CBD Oil?

Most pets exhibit similar symptoms when they consume a CBD dose that exceeds their body’s requirements. These indications can be very uncomfortable and should be closely monitored. The most common signs include nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, extreme drowsiness, and lethargy. 

Although one of the highly sought-after benefits is calmness, excessive sleepiness is a dangerous side effect and a major red flag of poor CBD tolerance. The correct amount of CBD should enhance your pet’s cheerful and energetic personality with the added relaxation advantage. So, when you notice your furry best friend is sleeping all day and seems detached and uninterested in their favorite activities, there’s a possibility of an overdose. You should seek immediate veterinary assistance and reduce the CBD dose for optimal health effects .

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Side Effects of CBD Pet Drops: Signs to Look Out for and How to Solve Them

While there are some safety concerns regarding the use of cannabis products in animals, there are two vital things to keep in mind. One, CBD is a dietary supplement with a proven good safety profile, and two, the health rewards of CBD pet oil prevail over the risks of adverse reactions. However, it’s still vital to monitor your pet’s state to identify side effects and help them manage these inconveniences. 

Dry Mouth

CBD inhibits saliva production in animals, resulting in abnormal dryness in your animal’s mouth. If the dry mouth persists for a long time, it leads to bad breath, dental problems, and pain while swallowing, all of which affect your pet’s feeding patterns. To solve this problem, ensure your pet can easily access a constant supply of fresh drinking water. Additionally, keep a keen eye on your pet’s dental hygiene to avoid mouth sores or teething troubles.

Blood Pressure Problems

A CBD overdose triggers a temporary drop in your pet’s blood pressure, especially in dogs. The decline in blood pressure results in dizziness; in extreme cases, your pet may collapse. This side effect depends on the dosage, so it can easily be rectified by adjusting the amount of CBD oil you give to your pet.

Stomach Upsets

Like with any new food or medication, CBD introduction can trigger a stomach upset in your pet. To decrease the risk of a distressed stomach, it is advisable that you introduce the CBD pet oil in small dosages and gradually increase the amounts until your pet’s body adjusts accordingly.

Vomiting

Given that CBD pet drops are often infused with different ingredients, vomiting can be triggered by the essential oils, carrier agents, or the CBD compound itself. Cannabis has a bitter aftertaste, which can trigger nausea, especially if paired with strongly scented oils. To combat this issue, use the oil for baking your pet’s special treats or applying it to their favorite snacks like bacon.

Diarrhea

If the intake of CBD oils causes diarrhea, you can either change the CBD oil brand, reduce the dosage, or cut off the oil altogether. This is because diarrhea can cause more problems for your pet, such as dehydration and liver problems.

Repressed Production of Liver Enzymes

Scientific data reveals that CBD impacts the production of liver enzymes in feline and canine animals due to amplified alkaline phosphatase levels. If the liver enzyme production is inhibited, your pet cannot properly metabolize drugs, exposing it to the risks of accidental overdose. To escape such adverse side effects, you should consult your vet on whether your pet’s current prescription is compatible with the cannabis holistic treatment plan.

Summary

The internet is flooded with information regarding CBD for pets, which makes it difficult for a pet owner to differentiate between facts and exaggerated information. You should read only verified information and consult your vet on the FDA-approved brands, recommended dosages, and legal limitations before purchasing any CBD product for pets. Additionally, you must use CBD oils engineered explicitly for animals since human CBD products may contain THC, which is toxic to animals. THC intoxication results in respiratory depression, suppressed heart rate, urinary incontinence, seizures, anxiety, and loss of coordination and may lead to death in worst-case scenarios, so make sure you treat your pet only with safe and animal-approved CBD products to achieve optimal health outcomes.

The author of this article is Denys Svirepchuk, an expert in cannabis products and a researcher at AskGrowers. Denys is interested in weed-related innovation and its potential for human and animal health. He shares his findings and observations to educate consumers and aid the proper product choice for specific health needs.