There’s no doubt CBD oil is increasing in popularity. It’s commonly used as a natural health supplement to support everyday living and even helps alleviate inflammation, anxiety, chronic pain, and numerous medical conditions. But can you use CBD oil for dogs and pets?
Humans have something called an endocannabinoid system that helps them regulate key bodily functions. These naturally produced chemicals are very similar to the cannabinoids you might be more familiar with. This is why we use CBD to supplement the body.
But the endocannabinoid system isn’t unique to just us. Dogs are also blessed with this incredible working system. A dog’s ability to support cannabinoids in the body means that CBD oils can play a large part in a dog’s life.
In this article, we will look at our favourite CBD oil for pets in South Africa from the top suppliers. We’ve included several products to ensure all pet owners can find one that suits their dog’s needs and requirements.
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Uses of CBD for Dogs
The primary purpose of CBD use on dogs is to manage pain, given CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory properties. As CBD has only recently gained traction, there is still limited evidence in human clinical trials — let alone studies that focus on the effects in animals. Fortunately, some studies show promising results.
In a study conducted in 2018, researchers set out to determine whether the cannabinoids found in many CBD oils had any positive effects on dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. The results showed that up to 80% of dogs showed improved mobility and reduced pain — tested by veterinary persons.
CBD oil has been praised among veterinary experts as a useful, non-toxic therapy for many conditions. These conditions include arthritis, seizures, anxiety, muscle pain, and even cancer. Research about CBD oil for dogs with cancer in South Africa is still in its infancy but used alongside cancer medications, it has been proven very helpful.
As a result of inbreeding, which is common among pedigree dogs, many dogs suffer from intervertebral disc disease. This causes pain and discomfort in a dog’s spinal column. A decline in your dog’s age can also lead to chronic pain and other health-related issues.
CBD oil can assist with treating these pains, along with osteoarthritis, weight-related issues, nutrient deficiencies, and general energy levels.
How to Safely Use CBD Dog Supplements in South Africa
A recent study shows that dogs treated with pure CBD oils tolerated the oil formulations better than those that contained THC. While humans may enjoy the effects of THC, there is no way of knowing for sure how your dog will react to these psychoactive effects.
It is natural to be inquisitive and even hesitant to start using cannabis oil for dogs at home — especially if you still have a young pet. But CBD oil for pets in South Africa has come a long way. Now, you can aid your pet’s ailments with pure grade CBD oil or cannabis treats.
Of course, you should look at the instructions and dosages printed on the product, but what if you’ve made your own CBD oil at home? In that case, the rule of thumb would be to start with 2 mg per every 10 lbs your pet weighs. Take time in between dosages to see how they react before upping the dosage.
The Best CBD Oil for Dogs in South Africa
Before opting for CBD on your pet, you should speak directly to your trusted vet to determine whether it is in your dog’s best interest. The products mentioned in this article don’t contain any THC and are considered safe for continuous, everyday use. Depending on your dog, the oils below can be placed directly on their tongue, their favourite snack or in their meals each morning or evening.
Wondering where to buy CBD oil for dogs? Below are some of the best options in South Africa.
1. Cannabuddy 300mg – Broad Spectrum CBD Oil For Dogs
Cannabuddy offers a broad-spectrum CBD oil for dogs. This cannabis oil is designed to help communicate within our dog’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, which connect to the central nervous system and the immune system.
This helps with your dog’s daily well-being, as it’s a great supplement that assists with anxiety, fear, and inflammation. It also aids digestion, irregular bowel movements, healthy skin, and a shiny coat.
Cannabuddy has a great CBD dosage guide for pets to help build up CBD in our pet system and monitor their progress while taking the medication.
Dosage:
- 300 mg broad-spectrum CBD
- 30ml
- Less than 0,001% THC
- 1 mg per drop
- Less than R1 per mg of CBD
- Do not exceed 20 mg of CBD oil daily
2. Elixinol Calm Dog Chews
If you’re looking for a good introductory canine CBD therapy, the Elixinol Calm Dog Chews are a great place to start. It’s actually a new product in their CBD oil for dogs line. Its peanut butter flavour helps disguise its taste, making it an excellent way to microdose your pup with its calming effects.
These chews go the extra mile by including 25 mg chamomile and 25 mg Tryptophan. As we know, chamomile is a natural sleeping aid, but it also has anti-inflammatory and anxiety properties. Tryptophan, on the other hand, provides natural melatonin and serotonin to your pet.
This unique blend of natural calming ingredients is a great way to soothe an anxious or stressed dog. Simply serve it with their daily food portion to harvest its fantastic effects.
Dosage:
- 300 mg full-spectrum CBD
- 30 gelatin-based chews
- Less than 0,001% THC
- 10 mg CBD per chew
- Do not exceed 3 chews daily
3. Elixinol Everyday Dog Drops
Elixinol Everyday Dog Drops is a wonderful way to medicate your canine in a more controlled way. This blend is a tasty bacon flavour to help make it more digestible whether you plan to add it to their kibble, treats, or directly in their mouth.
The oil relies on the “entourage effect” by blending hemp and CBD oil. This allows the effects to last a bit longer and have a deeper feeling — which is especially helpful if you’re using it for your dog’s anxiety or stress relief.
The dosage depends on your pet’s size, with the smallest dosage being 0.5 ml and the biggest 1.5 ml. Regardless of your pet’s size, we recommend you start small and increase the dose to the recommended amount as your pet gets more used to the product.
Dosage:
- 500 mg broad-spectrum CBD
- 30ml
- 16 mg/1ml per drop
- Bacon-flavoured
- Do not exceed 1.5ml of CBD oil daily
4. Taste of Cannabis Pets CBD Isolate Oil
The Taste of Cannabis Pets CBD Isolate Oil comes in a convenient spray bottle, which allows you to easily spritz it on your pet’s food or in their mouth. The spray strengthens joints and immunity, making it a good supplement for active pets. It is also great for digestion, anxiety, and stress issues, making it an excellent product for your pet’s overall health.
Because the oil is an isolate, it has less chance of making your pet sleepy or tired. It also contains no other cannabinoids and flavours so you can add them to your pet’s treats without detection.
How many sprays you give your pet depends on their size. Overall, the maximum number of sprays you should give your dog is 11 sprays throughout the day.
Dosage:
- 300 mg isolated CBD
- 30ml
- Less than 0,001% THC
- 6 mg per spray
- Do not exceed 11 sprays of CBD oil daily
5. Taste of Cannabis CBD Dog Treats
Taste of Cannabis CBD Dog Treats might be the best dog CBD treats in South Africa for fussy eaters. These biscuits contain only natural and pet-safe ingredients like peanut butter, eggs, grapeseed oil, oats, and cinnamon. So, it’s not only great for their teeth and bodies but is also quite tasty.
With 5 mg isolated CBD per treat, these biscuits help relieve anxiety, digestion problems, inflammation, and joint problems within 30 minutes. If you have a small pup, ensure you only treat them with one biscuit per day, while large dogs can enjoy up to two biscuits. We recommend you start by halving the treats at first so your pet’s tolerance to CBD builds gradually before giving the full dose.
Dosage:
- 100 mg CBD isolate
- 20 biscuits
- Less than 0,001% THC
- 5 mg per biscuit
- Do not exceed 2 biscuits daily
Final Thoughts on the Best Dog CBD Oils in South Africa
When it comes to CBD for dogs, South Africa has quite a variety. Dogs, like humans, can be sensitive to stimuli, so it is essential to use supplements that cater to your pets’ needs. You can do this by using products certified by veterinary professionals and sold through reputable sources.
CBD is an excellent supplement to promote your dog’s overall well-being. Pure CBD oil has the potential to ease symptoms caused by various health conditions and ailments, such as anxiety and stress. It’s also been shown to positively affect a dog’s skin, coat, and optimal health.
Next Read: While this post covers all things pets, we’ve got a world of articles dedicated to the use of CBD by humans. If you’re interested in using CBD for yourself, check out our CBD dosage guide.
