An ever-growing number of people are interested in the idea of CBD for pets and how it can be used as a natural supplement to help keep them feeling fit and healthy.
Most of the articles and studies that you find online and in the media focus on CBD’s benefits for pets, with very few looking at the potential side effects. There are thought to be many benefits of CBD for dogs.
CBD could be useful at managing both mental and physical health in pets. Many people choose to use CBD as more of a preventive supplement, hoping to provide their body with the cannabinoids that it needs to stay healthy.
While there are a significant number of benefits to giving your dog CBD, it is also essential to be aware of the potential adverse side effects so that you can decide the best option for your dog. Let’s have a closer look at some of the top side effects and how they could affect your dog.
#1. Dry Mouth – Excess Production of Saliva
Larger doses of CBD have been known to cause dry mouth in both humans and dogs. While humans are aware of this potential side effect and can take action to avoid it, such as drinking extra water, dogs are not able to do this.
Dry mouth in dogs can cause them to produce extra saliva, which can be uncomfortable for your dog and cause irritation. The effects of dry mouth should not last for an extended period of time, and with time your dog will get used to the effects of CBD, preventing the dry mouth from occurring.
#2. Lowering Blood Pressure
CBD can cause a decrease in blood pressure in dogs, especially when they take a large dose. A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause your dog to feel light-headed, which can be a frightening experience for them as they do not understand what is happening.
For dogs with naturally low blood pressure, the adverse effects can be a little more concerning. If you are concerned about your dog’s blood pressure, it is a good idea to speak to your vet as they will be able to recommend a safe dosage for your dog.
#3. Anxiety from Adverse Effects
Humans can understand the potential risks before taking supplements such as CBD, and therefore understand the reason behind adverse side effects if they do occur. However, dogs cannot do this and can quickly become anxious or scared when they experience adverse side effects.
It is always a good idea to start your dog with a low dose of CBD in order to see how they react and ensure that they are not experiencing fright and anxiety as a result.
#4. Conflict with Other Medication
CBD alters the way in which the body processes other medications and supplements. In the case of some medication, CBD slows down the rate at which the body can break it down.
If a human notices a particular medication does not seem to have its desired effects when taken alongside CBD, they can act upon this reaction and alter their CBD intake accordingly. However, a dog cannot communicate that something is wrong, and therefore you might not be aware that your dog’s CBD supplements are affecting their other medications.
If your dog needs to take any kind of medication, it is essential to contact your vet before giving them CBD. Your vet will be able to advise you about safe dosage – if it’s safe to use CBD at all.
#5. Mild Chance of Vomiting and Diarrhea
A common side effect for dogs when first given large doses of CBD is vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs cannot process and fully understand what is happening when first given CBD supplements, causing their body to treat it as a potential threat.
In order to expel potential threats as quickly as possible and prevent damage, your dog may experience sudden vomiting and diarrhea. Luckily, these effects are generally mild and should only last for a short period of time.
Your dog will slowly get used to small doses of CBD, and both vomiting and diarrhea will stop. If you are concerned about the effects of CBD on your dog, it is always best to stop their CBD supplements until you are able to speak to your vet and check that CBD is the right choice of supplements for your dog.
Ultimately, there are surprisingly few serious side effects when you give your dog CBD. As long as you are shopping at high quality brands like PureKana for your pet CBD, you should be completely fine giving your furry friend some CBD oil.