Risks and Benefits of CBD and Hemp Oil for Dogs

CBD and hemp oil benefits for dogs seems to be a growing topic among pet parents. We humans love sharing things with our dogs, but just because humans use these products does that mean they’re safe for dogs?

Another question that pops up is the link between CBD, hemp and marijuana (medical or otherwise). How does each of these fit together when it comes to dog safety?

In this article PD looks at these questions to help you make educated choices. Here’s what’s in store:

Dogs and hemp oil benefits

If your dog’s fur is looking a bit shoddy or their immune system seems a bit under the weather you might have been googling dog dietary supplements. That might be what led you to this article. Hemp and related products are one of the biggest booming products on the pet market.

It’s not surprising. Hemp and CBD supplements are said to aid with anxiety, dog skin conditions and a myriad of other health conditions (more on this further on). With the trend only seeing an upward spike, more scientific research in this area is bound to produce solid answers.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.

CBD, hemp and marijuana: What’s the difference?

Before looking at the risks and benefits of hemp and CBD oil for dogs let’s take a closer look at what they’re made from. To do this we need to distinguish between CBD, hemp and marijuana (or medical marijuana).

What’s the difference? Let’s break it down:

🌿 Cannabis (medical marijuana VS recreational marijuana)

Firstly, as Jane Campion shows in the opening scenes of the Top of the Lake sequel, marijuana is both illegal and commonplace in New Zealand.

This is a plant that contains over 100 compounds called cannabinoids. One of these cannabinoids is called THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol), which is known for inducing psychotropic or mind-altering effects.

Both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana contain THC. However, only medical marijuana is legal in New Zealand and only when prescribed by a medical health professional. Although CBD and hemp oil are thought to have benefits for dogs, THC can be toxic and even fatal for them. Scroll down for more on this.

So where does cannabis feature? Cannabis and marijuana are interchangeable names for the same plant. Marijuana is the nickname for the Cannabis sativa plant.

🌿 CBD

Of the more than one hundred compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant, THC and CBD are the most well-researched. CBD oil is believed to have several therapeutic benefits for humans and dogs. However, like medical marijuana, it’s only legally available in New Zealand when prescribed by health professionals.

CBD stands for Cannabidiol and unlike THC it causes less or no psychotropic effects. CBD oil is made from extractions from the buds, leaves and stems of the plant. To meet New Zealand legal requirements CBD products can’t have more than 0.2% THC.

🌿 Hemp

Hemp is just one variety of the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s the one that’s known for having very little THC. Over the ages it’s been used to produce foods, fabric, paper, rope and many other useful items. It can even be used to make biofuel and bioplastics – not to mention the famous hemp oil!

And, apparently hemp oil provides benefits for dogs. It’s worth also mentioning that CBD oil is often made from the hemp plant because of its low THC levels.

The main difference between hemp and CBD oil is which part of the plant is used in each. Hemp oil is made from the seeds of the hemp variety of Cannabis sativa. CBD oil is made from the flowers or buds, leaves and stems of various Cannabis sativa – but usually the hemp variety.

Hemp oil benefits for dogs

Unlike medical marijuana you can legally buy hemp oil in New Zealand without a prescription. Among its alleged health benefits for dogs are fighting inflammation, weight control, and encouraging a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Hemp oil is also said to benefit anxious dogs by calming them down. If you’re looking to buy one make sure it’s free of THC and therefore safe for dogs. In New Zealand alone there are several hemp oil supplements available for dogs. Hemp Wellness, Pet and Feed My Pet are just a few available options.

Is it good to give CBD oil to dogs?

CBD oil is only legally available in New Zealand for humans and only with a medical prescription. Currently, there is no legal pathway for prescribing CBD oil to dogs in New Zealand. The only authorised human product is Sativex, which is unsuitable for dogs as it also contains THC.

Like hemp oil, the benefits of CBD oil for dogs still need to be researched. At this time, even though many pet owners and even pet professionals swear by it, the news is still pretty much anecdotal.

CBD oil is said to help reduce neuropathic pain, anxiety, nausea and potentially cancer. It’s also said to help increase appetite. However, if your dog’s lost their appetite it’s good to first understand why. Read ‘Why is my dog not eating?’ for possible answers.

CBD is also meant to help dogs with is epilepsy. The American Kennel Club is currently funding research to find out how effective CBD is for treating epilepsy in dogs.

Read more on epilepsy in Beagles and other dogs.

CBD OIL AND DOGS: SIDE EFFECTS

While CBD oil may have benefits for dogs, it can also cause diarrhea, and redness or discharge of the eyes. 

Marijuana poisoning in dogs

As we know, medical marijuana and recreational marijuana both contain THC. This cannabinoid is toxic to dogs and cats (and horses).

Lots of things affect dogs differently from the way they affect us humans. For example, avocadoes and grapes can be toxic to them. So can xylitol – read about xylitol toxicity in dogs to understand why it can be fatal. The same goes for marijuana.

Doggy receptors at play

Dogs have more CB1 receptors in their brains than we humans do. These receptors in the central nervous system are responsible for creating a feeling of being “high”. As a result, THC has a much greater effect on dogs than it does on humans. Depending on the quantity of marijuana and the size of a dog the effect can be lethal.

Inhaling smoke can have negative effects on dogs, but these are unlikely to be anywhere near as strong as ingestion. Dogs taste test many things that smell interesting and can accidentally ingest medical / recreational marijuana they come across. Read more about accidental ingestion in dogs and why it’s so common.

Dogs that ingest THC can experience a large range of symptoms. These include loss of balance, anxiety, incontinence, hypothermia, vomiting, tremors and seizures. The most serious result can, as mentioned, be death. THC can be lethal to dogs at just 3g per kg.

TREATING DOGS FOR MARIJUANA TOXICITY

In the case of accidental ingestion take your dog to the vet right away. In the first 30 minutes following ingestion treatment may include induced vomiting and giving activated charcoal for its cleansing absorptive properties. 

After 30 minutes have passed, your vet can only provide supportive care as there's no known cure for marijuana toxicity in pets. Hopefully the quantity is not too large and the symptoms will eventually wear off.

Read more on marijuana and other poisonous plants for cats and dogs. 

Protecting your pup with award winning insurance

Remember: regardless of the potential benefits of CBD oil, only hemp oil is currently legal for dogs. Even then, there can be risks too. Ingesting too much can result in tummy upsets and more.

While you can probably treat this at home, there are a range of things our pups can ingest that can require a vet visit. Like medical or recreational marijuana, for example. But also things that are harmful to pets despite being seemingly innocuous. Perhaps that’s why accidental ingestion is a top claim for pets.

Our dogs and cats can get into all sorts of fixes and scrapes. From bit wounds and car accidents to ear infections and more. The possibilities are never ending. Not to mention all kinds of illnesses waiting to happen.

Thankfully, affordable and award winning pet insurance can help you safeguard your pets and your pocket well. Your pet’s plan can help pay for a vast array of medical costs from non-routine vet visits to X-rays and surgery. Click below to get a PD Insurance quote today.