Can Dogs Be Allergic to CBD or Hemp?

Debating whether to join the millions of people who give their dogs CBD? While the vast majority of dogs can enjoy CBD with no significant side effects, as with anything, allergic reactions are possible.

Read on for the science behind CBD allergies.

Key Takeaways

CBD is generally well tolerated by dogs, including with long-term use.
It can provide plenty of potential health benefits, from enhancing the immune response to providing support for seasonal allergies.
Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as sleepiness or loose stool.
However, like any supplement, there's a slight chance that your pup is allergic to CBD.
It's important to start with a small dose, stick to the recommended dosage, and carefully monitor your pup to see how they react to CBD.
Always use high-quality products that were specifically made for dogs, as alternatives can contain contaminants or extra ingredients that can be toxic to dogs.

Understanding Pet CBD Products

Over the past few years, CBD has become one of the most popular pet supplements available.

One study found that over 7% of companion dogs in the US have been given hemp products.¹ Another survey put that figure at 29%.²

Either way, millions of pet parents have already given their dogs pet CBD products, and that number is increasing rapidly.³

Already, pet owners can choose from a wide variety of high-quality products. There's pet CBD oil, like this Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract. There are also Calming CBD Treats that come in all kinds of flavors, as well as topical creams and Balms.

Each of these pet CBD products has different purposes and uses. But they all share two key features.

First, they are all derived from the hemp plant. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many compounds produced by the hemp plant. It has various potential health benefits for both humans and dogs.

Second, these products were all created specifically for dogs. It's important for us pet owners to only give our furry friends products made with them in mind. CBD products made for humans can be unsafe for dogs.

Are Hemp Products Safe For Dogs?

That's not because of the CBD itself. Actually, research shows that CBD is well-tolerated by dogs in both the short- and long-term.

For example, in one 2023 study, a group of healthy dogs was given 5mg of CBD per kg of body weight, and another group 10mg of CBD per kg every day for 9 months. Both groups of dogs tolerated the CBD well.⁴

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Potential Side Effects of CBD

CBD is generally safe for dogs, but like many supplements, it can potentially cause mild side effects. If you've ever tried CBD supplements yourself, you might recognize some of them.

Dry Mouth

Research has found that CBD can sometimes cause the body to produce less saliva. In humans, this often manifests as dry mouth.

It's hard to know if your dog has a dry mouth. After all, it's not like they can tell you. But you might notice your dog is a little thirstier than normal.⁵

Just make sure to provide your dog with a source of clean, fresh water. Try to clean their water bowl daily and replace the water as needed. While dogs are famous for drinking dirty water (plenty of pet parents have to pull their pups away from dirty puddles), some dogs will refuse to drink water that isn't fresh.⁶

Sleepiness

As we'll discuss, one of CBD's main potential benefits is its ability to promote relaxation. But that can also manifest as making your dog a little more sleepy than usual.⁷

Appetite

Similarly, CBD is often used to support gut health. Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is intimately connected to the digestive system and brain. As such, CBD may affect your dog's appetite.⁸

Other Pet Supplements like Bovine Colostrum can help support gut health, too.

Watching for Potential Adverse Effects When Administering CBD

Many dog owners give their furry friends CBD without witnessing any side effects. As with any supplement, it's important to pay attention to how your dog responds to CBD.

Remember, every dog is different. As a pet parent, you know your pup best, so are best placed to notice how CBD may be affecting them.

Calculating the Right Dosage of CBD

How a dog might react to CBD depends on many things. These factors include a dog's size, weight, and tolerance for CBD.

As such, dosage recommendations are usually calculated based on weight. For example, we recommend giving your dog one of our Pumpkin Hemp Hearts per 20lbs of body weight. Each chew contains 4mg of CBD.

Always make sure to follow dosage guidelines. It's a good idea to start small and increase the dose gradually if necessary, while always staying within the guidelines.

Bonus: Is It Okay to Give My Dog Calming Treats Everyday?

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Potential Health Benefits of CBD Oil

As we discussed, CBD is generally well-tolerated by most dogs. Actually, it's a lot more than just "tolerated."

CBD is so widely used because it offers numerous potential health benefits.

For example, studies show that CBD can support the immune system and enhance the immune response.⁹ Research also shows that CBD can promote relaxation and maintain calmness.¹⁰

Studies have also found that CBD can support skin health and provide support for seasonal allergies.¹¹ Many dog owners give their pups CBD products like Paw & Skin Balm for these exact reasons.¹²

Types of Dog Allergies

Hold on. CBD can provide support for seasonal allergies. But can it cause allergic reactions, too?

To understand why that might be the case, it's important to distinguish between different types of allergies.

Seasonal allergies are caused by things in the environment. Both humans and dogs can experience them. Pollen is one typical allergen that might trigger seasonal allergies.¹³

They're different from other allergies, like allergies to food, chemicals, or CBD.¹⁴

CBD Allergies and Hemp Allergies

As we've repeatedly said, research shows that most dogs can take CBD with few (if any) side effects. However, like many things, CBD in very rare cases can cause allergic reactions.¹⁵

That's why it's so important to start with a small dose of CBD and keep a close eye on your dog. Pay careful attention to how they respond to the CBD, especially at first.

Common signs of an allergic reaction in dogs include itching, redness, sneezing, and swelling. In serious cases, adverse effects are more severe. If you think your dog is showing signs of an allergic reaction, take them to the vet immediately.

High-Quality Cannabis Extract

In some cases, an allergic reaction might not be because of CBD at all. Low-quality CBD products may contain contaminants, which could be responsible for a potential adverse reaction.¹⁶

That's why it's so important to stick to high-quality pet CBD products from reputable manufacturers. One thing to look for is whether a manufacturer tests their products with a third-party laboratory.

Another thing to check is the ingredients themselves. For example, we use organic hemp plants grown with absolutely no pesticides.

Made For Dogs, Not Humans

CBD products made for humans often contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. For example, many CBD gummies for humans contain xylitol, which is very bad for dogs.¹⁷ Some CBD gummies for humans may contain high concentrations of THC, which can also be toxic for dogs.¹⁸

What you might think is an allergic reaction could, in fact, be a reaction to an ingredient like this. That's why it's crucial to only ever give your pup products that were specifically designed for dogs.

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Conclusion

CBD is widely used to provide a number of potential health benefits in dogs. It can support the immune system and gut health, can help keep your pup calm and relaxed, and can provide support for seasonal allergies. Research shows that it is generally well tolerated in dogs, even at doses higher than normally recommended.

That said, like any supplement, there is a chance your dog could be allergic to CBD. That's why it's so important to start small and monitor them carefully. If you're worried, you could also consult your veterinarian before administering CBD for the first time.

Keep Reading: Can Cats Have Colostrum? Benefits, Uses, & More

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Have a Reaction to CBD?

Multiple studies have found that dogs generally tolerate CBD without any significant adverse effects, even at high doses and in the long-term. In fact, research shows that CBD can provide various potential health benefits.

That said, every dog is different. While adverse reactions to CBD are rare, they are possible.

The more common side effects of CBD are quite mild. They include sleepiness, increased thirst, changes in appetite, and loose stool.

More serious side effects are extremely rare. But they are a possibility. That's why it's important to stick with high-quality, pet-specific products, to start with a small dose, and to carefully watch your dog to see how it reacts to its new supplement.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Hemp?

Hemp allergy in dogs is rare, but it does happen. Symptoms are usually similar to any other allergy: itching, upset stomach, and sneezing are some of the most common.¹⁹

What Happens if a Dog Has Too Much CBD?

It's crucial to follow the dosage recommendations provided by your pet CBD product. However, mistakes happen.

The good news is that studies have found that CBD is generally safe for dogs, even at unusually high levels.²⁰ The bad news is that too much CBD can cause the adverse effects we mentioned earlier, including sleepiness and upset stomach.

However, remember that certain low-quality or made-for-human CBD products can contain other ingredients that may be toxic to dogs, especially in high quantities. Therefore, if you're worried about your furry friend, consult your vet or call an animal poison hotline.

Sources

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to CBD or Hemp?

Key Takeaways

Understanding Pet CBD Products

Are Hemp Products Safe For Dogs?