If you are thinking of giving kratom to your dog but are unsure of what to expect (or if it is even a good idea) then this post is for you. Since there’s still limited research on this subject, you should be very careful before giving kratom products to their pets.
No doubt, kratom has some potential mood-boosting, energizing, and relaxing effects in humans. But is kratom safe for dogs? Chocolate and grapes, both well-known human pleasures, are toxic to dogs, so is the same possibly true with kratom? Read on as we answer this question in-depth.
There is not enough research to ascertain the safety and efficacy of kratom in dogs. However, anecdotal evidence shows that using kratom for canines’ is permissible as long as you don’t give them too much. Unfortunately, dogs can’t speak to you to let you know their limits, which calls for reservation when administering kratom.
Just like humans, giving your dog high doses of kratom can cause adverse reactions. Some of these reactions in dogs could include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, and potentially severe side effects like seizures. Also, dogs may develop tolerance, and this can lead to increased dosages and more severe side effects over time.
The quality of kratom you feed your dog with can also determine his experience. Using kratom products that contain high levels of heavy metals or other contaminants can heighten the risks of toxicity in dogs. This is why you should only deal with reputable vendors that have transparent lab-testing and policies regarding their kratom production.
You should talk to your veterinarian for guidance on the use of kratom for pets. This is essential as the herb can interact with other medications and potentially worsen certain existing health conditions.
Research was published in 2020 on the effect of mitragynine on female beagle dogs. After administering kratom to the dogs (single oral of 5 mg/kg and intravenous of 0.1 mg/kg), the dogs were observed for adverse effects or behavioral changes. Results showed that all the dogs that participated in the study experienced mild, transient calmness immediately after dosing, and no major adverse effects were noted.
The calming effects lasted approximately 2 to 4 hours after the oral 5 mg/kg dose and up to 1 hour following the 0.1 mg/kg intravenous dosing. Additionally, stress-related frenetic signs such as barking, spinning, pacing, and jumping were reduced. However, two of the dogs displayed lip licking and excessive drooling, with the former possibly due to the poor taste of kratom.
While no nausea was observed, it still cannot be completely ruled out as a possible side effect. The excessive drooling stopped within 30 minutes after dosing, and all the dogs ate perfectly well when offered food 2 hours after dosing. Further observation showed that one of the dogs panted transiently, but there were no clinical changes in vital signs, clinical lab tests, or physical examination.
While this may be a sign that there may not be any serious safety concern using kratom for your dog, more research is needed. The dosage of kratom and frequency of use are two factors pet owners must pay attention to.
The major anecdotal benefit of kratom for dogs is that it offers a feeling of comfort or relief. For example, some dog owners report improvement in their dog’s mobility and reduced sensitivity to stimuli that may be caused by stress.
However, there’s limited scientific research specifically on the effects of kratom on dogs. Most of the potential benefits are anecdotal, which means you must tread with caution to avoid causing harm to man’s best friend. If your dog is showing signs of restlessness due to discomfort, administering the right dosage of kratom might help out.
It is quite challenging to determine the right kratom dosage for dogs. This is because there’s still limited research on it, and potency can vary for dogs. However, judging from anecdotal evidence, we recommend that you start with 3 mg per pound of body weight. You can gradually increase if necessary to get desired effects. For instance, if your dog weighs 40 pounds, you should start with a dosage range of 0.12 grams twice daily.
This means that the larger your dog, the higher the doses, but you should always consult your veterinarian for proper supervision. Veterinarians consider the dog’s age, weight, and health conditions when determining safe dosages.
After administering a dosage to your dog, you must ensure close monitoring. Watch your dog for any adverse reactions like digestive upset or agitation. You should always start with low doses to test for allergies or sensitivities before regular use.
There are signs of kratom toxicity in dogs; these include vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, moodiness, and difficulty walking. In some cases, especially for small or sensitive dogs, kratom toxicity may potentially lead to seizures and other life-threatening conditions.
In such cases, you need to take immediate action by seeking veterinary intervention. Treatments may include:
In a case whereby your dog ingested large amounts of kratom, your veterinarian needs to keep an eye on the pet to prevent long-term complications.
Buying kratom for dogs requires the same recommendations when buying for humans. The first thing is to check product quality. Because of the risks of contaminants, it is essential to purchase kratom from reputable suppliers who conduct thorough lab testing for heavy metals, pathogens, and purity.
Choosing kratom that is lab-tested helps reduce risks associated with product impurities that may be harmful to your dog. Some qualities of reliable vendors include selling products with transparent labeling and testing certifications. Save your pet unintended consequences by avoiding unverified kratom vendors.
While it is true that kratom for humans may have promising effects, there is limited research on the safety and efficacy of kratom for dogs. From the limited research so far, kratom may be beneficial to dogs by providing relief and curbing restlessness. However, you must be aware of kratom toxicity, tolerance, and adverse side effects that may arise.
We care so much about dogs and other pets; hence, we highly recommend that you approach this with extreme caution and always under veterinary supervision. This may very well save your dog from serious potential for harm.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
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