Full-Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs: Good or Bad?

As a hemp-derived compound, CBD has potent therapeutic properties that could benefit both humans and their furry companions. This natural remedy is often used in an attempt to boost immunity, ease anxiety, treat chronic pain, prevent seizures, and even improve sleep disorders such as insomnia.

And just like it can promote your wellbeing, it could promote your dog’s.

However, since there are so many varieties of different CBD products, with different concentrations, strains, and additional compounds, it can be challenging to determine which type of CBD is best for Fido. You’ll often hear about CBD isolates, broad-spectrums, full-spectrums, so what’s the difference between them? Are all of them good for your pup, or should you avoid some of them? Let’s take a closer look.

Types of CBD Products for Dogs and How They Work

If you’ve used CBD before, you know that you can consume a wide variety of different CBD-infused products. Of course, there are the traditional CBD oils and tinctures, but you can also get CBD gummies and edibles, massage oils, creams, lotions, and more.

Since CBD is generally considered safe for dogs to consume, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you can share your favorite form of CBD with your four-legged best friend. However, it’s best not to do this. Many human CBD products are packed with sugars and other ingredients that could be harmful to your pooch.

So, stay on the safe side, and get a top article designed for pets. There aren’t as many different varieties of CBD products for dogs, but you can always get your hands on affordable CBD oil for dogs, CBD-infused dog treats, and even CBD-infused dog shampoo.

Regardless of how you administer this hemp-derived compound to your fur baby, it will work approximately the same way. It will enter your dog’s bloodstream and bind to the endocannabinoid receptors that are part of all mammals’ naturally-occurring endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS plays a vital part in regulating functions and processes such as appetite, sleep, mood, pain sensation, immune responses, etc.

Differences Between Full-Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate

Now, whether we’re talking about dog-specific or human-specific CBD products, you’ll always come across the terms “full-spectrum,” “broad-spectrum,” and “CBD isolate.” What does this mean, and will these different forms of cannabidiol affect your dog differently?

Well, CBD is just one type of cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant. Hemp has over a hundred different cannabinoids, including the well-known THC, and not to mention countless terpenes that give it its unique scent, and flavonoids that are responsible for the plant’s color and aroma.

If you want to give Fido CBD in its purest form, you’ll opt for a CBD isolate. This product will contain only CBD, none of the other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD oil will give your dog everything that hemp has to offer. It will include a high concentration of CBD, but it will also feature all the terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids found in the plant. This means that it will have the psychoactive THC as well.

However, this won’t get your dog high. Less than 0.3% of THC is allowed in full-spectrum CBD oil – this is a minuscule amount that will have no psychoactive effects.

Finally, there’s the broad-spectrum CBD, which contains all terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids, except for THC.

All three options should be safe for your dog, with many believing that full-spectrum is the best due to the entourage effect.

The Entourage Effect of CBD

CBD can have quite a potent therapeutic effect on its own, but many believe that it’s the most beneficial when combined with other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes from hemp. This is known as the entourage effect.

In short, the entourage effect theory suggests that all the compounds found in hemp have a synergistic effect – they work together to produce a more powerful result.

That’s why most dog-owners choose a full-spectrum CBD oil for dealing with more difficult-to-treat conditions.

If your pup needs a lighter daily dose, going for full-spectrum could be your best choice. However, if they require frequent administration of larger doses of CBD, perhaps going for broad-spectrum or isolates is in Fido’s best interest since you’ll want to avoid the possibility of them getting a bit too much THC.

Dosing CBD Oil for Dogs

As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t give your pooch more than 0.2 mg of CBD per pound of body weight. Just like humans, dogs will react differently to CBD and its doses. Their reaction depends on various factors, including their weight, age, health condition, metabolism, and simple sensitivity to CBD.

Always start with a lighter dose, monitor your dog’s reaction in the hours after CBD administration, then slowly increase the dosage as needed.

The Bottom Line

Full-spectrum CBD oil has a lot to offer to your four-legged friend, but it’s always good to be careful with it. Please consult with your vet to see whether CBD is the right choice for your pup, then work together with them to determine the right CBD product and the most suitable dose.