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 UK regulations
However, the current UK 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.
It is also true that dogs suffer from many of the same age related health issues that humans have to love with and often why people try CBD products, often with great success. Therefore, it stands to reason that your dog, could potentially feel similar health benefits that you experience when using CBD oils.
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 and ask 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 for dogs dosage
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.
It is important to start your pet on a low dose, and 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. This would be a clear indication that the dose was too strong and that you need either a weaker product or reduce the amount that you giving to the dog significantly.
Best CBD oil for dogs UK
Despite some UK CBD brands selling and marketing their products as being the ‘best CBD oil for for dogs’, the regulations governing the sale of CBD oil for dogs in the UK is not permitted.
It is also true that the best CBD oil for dogs doesn’t depend on a product label, or dog related marketing. In reality, the best CBD oil for dogs is going to be the same as the best CBD oil for humans. The same considerations apply if you choose to buy CBD oil for a dog, including in date, UKAS accredited certificates of analysis (COA’s).
Whether the CBD brand has a good reputation and customer reviews, whether their CBD oils are included on the FSA’s list of approved CBD products. Ensuring that the products do not contain additional ingredients including flavourings.
Buying products manufactured in the UK are often a safer option due to the regulations that may not be as stringent in other countries. who may permit the marketing of CBD to dogs.
Hemp oil vs CBD oil for dogs
Hemp oil is generally considered to be hemp seed oil, which is produced by pressing hemp seeds. It is widely available to buy in the UK and is considered an excellent source of nutrition for us and our pets. CBD oil on the other hand is an extract of hemp derived from the flowers of the hemp plant and extracted using number of extraction processes including CO2, or by using a food grade alcohol. A high quality alcohol extracted product will contain no residual alcohol in the product and manufacturers should have testing data to prove it.
The majority of the UK CBD products use an alcohol method. CO2 options are generally unable to remove enough of the controlled substances found within the plant to produce a legally compliant product. Whether the CBD product contains THC or other controlled cannabinoids is an important consideration when buying CBD oil for dogs, and why it is important to check the companies COA for any product you are intending to buy.
Hemp dog treats
Whilst CBD oil for dogs in the UK is not permitted by the VMD, hemp products, like hemp dog treats, are widely available to buy and give to your dog. Hemp is highly nutritious and contains high levels of protein which are an essential part of any dogs diet.
Hemp is also one of the few plants that as well as containing Omega 3 essential fatty acids also contains omega 6 and omega 9. Unlike cod liver oil or other fish oils, hemp has an ideal ratio of omega 3 and 6, as too much omega 3 on it’s own (as found in code liver oil) is generally considered to be less optimal to your animals health. Hemp also contains minerals and vitamins including Zinc, Potassium, Iron and Vitamin E and various B Vitamins. Hemp is also full of fibre, which helps with digestion and gut health.
Although hemp dog treats may not contain large quantities of cannabinoids which are present within CBD oils, they contain a variety of healthy cannabis compound including traces of cannabinoids.
Hemp really is a superfood containing many healthy compounds which are essential for the health and wellbeing of your dog.
Hemp dog treats can also make a great training tool to both encourage your pet or teach them skills like recall, to be more obedient, or simply to improve their general behaviour when they are off their lead.
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