Are you looking to start your dog on a CBD regimen? Well, you’re definitely not the only
one. As an influx of data displays the
ways in which cannabidiol affects canines, it’s becoming increasingly common to
administer dogs CBD as part of their daily routine. And, nowadays, the pet CBD industry is
booming, offering a massive array of products to pet owners looking for a
natural and holistic product for dogs.
The Importance of Speaking to a Vet Prior to Starting Your Pup on a Hemp
Routine
Before we begin, we want to stress the importance of
speaking to your vet before you give your dog CBD. For one thing, there are so many different
ways to give your dog CBD these days, in terms of the delivery method, potency
level, etc. The last thing that you want
to do is waste money on a CBD routine that isn’t actually suited for them.
More importantly, every dog’s body and situation is
unique, which means that CBD does not affect every canine in the same exact
manner. Your veterinarian might be able
to discuss with you the different methods in which you must modify your routine
to ensure that your dog is following a regimen that’s healthy and safe for
them.
Question #1: Do Any Other Dogs You See Take CBD?
It goes without saying that the more experience your
vet has with giving dogs CBD, the more likely they are to help you come up with
a solid routine that can deliver the best possible results. So, ask them if any of their other canine
patients are taking CBD, and if the CBD has been successful thus far. Remember, even if a veterinarian has never
had personal experience with administering CBD to a patient before, it doesn’t
mean that you should dump that vet altogether, as they may have studied hemp
enough to understand how it works and how to use it.
Question #2: Do You Have an Understanding of What CBD Is and How It
Works?
It’s also good to know if your vet has a decent
understanding of CBD, in terms of its properties, how it can be taken, its
effects and so on. Ask them if they’ve
read the clinical studies relating to CBD’s effects on dogs specifically. You can even ask them if they’ve taken CBD
themselves, as personal experience can indicate that they actually know a good
deal about it that can be applied to your dog’s routine.
Question #3: Do You Have Any Recommendations Regarding the Brand?
We suggest asking your vet if there’s a particular
brand that they recommend. Maybe they’ve
found that particular breeds respond better to a specific hemp extract used by
one company on the market.
Question #4: Do You Recommend a Specific Delivery Method?
There are a few delivery methods that you can choose
from, including tinctures, edible treats and topicals. Ask your vet if they think that one will be
more effective than the rest based on your dog’s unique situation.
Question #5: What Milligram Strength Should They Take?
Milligram strength is imperative, since it determines
the potency of each dose your pup takes.
So, ask your vet if they can recommend a milligram strength based on
your dog’s size, weight, breed and particular needs.
Question #6: What is the Best Dosing Schedule Based on Their Needs and
Body?
Ask your vet if there is a particular dosing schedule
that you should strictly adhere to, especially in the beginning. For instance, maybe your vet will think that
it’s ideal to give your dog CBD first thing in the morning, or right after
they’ve finished their dinner. Maybe
your vet will even suggest giving your dog twice the recommended dosage level
for a certain period of time.
Question #7: How Can I Know if the CBD is Working?
Of course, when you give your dog CBD, you want to see
the results. Your veterinarian may give
you an idea of how to tell whether or not the CBD is doing what you want it
to. Maybe they’ll tell you certain signs
in your dog’s behavior that indicate that the CBD is doing its job. They can also give you an idea of how long
you should wait before deciding whether or not the current regimen is in fact
working.
Question #8: Are There Any Things I Should Be Looking Out for?
Don’t forget to ask the veterinarian if there are
certain side effects that you should be looking for when starting a
routine. Your vet will likely suggest
that you monitor your dog carefully in the beginning.
Question #9: Can I Increase the Dosage Level as Needed?
After keeping your dog on a consistent CBD routine for
a certain period of time, you might feel that it’s time to up the dose because
you want stronger results. Well, it’s
smart to ask your vet ahead of time about whether or not it’s a good idea to
change the dosage level as you see fit.
They may tell you that you should wait a certain number of weeks before
making any adjustments, or they may tell you the maximum dosage amount you can
give them after a certain amount of time has elapsed.
Question #10: Can My Dog Continue Taking Their Other Daily Supplements
or Medications?
If your dog is already taking supplements or
medications before starting a CBD regimen, ask your veterinarian if it’s okay
to continue administering these as you have been, and if there is any chance of
a negative interaction. Be thorough
about what it is that you’re giving your dog each day so that your vet can give
you the most accurate information possible, and then take their suggestions
seriously.
Bottom Line: The
more information you get from a professional, the better you’ll be at
customizing your dog’s CBD routine to meet their unique needs and body.
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