CBD Oil for Dogs products have increased in recent years due to their potential health benefits for humans and our furry friends. As pet owners seek alternative ways to help their dog’s well-being, CBD oil has emerged as a topic of interest. In many cases, individuals who have had success using CBD oil decide to try it on their pet.
CBD oil for Dogs Regulations
However, the current regulations, despite numerous products targeted towards dog owners in particular, do not permit CBD products to be marketed with pets as the intended user. The Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD), a government department, has long believed that dogs do not need nutritional supplements and that CBD products marketed for animal use would be considered medicine. Therefore, any products would need medical authorisation, and currently, no CBD products in the UK have the required VMD approval. It is an expensive, time-consuming process that is unobtainable for most UK CBD brands.
Despite the regulatory position, this has not stopped many pet owners from using CBD products on their animals, and it is a growing market. Some of the brands selling these types of products are based outside the UK, and at the moment, little enforcement is being undertaken on these companies flouting the rules.
Our stance on CBD oil for Dogs
At Love CBD, we are commonly asked questions from individuals interested in, or already giving our CBD products to their pets, and whilst we cannot stop them from doing so, we always provide them with a standard reply which is that ‘we cannot advise or recommend our CBD oil for dogs’. We would love to be able to give more information and sell our products to pet owners, but unfortunately, this is not currently possible.
Because dogs and cats are mammals, we share many of the same biological functions and anatomy, and it makes sense that because we have so much in common, that what works for one, should work for the other. Both people and dogs have an endocannabinoid system and though a lot of research is needed to understand the extent and influence of this system, it is generally recognised as playing significant role in a variety of physiological functions.
Do your Research & Consult with your Vet
It is important to always do your research, and we would advise that companies blatantly breaking the rules about pet products are likely to be non-compliant in other ways, and probably are not brands that should be trusted. It is also the case that a CBD product with a dog picture on the label is probably no different to any other CBD product apart from its marketing. Just like for humans, what matters is not a pretty label, but the quality of the product contained inside the bottle.
CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs
If you still decide that you would like to give your dog CBD oil, it is important to remember that correct dosage is essential. In most cases, your dog will require a significantly lower dose of CBD oil than you.
The same principles apply with regards to the slow introduction to cannabinoids, and gradually increasing the dosage till you find a level that appears to be working. This is obviously more tricky with a dog that is unable to tell you how they are feeling, though if the dogs behaviour is different, this should be a good indicator. I have heard stories of dogs being given to strong an initial dose and being lethargic and sleepy, though this passes once the effect of the CBD has worn off.
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