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CBD FOR DOGS Buyers’ Guide
How Does CBD Work In Dogs? How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog? CBD Research Checklist ... and more
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Your dog is undoubtedly a beloved member of your family, and naturally you want to keep him as healthy and happy as possible. Zebra CBD canine products provide a natural way to support your dog’s health, promote his well-being and help keep him feeling his best. But before you choose a CBD product for your dog, it’s important to understand how to identify a quality product and choose the right option for your dog. Our Buyers’ Guide is packed with information to help you in your quest.
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For All Dog Sizes
Innovative Canine Products
We kept easy dosing in mind in designing our canine CBD products so you know your fur babies are getting the proper amount.
Feel confident giving your dog third-party tested, organic hemp extract paired with complementary nutrients and functional herbs.
Manufactured in the USA
90-Day Guarantee
We work directly with American hemp farms to ensure your dog gets only the highest-quality hemp extract containing no harmful substances.
We’re so confident your dog will benefit from our canine CBD products that we’ll refund your purchase price if you’re not satisfied, no questions asked.
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Inside Our Buyers’ Guide... What Is CBD For Dogs?...................................................................................................... 5 How Does CBD Work In Dogs?.......................................................................................... 7 Factors to Consider When Buying CBD For Dogs.......................................................... 8 Is THC Safe For Dogs?......................................................................................................... 8 How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog?........................................................................... 9 Can CBD Help With Stress in Dogs?............................................................................... 10 Which Ways of Taking CBD Are Best For Your Dog?................................................... 11 Evaluate the CBD Company............................................................................................ 13 Meet Our Veterinarian Advisor...................................................................................... 13 Where Is Zebra CBD Source Hemp Grown?.................................................................. 14 Zebra CBD Quality Assurance........................................................................................ 16 What Is a Certificate of Analysis?................................................................................... 18 How Is Zebra CBD Oil Made?.......................................................................................... 20 Are the Ingredients in Zebra CBD Products Safe and Effective?............................... 21 Zebra CBD Canine Products............................................................................................ 22 Researching CBD For Dogs.............................................................................................. 24 Canine CBD Research Checklist..................................................................................... 25
Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. © 2021 Zebra CBD, 7590 Fay Ave., Ste. 202, La Jolla, CA 92037
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Cornell University research found 80% of dogs using CBD oil showed improvement in comfort and activity. – Frontiers in Veterinary Science, July 2018
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What Is CBD For Dogs? CBD, an abbreviation for cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 chemical compounds in marijuana and hemp plants that are believed to also exist in most animals, including your dog. These compounds, called phytocannabinoids (phyto meaning plant and cannabinoid meaning derived from the cannabis plant), work so well because they mimic naturally produced compounds called endocannabinoids (endo meaning internal, or inside the body). Endocannabinoids maintain stability and health — keeping your dog’s body in balance. When your dog’s system is out of whack, they go to work.
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“CBD-rich hemp nutraceuticals appear to be safe in healthy adult dogs. – Animals 2019, 9(10), 832
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How Does CBD Work In Dogs? Pretty much like it does in humans. You’ve probably never heard of the endocannabinoid system (ECS for short), and it wasn’t until recently that veterinary schools began incorporating it in their curriculum. The ECS comprises different types of cannabinoid receptors involved in various functions that play a critical homeostatic role in processing and modulating various bodily functions in dogs. These receptors are located throughout your dog’s body, including in the nervous system, immune system, brain and spinal cord. They respond to the naturally produced endocannabinoids, but they can also be activated by plant cannabinoids, like CBD. When CBD stimulates cannabinoid receptors, it triggers different results, like promoting calming effects, brain function, joint support and bone health. The ECS is responsible for supporting and maintaining a healthy balance — or homeostasis — while also assisting in your pet’s overall internal recovery and repair functions.
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A reputable CBD company should source organically All grown sourcehemp farmsfrom utilize superior hemp plants registered U.S. farms. with organic :growing processes for our broadspectrum and full-spectrum hemp oils.
Factors to Consider When Buying CBD For Dogs It can be confusing trying to identify safe and effective CBD products, as the labeling isn’t always straightforward (or even accurate!). A reputable CBD company should: • source organically grown hemp from registered U.S. farms. • use safe and effective extraction methods used for the CBD products, such as ethanol or CO2. • adhere to state-of-the-art manufacturing standards. • conduct third-party testing to verify CBD and THC content from seed to shelf. • include lot numbers and clear instructions for dosing on all product labels. • s tate that their products are safe and effective formulations for dogs, and are free of potentially harmful contaminants. • s tate that their canine products are free of additives, like artificial flavors or colors. • offer products backed by scientific research. •b e affiliated with a veterinarian advisor to help ensure all products and the instructions for their use are safe for your dog. • r efrain from making claims that its products may cure diseases (a claim as yet unsubstantiated by science). • publish positive customer reviews and testimonials on their website. • provide excellent customer service. • offer a money-back-guarantee.
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Is THC Safe For Dogs? It’s clear that THC is psychoactive, but can you give it to your dog? Generally, vets recommend THC-free (i.e., broad-spectrum or isolate) CBD products for dogs. That’s because THC side effects in dogs can be more significant than in humans due to heightened sensitivity to this chemical compound. Poison control centers are also reporting increased calls about dogs with symptoms of THC toxicity, usually related to the ingestion of cannabis edibles like chocolate brownies with high levels of THC. Dogs can not only become ill from ingestion of THC, but the symptoms may be compounded by chocolate, which can also be harmful, and even deadly, for dogs. THC overdose can cause undesirable side effects in dogs, including vomiting, lowering of blood pressure, increased heart rate and lethargy. Although THC also has potential health benefits, you should not give it to your pet without consulting a vet. Due to its psychoactive properties, full-spectrum CBD can be riskier for dogs to take than broad-spectrum, even with its minimal THC content. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial constituents of the whole plant — including other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids plus THC, which in combination result in maximum health benefits due to the synergistic “entourage effect.” Broad-spectrum CBD contains 80%-90% CBD, no detectable THC and a reduced level of other cannabinoids. This extract provides many benefits of the entourage effect, but without the potential side effects of THC. CBD isolate contains mostly CBD molecules, typically with a purity of 99% or more. Pure CBD isolate products do not include other cannabinoids, flavonoids or terpenes, and thus do not provide an entourage effect.
Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. Isolate
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How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog? Studies haven’t yet determined the optimal amount of CBD for dogs, and it may vary depending on your dog’s weight and the quality and amount of the CBD the product contains. To get the best results and determine how much CBD to give your dog, start by reviewing the product directions. Most canine CBD products include the recommended CBD dosage on the label. If you trust your brand, you should follow their guidelines initially in order to ensure your canine companion does not get more CBD than he is able to tolerate.
Zebra CBD is the only company that double tests for CBD and THC levels in all of its products. Canine CBD oils and chews can be administered by weight, so you can easily determine the proper dosage for your dog. However, you should always consult your vet before introducing anything new to his diet. Although there are certain regulatory restrictions on veterinarians when it comes to even discussing CBD in some states, your vet may be able to provide guidance on how much and how often to administer CBD to your dog.
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Can CBD Help With Stress in Dogs? Just like humans, dogs experience stress, and some dogs don’t deal with stress well. Fireworks, thunderstorms, loud noises, being left alone and trips to the vet are all common stressors in your dog’s life, and they can result in nervous and hyperactive behavior. While training and conditioning can help to reduce this behavior, your dog might need a little extra help to cope with managing common stressors. CBD has a calming effect on humans, and one study found that it had the same effect on rats. Since scientists believe most animals have an endocannabinoid system of some kind, it’s reasonable to assume that CBD would have a similar effect on your four-legged friend.
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Which Ways of Taking CBD Are Best For Your Dog? Zebra CBD for dogs is available in many forms, including CBD oil, CBD chews and CBD balm. To find the best CBD product for your dog, you’ll need to consider the ingredients nd the form of CBD that are most likely to produce results based on your dog’s age, personality, habits and health issues. CBD oils are the fastest way for your dog to see immediate results. For example, if your dog is finicky about taking medication from a dropper or having his mouth manipulated, chews may be a better option than oils. For dogs with specific health conditions, such as separation issues or aching joints, you’ll want to look for products that target these conditions. For skin irritations, a topical applicator provides an easy way to soothe your dog.
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Evaluate the CBD Company If you’ve read this far, hopefully you feel a bit more informed on CBD for dogs, and have consulted with your vet. Now it’s time to research CBD products. Start by looking for a CBD company with an excellent reputation in the natural supplements industry whose product formulations are based on science. Since 2008, our team of biomedical engineers at Biomedical Research Laboratories has formulated high-quality, natural nutritional products that improve health, vitality and longevity for both humans and animals, including performance horses and dogs. Zebra CBD, launched in 2019, is the culmination of years of research, innovation and testing to bring you a line of premium canine CBD products, with more in the works. We understand that selecting the best CBD for your dog’s needs and preferences can be extremely confusing, so we have made Zebra CBD canine products simple and easy to use. But even excellent products must be used appropriately in order to provide the intended benefits and avoid undesirable side effects. That’s why we assembled a CBD Education Team: to bring you the latest news, education and research surrounding CBD for humans and dogs. At Zebra CBD, we’re all about bringing you science-based CBD formulations along with the latest research and information. As your trusted CBD expert, we also want to ensure you know exactly what you’re paying for when you shop with us. Our transparent pricing promise ensures that you’re getting everything listed on every Zebra CBD canine product label.
Meet Our Veterinarian Advisor Kenna Clifton, DVM, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California in San Diego in 1999. She went on to obtain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Clifton served as a general practitioner at VCA Hillcrest Animal Hospital in San Diego for more than 14 years. Since 2019, she has worked on veterinary clinical trials at Argenta, providing medical consultation and ensuring that studies are done according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP). In her free time, she enjoys cycling, yoga and sharing her life with her husband, two daughters, two cats and one dog. Dr. Clifton’s mission is simple: to help your pet live his best life.
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Where Is Zebra CBD Source Hemp Grown? We source hemp for our canine products exclusively from organic hemp farms in Colorado and Nevada that meet all governmental regulatory requirements. It’s important to know where the source hemp for your CBD product is grown to ensure quality and safety. Hemp is imported from China and other countries, where safety standards may not match those in the United States. Chinese hemp often has high concentrations of heavy metals and pesticides. In states like Colorado and Nevada, which have strong hemp regulatory programs, state health departments visit the farms to check that the plants are compliant (i.e., contain less than 0.3% THC) and that there is no illegal use of pesticides. The respective state departments of agriculture then oversee the manufacturing, packaging, testing and distribution of all hemp products.
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All our source farms utilize superior hemp plants with organic growing processes for our broad-spectrum and full-spectrum hemp extracts.
Zebra CBD Quality Assurance Hemp is an excellent bioaccumulator, meaning it absorbs whatever substances are in the Hemp is an excellent bioaccumulator, meaning it absorbs whatever substances are in the soil. This is why it is so important to test each crop. At Zebra CBD, we start by selecting only superior, organically grown hemp plants for both our broad-spectrum and full-spectrum hemp extract oils. These “cream of the crop” plants undergo quality-assurance testing throughout their lifespan, from selecting the seeds to bottling the end product.
We test our final products for potency not just once but twice, using independent, certified labs to ensure they meet CBD and THC content claims. Our source farms meticulously cultivate hemp with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC that fall within the legal limit of less than 0.3%. THC is distilled and removed from our broadspectrum extracts and all our final products are tested again to ensure there are no detectable levels of THC.
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Third-Party Testing Not all CBD products on the market are of comparable quality, and it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which is best for your dog, or whether you’re getting what you paid for. Did you know that the ingredients in most human CBD products do not match what’s listed on the label? In fact, in a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that 70% of 84 CBD products tested did not meet label claims. Even great reviews or testimonials don’t guarantee product claims are verified or unbiased. That’s why we not only run multiple tests at our hemp farms and manufacturing facilities – we also test our final products for potency not just once but twice, using independent, certified labs to ensure they meet CBD and THC content claims. Finally, we test every product lot to ensure it is free of heavy metals, microbials and unnatural pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.
Label Accuracy Guarantee™ LA
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In 2020, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration reported on the results of its most comprehensive sampling study of the current U.S. cannabidiol marketplace. Out of 200 randomly tested tinctures, capsules, edibles, oils, drinks and pet products containing CBD, nearly half were found to contain THC. Of the products tested that listed the amount of CBD contained in the product, over half were off by at least 20%.
That’s why we offer our customers a Label Accuracy Guarantee™, backed by certificates of analysis for each product lot. When you buy Zebra CBD products, you can rest assured that what you see on the label is what’s inside the container.
Transparency We publish test results online so you can verify for yourself just what is – and isn’t – in our products. We’re the only company that double tests for CBD and THC levels in all of its products.
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What Is a Certificate of Analysis? A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, is a document that provides a detailed analysis of ingredients and uncovers potentially harmful contaminants, verifying that the manufacturer’s claims are accurate. Reviewing COAs assures you that the product you are buying will have consistent, potent effects.
Here are some things that should be included in a product COA: 1. Look for a QR code or batch number on the product label that can be used to obtain COAs from the company’s customer service staff or website. 2. Check for the name and address of the testing laboratory to confirm that the product is evaluated by an outside company, ruling out in-house bias in test results. 3. Make sure the document is labeled “certificate of analysis.” 4. Check the test date. Is the COA tied to the lot number on the product? Zebra CBD tests and provides a COA for every product lot to make sure the cannabinoid content is accurate and that the product is safe for canine use. 5. Check the cannabinoid profile to verify which cannabinoids were detected in the sample, and that the potency on the label matches the concentration listed in the COA. 6. Look for any extra testing, such as “pesticide analysis,” “heavy metal analysis,” or “residual solvents” to confirm that no harmful or toxic substances were detected. 7. Check to make sure that the COA is signed, and that the name and title of the lab’s manager or director are listed. This will provide further evidence of the authenticity of the test.
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Download the full PDF for pesticide analysis (and more).
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This sample COA calls out some of the information you should look for when comparing CBD products. For complete information, download full COAs from our website ZebraCBD.com | 19
How Is Zebra CBD Oil Made? Zebra CBD canine CBD oil is produced under stringent, state-of-the-art manufacturing standards. Our detailed extraction process uses gentle but efficient processes for filtration, decarboxylation (to extract CBD and other cannabinoid compounds), distillation and formulation to produce high-quality products that maintain their beneficial compounds. High-quality CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp plants using either CO2 or ethanol. Some companies prefer CO2 extraction because CO2 is affordable, though the extraction equipment itself is quite expensive. Because ethanol extraction is highly efficient, it is used in the manufacturing of many food and medicine extracts as well as CBD extract. Using this method, ethanol pulls out the cannabinoids from the hemp plant. All Zebra Canine CBD products are extracted using ethanol extraction, which results in a more robust profile of beneficial phytonutrients in the final product, to provide optimal health benefits for your dog.
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Are the Ingredients in Zebra CBD Products Safe and Effective? Your dog is undoubtedly a beloved member of your family, so when it comes to his health, you naturally want to make sure that any CBD products you buy for him are safe and effective. That’s why we formulated Zebra CBD canine products using natural ingredients like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and botanicals that have been clinically shown to support your dog’s health and keep him feeling happy and relaxed. You can feel confident using our vet-reviewed formulas backed by our exclusive Label Accuracy Guarantee™. At Zebra CBD, we treat your pet as we would one of our own. That means we bring the same dedication to providing quality canine products that we do to our human line. Quality ingredients. Guaranteed potency. Fair Pricing. That’s Zebra CBD.
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Zebra CBD Canine Products We made our initial round of Zebra CBD for dogs available in oil for overall health and vitality; chews for joint health; calming chews for stress; and a balm for joint or skin health (with more in the pipeline!). Each type of product has its benefits, and you may find that a combination of products is appropriate for your dog’s needs.
Zebra CBD Canine Oil For your pet’s overall wellness, Zebra CBD Canine Oil contains broad-spectrum hemp oil and hemp seed oil to maintain your dog’s overall health by helping to ease stress, promote normal sleep habits and assist the immune system and cognitive functions. It’s easy to give our canine hemp oil to your dog in precise amounts, thanks to our easymeasure, no-mess oral syringe. This ensures you are giving him the correct amount each and every time. A bottlecap is also included so you can remove the syringe for washing between uses for multiple pets. Zebra CBD Canine Oil is unflavored, which increases the likelihood that finicky pets will ingest it. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Shake well before use. Use the enclosed syringe to orally administer the proper amount. Use daily for best results.
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Zebra CBD Chews For ease of administration, CBD chews for dogs are probably the most convenient way to give your dog CBD. Their reclosable packet and pre-portioned size make them completely portable and mess-free.
Zebra CBD Canine Joint & Hip Chews CBD products can help support healthy joints, bones and connective tissue. Just like you get stiff and achy after a long nap or rigorous exercise, your pup can experience these same symptoms, especially as he ages. Our chews support hip and joint flexibility and promote wellbeing from the inside-out. Ingredients like broad-spectrum hemp oil, hydrolyzed collagen type II, omega-3 fatty acids and green-lipped mussel support bone, synovial fluid and cartilage health and function. These feature enticing ingredients like beef liver, sweet potato and molasses. They’re also soft, making them ideal for senior dogs that may have difficulty chewing.
Zebra & Calming Chews While our joint chews address your dog’s physical wellness, our “chill chews” are specifically formulated to nurture his mental health. These chews are perfect for curbing undesirable environmentally induced behavior triggered by typical environmental stressors like fireworks, thunderstorms, vet visits, grooming, travel or other changes in your pet’s regular daily routine. We use natural ingredients like omega 3 fatty acids, Ashwagandha, L-theanine and German chamomile proven to support a heaslthy brain and promote relaxed, balanced behavior. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Feed daily according to table above.
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Zebra CBD Canine Balm Our balm supports joint health topically. It contains fullspectrum hemp extract for maximum entourage effect; aromatic lemongrass oil; healing organic calendula oil and more. When you massage the balm around your dog’s joints, along with bringing hip and joint health, it also moisturizes the skin. Aromatic lemongrass oil plus chickweed and neem oils help deter pesky fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Bitter Ravensara essential oil helps discourage dogs from licking skin after balm is applied. Our balm makes it easy to target the benefits of CBD to a specific location on your dog’s skin. You can apply it directly around stiff joints or other areas that need extra attention. The balm easily penetrates and is absorbed into the skin. It’s also full of rich moisturizers like natural Vitamin E oil and botanical oils, so it’s ideal for use on irritated paw pads, noses and itchy, irritated or dry skin. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Zebra CBD Canine Balm can be applied directly onto your dog, so there’s less mess and no waste. Our hemp balm for dogs is pliable and melts on contact, so it easily absorbs and penetrates. Apply it and leave it, or use your fingers to rub it into the skin. Repeat as needed. When it comes to premium hemp CBD products for your dog, trust Zebra CBD.
Researching CBD For Dogs If there’s one thing we’d like you to take away from this Buyer’s Guide, it’s this: Do Your Research! Now that you’re (hopefully) more informed about CBD for dogs, you’ll be more confident shopping for canine CBD products. We’ve provided a checklist on the opposite page to further help you in your quest. To save you some time, we’ve completed the checklist for Zebra CBD.
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Canine CBD Research Checklist Questions to Ask Before You Hit the “Submit Order” button: Is the source hemp cultivated in a municipality and state where it’s regulated? Was the CBD product manufactured using established industry standards? Was the CBD extracted using safe and effective methods, such as ethanol or CO2? Does the company sell full-spectrum and/or broad-spectrum CBD products to retain maximum health benefits? Are any ingestible products sold free of detectable THC? Has the CBD been potency-tested by a third-party laboratory? Does the product label include a lot number, and can it be used to find a certificate of analysis on the company’s website? Are clear dosage instructions provided on the label? Is the product free of additives, like artificial flavors or colors? Is the source hemp organically grown and certified free of harmful contaminants? Does the company have overall positive reviews for the products and customer service? Does the company have mostly positive reviews and comments on their website or in social media? Does the CBD company refrain from claiming its products may cure diseases (a claim as yet unsubstantiated by science)? Zebra CBD checks all the boxes to ensure you buy safe and effective CBD products that will keep your canine companion happy and healthy for many dog years to come.
Simple CBD oil solutions for your dog’s total well-being.
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Can you give CBD oil to dogs every day? A 2019 study found that dogs experienced no adverse effects when they took CBD daily for 12 weeks. CBD use will not cause psychoactive effects or a “high” feeling, but will promote relaxation.
How long does it take for CBD to work for joint discomfort in dogs? While CBD can often provide some immediate benefits, it may work even better with consistent use in active and aging dogs.
FAQ Can CBD oil interact with other medications? While CBD for pets is safe, it may cause interactions with some medications. If your dog is taking any medication or supplements, talk to your vet to discuss adding CBD to his daily regimen.
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What does hemp do for a dog? Hemp-derived CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help your dog cope with stress, comfort aching joints and support healthy sleep and general wellness.
Can my dog get high from CBD oil for dogs? No. Our CBD oil comes from hemp plants, which contain less than 0.3% THC. It will not cause psychoactive effects or a “high” feeling, but will cause a feeling of calm.
Is CBD safe for dogs? The American Kennel Club reports that CBD is generally safe, and may also have beneficial effects. The AKC is pioneering studies to explore therapeutic applications for CBD in dogs.
Qs Can a veterinarian recommend CBD? Most veterinarians do not recommend CBD oil for pets because of certain professional restrictions. However, many of them give their own dogs CBD.
Is THC dangerous for dogs? Since dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than do humans, the effects of cannabis may be more dramatic and potentially more toxic for them.
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