What Is Full-Spectrum CBD for Dogs (& How Does It Work?)

Nov 10, 2023Nathan Baker

Sick and tired of asking yourself: what is full spectrum CBD for dogs (& how does it work?) Find out what you need to know!

Full-spectrum CBD has been noted to have a plethora of health benefits.

What is full-spectrum CBD? You may be wondering, aren’t CBD products only for humans?

You may be intrigued to know; this natural product is also effective for man’s best friend as well. Please continue reading for more information on full-spectrum CBD and its uses for your canine companion.

Full-Spectrum CBD

If you are familiar with CBD products, you are probably aware that all CBD products contain a level of cannabis plant extraction. This level of extraction is the CBD spectrum. 

Full-spectrum CBD should contain all original compounds derived from the cannabis plant in which the CBD was extracted. Full-spectrum CBD products are high in CBD and other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC. 

Full Spectrum CBD For Dogs

What is full-spectrum CBD for dogs? What do you need to be aware of before exploring the benefits of CBD products?

Full-spectrum CBD products that are canine-friendly should only have minimal amounts of THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid. These minimal amounts of THC should equate to less than 0.3 percent.

Full-spectrum CBD has the most beneficial properties for dogs, covering various canine conditions. However, it would help if you kept in mind that the minimal amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil will not get your pup high.

Your dog will likely experience the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the intensity of CBD or other cannabinoids when several of these compounds work together instead of individually.   

CBD Dosage Tips For Dogs

It would help if you remembered that every dog is different. Therefore, introducing your furry pal to full-spectrum CBD oil should be a gradual process.

Watch your dog closely for any potential side effects or warning signs that CBD oil may not be a good choice for him or her. 

During the initial introduction phase, ensure that your home is calm and inviting. It is important that your dog feels safe if too much CBD oil is administered. This may cause your dog to become anxious and sensitive to external stimuli such as noises or light. 

Be sure to read the label provided. The dosage for your pup will depend on how potent your product is. A syringe is helpful when administering CBD oil to your dog, as it is clearly marked for proper measurement of doses. 

You should notice your dog responding to the full-spectrum CBD oil within an hour or so. Typically any effects the CBD oil causes will wear off within 4-8 hours. 

As with anything new, give your dog time to respond. Your dog’s experience with CBD oil may take several days to identify the optimum dosage for the best results. Only give your dog CBD oil that is meant for pet consumption. 

Be sure to check with your vet if your dog is currently taking any other medications or supplements. This is extremely important to make sure there are no negative medication interactions with full-spectrum CBD oil. 

Possible Side Effects

Although there is no official study on how CBD oil affects our furry friends, there are known side effects on how CBD affects humans. You should consider these and ensure following dosage instructions. 

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Low blood pressure 

Scientists know that cannabinoids react with certain receptors in the nervous system, encouraging the body to remain in a healthy state.  

Potential Warning Signs Of Overdose

As with any medication or supplement, you need to be aware of the warning signs of marijuana toxicity. If you are purchasing your pets CBD products from a reputable source, this likely will not be an issue. However, knowledge is power. 

If you suspect that your dog may have marijuana toxicity, here are a few warning signs to look out for. 

  • Abnormality in breathing
  • Sudden barking or whining
  • Loss of balance
  • Erratic movements or hyperactivity
  • Lethargic or depressed behavior

Always be honest with your veterinarian about any products, supplements, or medications you give your dog.

Regardless of CBD oil or marijuana is legal where you live, it is important to communicate this information so your vet can provide the appropriate treatment. In addition, a THC/marijuana overdose can be a scary experience for your dog, so it is important to follow dosage directions as instructions.

Always, always purchase any CBD products for your dog or yourself from a knowledgeable, reputable source.

Health Benefits For Dogs

Limited scientific studies have been done on the effects of full-spectrum CBD on canines. However, you can rest assured that the anecdotal evidence from fellow canine owners speaks for itself. 

Dog owners report full-spectrum CBD providing their beloved pooches relief from pain and, in particular neuropathic pain. CBD for dogs has also shown the ability to aid in controlling seizures. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, full-spectrum CBD may also provide your pup anxiety relief. 

A few other health benefits dog owners suggest includes:

  • Appetite stimulation
  • Potential anti-cancer benefits
  • Cardiac benefits
  • Anti-nausea effects

CBD Products

Full-spectrum CBD is available in several forms, full-spectrum CBD oil, full-spectrum CBD gummies, full-spectrum CBD tincture and full-spectrum CBD  distillate. 

According to dog parents, the most popular method of administering full-spectrum CBD oil is under the tongue. A few helpful tips to give fido CBD oil are, mixing the full-spectrum CBD oil with dog food. You may also try applying CBD oil to your pup’s favorite treat, allowing it to absorb. 

Other pet parents suggest carefully placing the CBD drops directly in your dog’s mouth and lightly holding your pup’s snout shut for a few seconds. 

Things To Consider

Before you rush off and give your pooch full-spectrum CBD oil, there are a few things you should consider. Be sure to talk with your dog’s veterinarian first to determine if he or she is a good candidate for CBD products. 

Remember to keep in mind, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD. Therefore no official dosing chart has been issued for human or canine use.

If you give your dog full-spectrum CBD oil for the first time, the general rule is to give small amounts first and closely monitor how your furry friend reacts. 

The Importance Of Shopping Organic

It is important to take your time and educate yourself on the basics of CBD products then. Then, if you want to ensure the safest products possible for your beloved canine, shop organic.

Organic products will provide you peace of mind knowing that you are limiting the environmental impact. For example, by buying organic full-spectrum CBD, you can make sure you aren’t giving your dog any harmful toxins or harmful chemicals. 

A reputable manufacturer of full-spectrum CBD and other CBD products should provide a certificate of analysis that provides the full description of  CBD used in their product. This description should give you consumer-specific details, such as the amount of CBD in the product. 

Giving Back To The Community

Most of us purchase products giving little thought as to where our money goes. Unlike big corporations, find a business that cares about their products’ quality and gives back to the community.

You can take a sense of pride in purchasing higher quality authentic full-spectrum CBD oil for your dog that will benefit other animals as well.

Not All CBD Products Are Equal 

On your journey exploring potential CBD products such as full-spectrum CBD gummies, full-spectrum CBD distillate, or full-spectrum CBD tincture, you may find yourself overwhelmed at the number of manufacturers and brands that exist.  

CBD oil from one company will not necessarily be the same as CBD oil purchased from a different company. This is because several steps are taken during the extracting and manufacturing process for CBD products. 

The extraction method used, parameters used, and the purification process is three significant steps in developing CBD products. Be sure to do your research, find a reputable company with experience in hemp extraction.

Beginning Your CBD Journey With Your Dog

The world of CBD oils, gummies, distillate, and tinctures can be confusing. The various CBD terms are probably whirling around inside your head. As a result, you may be unsure of where to turn in finding the best full-spectrum CBD for your four-legged friend. 

Remember, do your research. Your dog’s health and happiness are the top priority.

Find a company that stands behind its brand and products. Then, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Click here to check out our products, and for additional information on full-spectrum CBD and the positive impact it can have on your dog’s life.

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