Side Effects of CBD Oil For Dogs: Read Before Buying!

With CBD products steadily skyrocketing in popularity among the trendiest wellness alternatives, it’s no surprise that CBD products for pets are taking off too. We know that there’s a ton of information out there, from influencers to bloggers. So you might be wondering, what are the side effects of CBD oil for dogs? Well, wonder no further! We’re here to tell you everything you need to know when it comes to CBD for dogs.

You might be aware that CBD carries a wide variety of benefits and side effects for people. But, did you know that when your dog consumes CBD, it interacts with the same receptors as it does in humans? Therefore, if your canine companion is using CBD, there are bound to be some minor side effects.

What is CBD?

CBD, formally known as cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in hemp plants. CBD is a naturally occurring compound used in products like edibles and oils. It creates a sensation of calm and relaxation in the consumer. Unlike its cousin, THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, so it will not get your dog high.

THC is generally lacking in most CBD products. To be federally legal, CBD products can only contain up to 0.3% THC. Because of this lack of THC, CBD products should not intoxicate you or your sweet pup, but always make sure to double-check the THC level, just to be safe.

 Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?

Yes! CBD is very well tolerated and rarely causes side effects in our favorite canine companions. Although CBD research is still in its early stages, many studies suggest that it doesn’t cause long-term ill effects.

Variables such as gender, size, and age of your dog all play significant roles in how much CBD you should give them. We suggest discussing with your vet to determine the proper dosing for your favorite furry friend. CBD dosage largely depends on your dog’s weight. The heavier your dog, the more CBD they will need to experience effects.

What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs?

CBD offers a plethora of incredible benefits for people and dogs alike! It’s a well-tested option for our pawed pals that can help them with common, uncomfortable issues. Treating your loyal companion to CBD can help manage stress, joint swelling, and even mobility issues!

Just like humans, our precious pups can experience a spectrum of beneficial effects when they consume CBD. The results of a handful of national studies and a large numbers of anecdotal evidence suggest that, when it comes to dogs, CBD may be helpful for:

• Appetite stimulation
• Phobias and nervousness
• Certain digestive issues
• Deeper sleep
• Joint tension & stiffness

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs?

While CBD has many incredible benefits, it is best to be informed of both the pros and cons of CBD oil for dogs. CBD oil products have yet to become FDA-approved remedies for illness in neither dogs nor humans.

However, just like other alternative wellness remedies, there is always the possibility of some side effects rearing their ugly heads. But worry not, there is good news yet to be shared! 

CBD advocates and consumers have widely hailed CBD as the treatment option with the mildest of side effects. Plus, side effects tend to disappear with repeated use as your pet adjusts to CBD. The bad news is the potential for side effects is almost always dependent on the individual dog, as each pup is special and unique and may react differently to CBD.

Common Side Effects

CBD may potentially interact with other drugs. It is advisable to seek an opinion from your veterinarian before beginning any CBD regimen with your dog due to the risk of a drug interaction.

Drowsiness

When treated with CBD, some dogs may get too relaxed and begin to feel drowsy. You may want to have a conversation with your vet about dosing, depending on how sluggish your dog gets when they take CBD. 

Regardless of how fat and cute your dog happens to be, dogs should not sleep for more than ten consecutive hours on any given day. If you notice an uncharacteristic lack of activity between naps, it may potentially be a side-effect of the CBD. 

Vomiting

Vomiting is another possible side effect of ingesting CBD products. CBD has a naturally bitter taste. It’s possible that your dog just doesn’t like the taste of the CBD itself, in which case, it might be beneficial to switch to another (preferably tastier) CBD product (think treats!).

But, vomiting may still be a potential side effect of CBD in canines. While studies are relatively limited, there is still some evidence showing this to be the case. As with everything on this list, we suggest discussing t your dog’s vomiting with a vet to see if CBD is genuinely to blame.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth may cause excessive thirst in your sweet pup as they’ll attempt to compensate for the lack of saliva by drinking lots of water. This is not necessarily bad, but it is more of a band-aid fix than a real solution.

If your furry friend shows signs of dry mouth due to the CBD, we suggest decreasing the dosage. If the dry mouth persists, continue to use the lower dosage or stop giving your dog CBD altogether. Speaking with a vet is highly advisable for the best advice on treating dry mouth if it doesn’t. stop.

Dizziness

If you find that your canine pal has trouble balancing after taking CBD, it may be time to look at CBD as the culprit. Dizziness is a side effect of CBD in dogs and other animals as well. But how can you tell that your dog is dizzy?

Your pup might have a difficult time standing up. When it comes to dogs, the signs of dizziness can look similar to the signs in humans and other animals. Dogs can experience bouts of dizziness from standing up too fast, the same way humans can. This may be normal depending on how old the dog is. Still, if your canine companion is having trouble standing in general, they may suffer from dizziness.

Diarrhea

This one takes the prize for the least pleasant CBD side effect.  One of the most troubling aspects of this side effect is that it can be nearly impossible to determine whether your pup’s diarrhea is being caused by CBD or the fact that they’ll eat nearly anything that they decide is edible at the moment.

An option for Dog Parents dealing with diarrhea is to place your pup on a strict diet of familiar foods and see if it stops. If the diarrhea stops and then comes back when you give your dog CBD, it might be time to accept that your pup’s body is simply not a fan of cannabidiol.

Inhibition of Drug Metabolism

CBD is known to behave similarly to grapefruit by slowing the liver’s production of enzymes, potentially interfering with medication in humans. More specifically, CBD can increase the potency of medications and drugs in the liver, making CBD potentially dangerous and even deadly for people or animals regularly taking liver medications such as Ursodiol or Lactulose. This can be a potential issue for dogs and an even more serious problem for cats.

What Happens if I Give My Dog Too Much CBD Oil?

If you give your dog too much CBD, it increases their chances of experiencing unpleasant side effects. It might make them nauseous or put them to sleep with a dry mouth. But, rest assured that your dog’s life will never be in danger — it is impossible to overdose on CBD. 

In one peer-reviewed study, dogs were purposefully overdosed regularly to observe the effects of excessive CBD. When compared to the group given a smaller dose of CBD, there were no substantial changes. 

When testing the effects of CBD on mice, it took truly absurd amounts of CBD to create a detrimental effect. You would likely have to empty a checking account or two to purchase the amount of CBD it would take to replicate these conditions in a dog. Even if you managed to store that much CBD in your house, it would be nearly impossible to feed it all to your sweet pup in a single sitting.

Related Article: CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs & Cats [Full Dosage Chart]

Which CBD Oil is Best for Dogs?

We know you love your pup like they’re family, and you want them to be as safe, happy, and healthy as possible. While CBD products can help your pet feel fantastic, not all CBD oils are made with top-of-the-line ingredients. When beginning to search for CBD treatments for your dog, there are factors that you’ll always want to keep in mind to find the best product that you can get your hands on, such as:

• Quality of Ingredients
• Potency Options
• Flavor
• Concentration of CBD
• Value for the Cost

We’re sure at this point you’re wondering; what is the best CBD oil for dogs? Well, after sifting through various products and brands, HolistaPet is our top pick out of all the companies that sell CBD dog treats, CBD oils, and other cannabidiol-related products. 

We found this brand to best suit the needs of your precious pup based on the previously mentioned criteria. The effectiveness, reliability, and quality of their products make them a cut above the rest.

Pros of buying from HolistaPet:

• Non-GMO
• No Additives or Preservatives
• Dairy and Gluten-Free
• Most extensive range of Potency Options
• Affordable and convenient Subscription Service
• All products are independently lab tested
• certificate of analysis (COA) results listed on their site
• Derived from organic hemp grown in Colorado and Oregon
• Pesticide and solvent-free
• CO2 extraction process
• Made in the USA
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons of buying from HolistaPet:

• Often Sells Out Due to High Demand
• Customer reports that the cat treats are too hard for cats to eat (Check out their new Calming Soft Chew cat treats for cats with older cats or cats with sensitive teeth!)

Final Thoughts – Side Effects of CBD Oil For Dogs

There is not too much to worry about when it comes to giving your dog CBD oil! The side effects are typically very mild. But, it’s essential to ensure your dog gets the proper dose of CBD to prevent extreme side effects.

It’s not unusual for your pet to experience some dizziness, dry mouth, or diarrhea when they take CBD, especially if they are new to it. Rest assured that the more often they take CBD, the more these effects will diminish.