Have you ever wondered if CBD oil could be good for your furry friend? As pet owners, we’re always looking for ways to improve our pet’s lives, and CBD oil has become a popular talking point for dog owners.
But with the legal landscape around CBD still a bit murky, it’s important to know the facts before making any moves.
In this guide, we’ll explore CBD oil for dogs in the UK, looking at the legality, potential benefits and how to choose the right product for your pup.
Short Summary
- CBD oil from the Cannabis sativa plant has potential health benefits for dogs, but it’s important to understand the difference between CBD oil, hemp oil and hemp seed oil.
- In the UK, CBD products are legal as long as they contain low levels of THC. Companies can’t legally market them for pets.
- When choosing a product for your pet, consult with a vet first to ensure safety and look out for third-party tested products with clear information on ingredients.
CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD oil has become very popular for its potential health benefits, not just for humans, but for our furry friends, too.
But what is CBD oil? And how does it differ from other hemp-derived products?
To understand this, we need to take a closer look at the Cannabis sativa plant and the various oils derived from it.
The Cannabis sativa plant is a versatile and complex plant that yields three types of oils with different properties and benefits for dogs.
There’s CBD oil, hemp oil and hemp seed oil. Each has its own composition, benefits and uses so it’s important for pet owners to understand the difference before choosing the best one for their furry friends.
CBD Oil, Hemp Oil, Hemp Seed Oil
CBD oil, hemp oil and hemp seed oil are all from the Cannabis sativa plant, but they have different benefits and uses.
CBD oil has well-being-supporting properties and can potentially support dogs with a wide range of issues.
Dog hemp oil, which is the same as hemp seed oil, has nutritional benefits and is rich in essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. These are essential for a dog’s diet and may help reduce inflammation in the body, promote healthy skin, coat health and cognitive function in dogs.
When choosing a hemp-derived product, consider your dog’s specific needs and choose an oil that will provide the most benefit.
Whether you choose CBD oil, hemp oil or hemp seed oil, understanding the difference between them will help you make an informed decision for your dog’s well-being.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?
While CBD oil may have many potential benefits for dogs, it’s natural to wonder about its safety.
Generally, CBD oil is safe for dogs, but as with any supplement it’s important to be aware of any side effects and interactions with other medications your dog may be taking.
In the following sections, we’ll look at the side effects of CBD oil and what to do if you decide to add it to your dog’s routine.
Side Effects
Although CBD oil is generally safe for dogs, as with any supplement, there can be side effects. Rare and usually mild side effects may include:
- Dry mouth
- Lowered blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Most dogs can tolerate CBD oil but it’s important to monitor your dog for any changes in behaviour, appetite or overall wellbeing after introducing CBD oil into their routine.
As with any new supplement, start with a low dose and gradually increase over time to minimise the risk of side effects.
If your dog has any adverse reaction to CBD oil, immediately consult with your vet to determine the best course of action.
Is CBD Legal for Dogs in the UK?
Navigating the legality of CBD oil for dogs in the UK can be confusing.
While CBD oil can be prescribed in specific circumstances, marketing and selling supplemental CBD products specifically for pets is not allowed.
Marketing authorisation is required before selling or supplying CBD products for use in animals, and currently, no CBD products have been authorised for use in animals in the UK.
It’s also technically illegal for individuals to give CBD products to dogs unless instructed to by a vet.
However, as mentioned, a vet may be able to legally prescribe a human CBD product for dogs in specific circumstances.
How to Choose the Best CBD Oils
With so many CBD products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are the best.
Choosing the best CBD oils in the UK involves understanding the differences between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate products, looking for third-party testing and avoiding red flags.
In the following sections, we’ll go into more detail on these factors to help you make an informed decision when choosing CBD oils in the UK.
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate
When choosing a CBD oil product, it’s important to understand the differences between:
- Full spectrum Cannabidiol oil: contains all cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC.
- Broad spectrum CBD oil: THC has been removed, but other cannabinoids are still present.
- CBD isolate products: only contain CBD, with all other cannabinoids removed.
This is important for pet owners as products containing THC can be toxic to dogs.
Full spectrum CBD oil may offer the most benefit for humans due to the entourage effect which is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the hemp plant.
However, either broad spectrum or CBD isolate products are the most suitable for dogs due to the traces of THC in full spectrum.
Here at BROWN’S CBD, the only CBD isolate product we sell is our transdermal cannabidiol patches, but they are unsuitable for dogs.
Third-Party Testing
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a CBD oil product is whether it’s been third-party tested.
Third-party testing is a process where an independent laboratory tests a product to confirm its contents and quality.
This testing ensures a CBD product contains the correct potency and is free from contaminants.
When choosing a CBD oil product, look for one that’s been tested by a reputable third-party lab and includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
The COA will give you detailed information about the product’s contents, potency and purity so you can make an informed decision about it for your pet.
Red Flags
It’s important to look out for red flags when choosing a Cannabidiol product for your dog.
Some common red flags include no testing, unclear ingredients and unrealistic claims about the product’s benefits.
Products that claim to heal or cure health issues should be approached with caution, as these claims may not be backed by science.
When choosing a CBD oil, make sure to read the label carefully and look for clear information about the product’s ingredients, including the source of the hemp and any additives or fillers.
Should I give CBD to my dog?
Deciding whether to give CBD oil to your dog depends on several factors including your pet’s specific needs, the legality of CBD in your area and the quality of the product you choose.
You need to weigh the benefits of CBD oil against any potential risks or side effects.
Before giving CBD oil to your dog, it’s essential to consult with your vet, who can advise you on whether CBD oil is suitable for your pet’s needs and guide you on the dosage and administration.
By working with your vet and following their guidance, you can ensure your dog gets the benefits of CBD oil while minimising the risks.
If you’re based in the UK and want your dog to experience some of the benefits of hemp legally you may want to opt for hemp seed oil instead of CBD oil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD oil has become popular for its potential health benefits for dogs, but navigating the legal landscape and choosing the right product can be tricky.
By understanding the differences between CBD oil, hemp oil and hemp seed oil, and being aware of side effects and medication interactions and choosing a high-quality third-party tested product, you can ensure their safety and well-being.
Always consult with your vet before introducing any new supplement into your dog’s routine, and remember to monitor your pet closely for any changes in behaviour or health.