As a pet owner, you often want to treat your dog the same way as other members of your family. You are concerned about its wellness and can easily go the extra mile to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy. You must have heard about the benefits of CBD oils for dogs or even encountered the product at your local pharmacy shelves or online.
You may be wondering whether your CBD oil can help your dog and any difference with CBD for pets. Remember that your dog may be your friend and a family to you, but several biological aspects separate humans and animals. Here, we help you discover whether human CBD oil is safe for your furry friend, how the product can help your dog, and what precautions to consider. Read on to know the difference between CBD oil designed for humans and pets.
Article Summary
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is the short form for cannabidiol. It’s a variant of a chemical family compounds called cannabinoids, and a common remedy for human complications, including:
- Chronic Pains
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Loss of Appetite
- Seizures
- Joint Pains
- Nausea
- Stress
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Cancer Symptoms
Due to CBD oil’s success in relieving humans from different complications, much research is ongoing to reveal whether the product can be helpful to animals. Results from the studies conducted on dogs showed that the product is quite tolerant of canines. Similarly, it revealed that CBD brought the same relaxation effects it caused on humans to dogs.
How Does CBD Oil Function?
The body realizes the wellness-promoting properties of CBD oils depending on how the product interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS, according to health experts, is one of the most crucial physiological structures involved in establishing and preserving human health.
The cannabinoids and endocannabinoids receptors are present in the entire body of every animal and function as the bridge between the mind and body. Additionally, all animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates—except the sea sponge—have an ECS.
Is CBD Oil Safe For Dogs?
CBD oil is usually considered safe for use in both humans and pets. A scientific report that appeared in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, focusing on the potentially severe effects of admitting CBD oil to 30 healthy beagles, revealed positive results. It discovered that the dogs were commendably tolerant to the product.
However, a few clinically significant side effects of CBD oil in dogs, like increased ALP levels and diarrhea, are still worth noting and warrant further discussions and research. (ALP is an alkaline phosphate protein present in all body tissues).
As a result, CBD oil may be safe for dogs, but high dosages can lead to serious side effects, especially in smaller canines. For instance, humans can mistakenly consume ten times the recommended dosage without experiencing any adverse side effects. However, such CBD dosage can lead to complications or even fatalities in dogs.
Additionally, CBD oils utilize an enzyme in the liver. Thus, consider lower dosages when giving CBD oil to dogs having any liver complications or impaired function.
Can Dogs Take CBD Oil Formulated for Humans?
A concern for many dog owners, especially those on CBD therapies, is whether to give their portion to their pets. CBD oils may be safe for dogs, but the product comes in different brands, concentrations, and forms that your dog may not tolerate. As a result, CBD meant for humans may be harmful to your dog.
The FDA puts a restriction on companies manufacturing CBD for both humans and dogs (1). According to the regulations, the manufacturers have to do different labeling and packaging on both human and pet CBD oil. It’s therefore much safer for your dog to take pet CBD oil than administering a product designed for humans.
However, you may give your dog the human formulation as long as you take precautions about the product’s quality and labeling. Dosing plays a significant role in administering this product to dogs, and it’s what draws the line on safety. Therefore, it’s much safer to give your pet CBD oil packaged for dogs rather than that meant for humans since it’s specifically produced, packaged, and labeled for pets.
Can Humans Take Pet CBD Oil?
Most CBD products are human-grade. As a result, there’s likely not problem if humans take pet CBD oil, but you’re probably better off going with a product labeled for human consumption. Watch out to ensure that a reputable company manufactures the product, is human-grade, and unadulterated.
What Is The Difference Between Human CBD Oils and The CBD Oil For Dogs?
Health experts have established that the human CBD is almost the same as that formulated for dogs (2). The significant difference between this product and CBD for dogs is the product’s milligram content and flavors. In most cases, there are no major causes for alarm if humans take pet CBD oil, though on strict precautions. Similarly, dogs may also take CBD meant for humans under the strict observance of a veterinarian.
Factors That Differentiate Between CBD for Dogs and Human
There is no difference in the quality of the oils present in CBD for dogs and humans. However, the products come in different brands and packaging that may draw a line on safety for dogs. Here are some factors that you may want to consider.
CBD Concentration
The first difference between the two products is concentration. CBD oils are a compilation of different extracts of cannabis plants alongside other specific natural elements. You can divide the product into two major categories depending on the concentration of extracts.
The full-spectrum CBD is a combination of cannabis extracts plus a given percentage of the THC compound. The next category is the broad spectrum CBD. It’s made by almost the same cannabis extracts and natural elements but is vastly THC-free.
CBD oil for animals mainly falls under the broad-spectrum category. THC, a significant element that causes humans to get high, can be relatively intoxicating to animals. As a result, it’s often excluded, as much as possible, in animal CBD.
The THC-free is more tolerant and delivers the expected results on the dogs’ systems, while a significant proportion of the THC compound can be harmful to your canine.
CBD Flavors
Many people applaud CBD oils due to their relaxation benefits. It’s an excellent choice to relieve your dog of insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite, and chronic pains. However, most dogs are intolerant to the typical flavors used in CBD oil formulated for humans.
On the other hand, humans are more attracted to fruity flavors. Thus, most CBD products formulated for human use come flavored with fruity savors such as lemons, blueberry, pineapples, etc.
Consequently, some companies may include special flavoring to appease the taste of your dog. Bacon is one of the most common flavors in the best CBD oils for dogs. They may also add cod liver oil to induce the extra effect.
THC Effects on CBD
THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the chief psychoactive components in Marijuana. It has a dominant effect in the production of all CBD products, including vape and oil. Similarly, THC is the propelling influencer that induces ecstasy and causes people to feel high after using the products.
Most CBD products typically contain 0.3% or lower traces of the THC compound, and humans can choose the full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oils to cure their symptoms. What works well for your symptoms may depend on your subjective preferences.
However, several pieces of research have proved that the presence of THC traces in CBD oils can be highly toxic to pets. The oil serves the same purpose in both animals and humans, but the ECS of pets functions significantly differentl from animals. Therefore, the portion acceptable in their dosages differs too. And that’s what makes human-grade CBD highly risky for use in dogs.
CBD Dosage for Dogs and Humans
The recommended CBD oil dosage for dogs is significantly different the recommendation for humans, with the dosage and pricing for animals is typically being much lower than that of humans.
The human system requires a higher portion of CBD to function correctly and cause the necessary effects. For instance, dogs can realize the intended results by consuming 2-3 drops of the product, which is relatively low for humans.
Apart from dosage, the product also comes in varying types and brands. Each CBD brand comes with a unique description for dosage, making it challenging to decide on what will be perfect for your furry friend. As a result, using the CBD designed for humans on your dog may be life-threatening to them.
You may also want to consult with your veterinarian for CBD dosages to avoid making mistakes or risking the life of your pup.
Legalization
The law is a significant concern for CBD for dogs and humans. Several states have restrictions on the use and sale of CBD products. Similarly, the FDA puts a cap on the labeling and packaging of CBD products, demanding that manufacturers name them differently.
The packaging and labeling show a detailed set of instructions for the use of the products, making it easy to decide which product to use on your pet. However, most companies do false labeling on their CBD products. A study conducted in November 2017 on 84 CBD products taken from 31 different companies revealed that only 30.95% of the products were labeled accurately.
Thus, you may need to do thorough research on the safety and reliability of the product you’re purchasing. Consider a product that follows FDA standards and includes examination from a third-party testing lab.
Similarly, ensure the label includes information such as the amount of CBD per dosage, net weight, name of manufacturer or distributor, complete ingredients, date or batch code, and suggested use. Vets also recommend buying full-spectrum CBD oil since it has no additives other than the carrier oil.
CBD Intoxication for Dogs
CBD is generally considered safe for dogs. However, it may cause severe side effects on dogs due to overdosing. Small dogs are more at risk of suffering the effects of the products. As a result, it’s important to know how to give CBD to your dog and ensure that they receive the proper dosage – particularly if you want to make your own CBD oil dog treats.
Similarly, the human formulation is typically more potent for dogs and can cause effects even at lower dosages. As a result, it’s essential to keep the product safe and away from your dog to avoid possible complications and accidents.
The significant side effect of CBD on dogs is loose stool, and a rise in ALP. Treatment may not be necessary to combat the side effects as they will most probably disappear after some time.
However, you may need to consult with your veterinarian if the dog consumed a higher portion of the drug. Some of the possible severe effects of the product include increased thirst, drowsiness, light-headedness, and lower blood pressure.
Animals typically have a lower tolerance of the product and may suffer from CBD intoxication. Some of the signs you may look out for CBD intoxication in dogs include:
- Ataxia
- Dribbling Urine
- Glazed or Dilated Eyes
- Dull Mental Functioning
- Vomiting
- Slow or Rapid Heart Rate
In some cases, the dog may demonstrate stupor or get agitated. In more severe cases, CBD intoxication may cause seizures, coma, or death in higher dosages.
While most of the product’s side effects on dogs do not require treatment, consider medicating your dog on the symptoms, mainly if a gastrointestinal upset occurs.
FAQ
Can I Use Human CBD Oil on Dogs?
The short answer to whether you can give human CBD to a dog is a no. Human CBD is typically more potent than the concentration dogs require. Similarly, human CBD oils may contain THC and other flavors, which may be toxic to dogs.
However, the oil content on the human CBD doesn’t vary from what the pet CBD oil contains. You may consider talking to your veterinarian concerning concentration and dosage before administering.
What is the Difference between CBD Oil for Humans and CBD for Dogs?
There’s no significant difference between CBD oil for dogs and that formulated for humans. However, the disparity in the human and animals’ genetic systems makes their consumption needs different. As a result, the central line between what’s perfect for dogs and humans is majorly dosage since pets require lower doses. Similarly, the flavors may differ, as the fruity tastes typical with most human CBDs may not impress the dogs.
Can Dogs Have Human CBD Oil for Pain?
It’s safer not to give human CBD oil to your dog due to the typical differences. Instead, use the pet formulation of the product since it contains the right CBD content for dogs and comes in flavors that will impress your four-legged friend.
Can CBD Oil Kill a Dog?
Several studies reveal that CBD oil is relatively tolerant to dogs. However, higher dosages may cause adverse side effects, with diarrhea as the most common complication. A very high dosage of CBD on your dog may lead to intoxication. At this stage, your pup may experience more adverse side effects, including coma and death.
