Most people don't realize that the same CBD that has proven effective in humans is just as effective for dogs.  In fact, every mammal on earth has the opportunity to reap the benefits CBD has to offer, thanks to the role the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) provides towards maintaining homeostasis.  Many people that are regular users of CBD, or at least know people that are, are finding that they're able to increase the quality of their dogs' lives by incorporating CBD into their respective wellness routine.

To help shed some light on our recent release of our CBD Pets collection, we're here to provide everything you ought to know about it.  What is CBD and why is there a demand for applying it to your dogs?  Is CBD oil for dogs safe?  What are the benefits of CBD for your furry friend?  How should one consult their respective veterinarian about CBD?  What should you look for in a CBD product if its for your dog?  All of these questions are great ones to ask yourself and the brand you'd inevitably choose.

At the end of the day, the team at Envy CBD strives to help as many dogs stay stronger for longer; and we do that with our all-new CBD Pets collection.

What is CBD and why are dog owners looking to it for help?

Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD, is a substance extracted from hemp and has gained massive popularity for its holistic properties. Unlike it's psychoactive counterpart, THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that all-too-familiar "high" feeling is completely non-existent.

Since its massive popularity as an alternative therapeutic compound, CBD has long been used to help with a wide variety of situations, from calming those nerves to helping the body to rid itself of minor discomforts experienced throughout the day.

Despite the popularity of CBD in humans and the interest of dog owners to now look towards the compound in providing relief for their dogs, it is important to understand that veterinarians are not yet legally allowed to prescribe, let alone, recommend CBD as a treatment option for pets. As it stands, there is only one product that is approved by the FDA, and it's used to treat seizures in humans, not our furry friends.

Regardless of the legality behind it, thousands have already begun to incorporate CBD into their dogs' self-care routine.  In fact, back in October of 2019, the Los Angeles Times reported that dog owners who use CBD products to treat their ailing dogs are echoing the positive results. The motivation for doing so is the same too; pharmaceuticals either have undesirable side effects or don't work.

Is CBD oil for dogs safe?

First and foremost, due to the relatively new status CBD finds itself in, there is limited scientific backing behind it.  Following the experiences of the thousands that regularly use CBD for their dogs however, the anecdotal evidence is compelling, with many dog owners using the compound to help alleviate neuropathic pain, controlling seizures, and more.  The question is, is CBD oil safe for your dog?

The short answer is yes!  CBD oil is derived from hemp, which naturally contains a very small amount of THC.  In fact, the THC level is so small that it doesn't even read as detectable by most testing laboratories.

Due to the FDA's delay on researching the potential safety and risks of using CBD for dogs, and the lack of an official dosing chart, it is currently unknown what a toxic dosage is.  Therefore, we advise to the level of non-medical professionals we are, to use your best judgment and consult with your veterinarian.

What are the potential benefits of CBD oil for dogs?

What makes dog owners particularly drawn to CBD is how effective it seems to be. Like humans, dogs and cats (and all mammals for that matter) have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that exists to help regulate homeostasis. When CBD enters into the bloodstream, a series of processes are activated to help modulate the bodily response to a variety of issues. To help generalize what CBD Oil may provide for your dog, consider the following:

I. CBD May Help Slow Tumor Growth

A lot of people rightly balk when they hear about CBD and its potential to help reduce the size of tumors. It is one of those claims that just sounds too good to be true. Did you know, however, this is actually a relatively researched topic? In fact, CBD has been shown to have anti-tumor effects in several types of cancer:

• Breast Cancer
• Leukemia 
• Brain and Spine Tumors 
• Lung Cancer 
• Colon Cancer 

In addition to having its own tumor shrinking properties, CBD may effectively enhance the tumor shrinking mechanisms of chemotherapy, the most common treatment option for cancer. CBD may be possible to decrease the dosing of this treatment without decreased efficacy, thereby, reducing the harmful and sometimes severe side effects.

II. CBD May Help Alleviate Cancer Treatment Side Effects

As we mentioned above, CBD has found its popularity as a holistic treatment option for dogs undergoing cancer treatment. For instance, nausea and vomiting are serious symptoms that often lead to a decreased appetite, rapid weight loss, dehydration, and fatigue. With the rise of cancer in dogs, pet parents looking for treatment methods that are more gentle, with fewer side effects and less of a hit to the wallet have seen a degree of success with CBD.

III. CBD May Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Pain and inflammation can be a side effect of nearly everything that causes discomfort.  Pain management is almost always part of how to treat these discomforts.  Unfortunately, many prescription pain medications have adverse side effects.  With opioid medication prices surging and over-the-counter NSAID medications showing long-term risks, dog owners are now looking towards a more-natural alternative to reducing pain and inflammation.  One of the most popular reasons people use CBD is to help alleviate pain and/or inflammation, with this widely-known knowledge made popular back in 2009 when researchers studied the role of cannabinoids as novel, anti-inflammatory drugs.

IV. CBD May Help Manage General Anxiety

Due to the way the endocannabinoid system works to achieve and maintain homeostasis, it also possesses the ability to regulate mood.  Among the most well-researched is that of CBD oil and the way it can manage general anxiety.  In fact, CBD has been shown to have therapeutic potential for the following types of anxiety in humans:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• PTSD
• Social anxiety disorder

V. CBD May Help Curb Aggression in Dogs

Dog aggression is a common behavioral problem that can be difficult to resolve.  Unfortunately, thousands of dogs are surrendered every year to animal shelters because of aggression problems.  The ASPCA has identified 11 distinct types of dog aggression which include:

• Territorial
• Protective
• Possessive
• Fear
• Defensive
• Social
• Frustration
• Redirected
• Pain-induced
• Sexual dynamics
• Predatory

Given the list above, you may notice that many of these aggression types include some aspect of anxiety about possessions, rank in the hierarchy, or safety.  In such cases, CBD oil may be an effective part of an overall behavior modification program to help your dog stay calm in stressful situations.

If your dog suffers from aggression against other people, other dogs, or other pets, talk to a professional trainer about how CBD oil for dogs combined with training can help make your dog feel calmer and more confident in the face of triggers.

VI. CBD May Help Overcome Phobias

Phobias are a common problem for all dogs!  Whether it be a fear of cars, thunderstorms, fireworks, door bell ringing, the mail man, you name it, chances are, your dog is afraid of it.  The one thing all phobias have in common is this: it is the result of acute anxiety.

Like aggression, phobias in dogs are complicated behavioral problems that, in several cases, require the help of a professional trainer.  On the other hand, CBD oil may help your dog stay calmer while in the presence of common phobia triggers, hastening progress towards solving their fear problems.

VII. CBD May Help Boost the Immune System

When it comes to overall wellness for your furry friends, CBD may be used to set the body up to proactively fight off perceived threats more efficiently, as opposed to simply existing as alleviating pain as a reactionary function. We now know that the endocannabinoid system and the immune system are closely linked. This relationship is so strong that some researchers have coined a term for these interrelated systems: the "immunocannabinoid system."

VIII. CBD May Help to Improve Sleep

Although research has shown that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in modulating sleep, the details as to what role each cannabinoid is playing are still being worked out.  When it comes down to it, the limited research that exists points towards CBD acting as a wake agent.  This might not seem like it could help your pets get a better night's reset.  Research suggests that by promoting a better "wake time" during the day, hemp oil may help with better sleep during the night cycle.

IX. CBD May Help Improve Skin Health

One of the most interesting aspects of the endocannabinoid system is that it plays a vital role in skin health.  The ECS is involved with modulating the way in which the body deals lipid production, skin cell growth, and the functioning of sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

When it comes to your dogs, there are several skin conditions that can affect quality of life, and CBD may be a helpful and natural alternative to other treatment.  For example, allergic dermatitis is a condition that develops into dry and patchy areas on the skin.  Common causes of dermatitis in dogs include flea bites, pollen, food allergies, or reactions to certain chemicals in shampoo or other products.  If left untreated, your dog may scratch affected areas to the point of becoming open wounds and potential infections.

CBD products made specifically for dogs inherently has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and pain-relieving properties.  The consistent dosing of these products can provide soothing relief to your dogs with a variety of skin-improving features.

Why CBD versus other drugs?

You may be asking yourself at this point, can CBD made specifically for dogs replace existing medication?  Pet owners and veterinarians alike are always looking for ways to reduce the use of traditional medication when safe and natural alternatives are available.  For example, when it comes to pain management for dogs, the most common classes of veterinary drugs are opioids and NSAIDs, both of which have significant side effects, particular when used to treat chronic conditions.

Recent research shows that CBD may work in cooperation with these pain relievers, potentially enhancing their effect.  This could mean lowering the amount of other medications, thus lowering the risk of developing more serious issues later in life.  See the chart below that outlines the potential side effects across CBD oil, NSAIDs, opioids, steroids, and antihistamines:

How much CBD should I give my dog?

We want our readers to be informed advocates for their dog's health.  That being said, the dosing information we are sharing on our site may or may not apply to other brands since concentration of CBD varies from company to company.  As a general rule of thumb, consider the following:

• Start low and increase slowly. This is the general rule of thumb with natural supplements and the same is true for CBD.
• CBD oil is safe, even at larger doses. Your vet may prescribe a much larger dose of CBD oil for specific conditions, depending on the situation with your dog and their respective health issues.
• Always consult with your vet. Despite CBD being a natural product that is available over the counter without a prescription, it is still important to discuss using it with your vet.
• CBD oil can affect different pets differently.  Just like many other supplements, medications, and food, variations in individual dogs can create differences in metabolism.
• CBD may react with existing medications.  Again, check with your vet before administering CBD if they are taking prescription medication for a particular reason.

How to store CBD for dogs?

While we can't tell you if you should give your dogs CBD, nor in what exact dosages, if you decide to do so, there are some things to watch out for:

Keep CBD Safely Locked Away

Like so many other things, a dog that finds a stash of CBD or other marijuana/hemp products will probably eat more than they should.  This will be more of an issue for an edible product such as a dog treat, but to keep your pets safe, be sure that you keep any CBD - and definitely any THC products - well out of your dog's reach, and, ideally, behind a locked door or drawer.

Separate CBD From Regular Treats

If you opt for CBD edible products, such as our CBD Pet Treats, be sure to separate it from the pile of regular treats.  This may seem like common sense, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

How to talk to your vet about CBD for dogs

Although CBD oil is a natural product that is available over the counter without a prescription, it is still important to discuss using it with your vet.  This is particularly important if your dog is receiving other treatments or medications.

CBD does have known drug interactions and in some cases, this may mean you can use less medications, such as those prescribed for pain management.  In other cases your vet may recommend that you dose your dog at a different time than other medications to sure the CBD doesn't interfere with the actions of other drugs.

Some areas of the country may be more-friendly towards incorporating CBD into dog wellness than others. For example, the California Veterinary Medical Association recently won their push for legislation that would protect veterinarians in the state who wish to discuss cannabis-based medication with their clients.

However, not all veterinarians are receptive to research on the potential therapeutic elements CBD may provide to dogs.  If you are interested in finding a veterinarian more open to CBD as part of a treatment program or just to increase overall wellness, look for a holistic veterinarian in your area and book a consultation.  In addition, be sure to invest in a quality, Full Spectrum CBD oil made specifically for pets, such as that offered here at Envy CBD.

Why choose Envy CBD over other brands?

The fact of the matter is this: the market for CBD is skyrocketing.  With the industry projected to reach $20 billion by 2024 and more and more research demonstrates greater efficacy behind it, this high demand can translate into an environment that's ripe for scandal.

Envy CBD is committed to providing only the finest Full Spectrum CBD products for both humans and dogs alike.  Our commitment to quality looks like this:

I. Organic, USA-Grown Hemp

Based in Colorado, Minnesota, and Oregon, our farms use organic, pesticide-free practices, and natural sunlight to grow our beautiful, healthy, and massive hemp plants.

II. Batch Lab Testing

Many CBD companies out there don't provide third party lab tests on their products.  If you encounter this, it is a big red flag.  As of right now, there isn't formal regulation that supervises the quality of CBD oil.  Responsible companies such as Envy CBD have taken it upon ourselves to stand by our products and provide third party label tests.

III. Our Certifications Matter

It's only a matter of time before the FDA regulates CBD.  When that happens, most companies would be removed from the market due to non-compliant facilities.  Luckily, Envy CBD has already gone through the compliance hoops to not only future-proof ourselves, but to provide the absolute best quality products for you and your pets.  Our certifications include: