Many pet owners have at least heard, if not tried cannabidiol (CBD) for pets. However, most are not sure about what exactly to expect from this natural remedy. CBD for anxiety has been popularized in the pet niche, but the benefits of CBD are not limited to anxiety alone. This article sheds light on 12 benefits of CBD for pets and gives anecdotal and preliminary findings on the same. It also highlights different ways to administer CBD to pets and offers tricks to ensure that your pet enjoys CBD at all times. Ultimately, remember that you should consult your veterinary doctor before starting your pet on any treatment.
What Kind Of Pets Can Use CBD?
All pets that have an endocannabinoid system can benefit from CBD for pets. This includes all pets that can be classified as mammals such as dogs, cats, and horses.
CBD is not psychoactive
Fortunately, CBD is not psychoactive. This means that you will not have to worry about your furry friend getting intoxicated after consuming CBD. CBD unlike THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) does not cause a change in the mental status of both humans and animals.
For CBD to be completely safe for pets, it needs to be sourced from hemp which contains less that 0.3% THC. CBD that is sourced from cannabis may contain higher amounts of THC and this may cause unwanted psychoactive effects in your pet.
Is CBD for pets legal?
The market is awash with different CBD products from different manufacturers. Before purchasing CBD for pets, make sure that you verify the authenticity of the manufacturing company and what practices they use. Is their CBD sourced from hemp that has been grown with organic practices? Is the CBD pure isolate or full-spectrum? Has the CBD been tested for purity and potency and are the results available for scrutiny? These are some of the questions that you will need to ask before committing to a CBD product for your pet.
Cannabidiol that is derived from hemp is legal throughout the US, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.
Is CBD for pets safe?
CBD is safe even when given in doses as high as 1,500mg per day. After seeing the recommended dosages at the end of this article you will appreciate the good safety margin of CBD.
Another important consideration is that CBD oil, unlike comparable pharma drugs, does not cause addiction. Pet owners who have embraced holistic care are turning to CBD because of all the advantages that it offers over pharma drugs targeting similar conditions.
Benefits of CBD oil for pets
1. CBD relieves anxiety
If your pet suffers from social anxiety, CBD oil can offer a solution. CBD oil has been shown to reduce social anxiety in both humans and animals.
An anxious pet can cause lots of frustrations to a pet owner as the pet may display disturbing behaviors when anxious. Dogs, for example, may bark continually in high pitched tones and refuse to leave the side of the owner. Offering CBD to such a pet can settle the pet into a calm and peaceful existence.
2. CBD relieves stress
Pets can also experience significant levels of stress in the same way that humans do. CBD oil prevents the release of the stress hormone hence it can reduce the stress levels of your pet. CBD is also very relaxing and energizing and can help to calm down a stressed-out pet.
3. CBD can reduce symptoms of cancer
Studies on the anti-tumor effects of cancer are ongoing and inconclusive. However, CBD can boost the efficiency of radiotherapy and it can also relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Should your pet be suffering from cancer or any of its complications, CBD oil may offer hope and relief.
4. CBD can be used to treat seizures in pets
A good number of pets experience periodic seizures, while some have constant epilepsy. The common treatment for pets experiencing seizures is phenobarbital, but the prolonged use of this drug may cause severe negative effects.
CBD is effective in treating seizures and it may offer significant relief for your pet should they be suffering from epilepsy.
5. CBD relieves pain
Studies have shown that CBD is effective in treating different kinds of pain. This includes neuropathic pain, inflammation pain, and chronic pain. Unlike opioid drugs, CBD does not cause addiction over time. CBD may be of help to your pet should they be suffering from:
- Arthritis
- Nerve related pain
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome
- Migraines
7. CBD relieves autoimmune disease
Studies on CBD and autoimmune disease are ongoing; however, preliminary findings are promising. Till date there is no definitive cure for autoimmune disease. One study has shown that CBD can suppress Th17 dominance, which is a major cause of autoimmune diseases.
8. CBD can help with neurodegenerative diseases
Pets can also get affected by degenerative diseases as they age. Studies have shown that CBD can help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. CBD protects the neural cells from attack by free radicals and toxins.
9. CBD promotes heart health
One study has shown that CBD promotes heart health; it does this by preventing the damage of heart capillaries and reducing stress and anxiety that may cause a rise in blood pressure.
10. CBD promotes fur and skin health
CBD has antibacterial and anti fungal effects. Applying CBD oil on the skin and fur of your pet can protect them from infection and help to keep flees at bay.
What is the correct dosage of CBD for your pet?
When it comes to CBD dosage for pets, there is no ideal. Most CBD products will come with recommended dosages based on your pet’s current weight. The trick is to start with the lowest recommended dosage and work your way up until you find the pet’s “sweet spot.”
Tricks to give CBD to pets
CBD may not have an enticing flavor, so here are a few tricks that can help you get this going:
- Go for flavored pet treats as opposed to bland CBD products
- Mix CBD oil in your pet’s food
- Place CBD under the tongue of your pet for faster action
- Make sure that you get the best quality CBD oil for your dog.
- For topical CBD, make sure there are no added ingredients that could be irritating to the skin.
Conclusion
CBD for pets is useful for a number of reasons. However, your pet may respond differently to CBD. What you need to do is to gradually introduce CBD to your pet and observe how your pet is responding. If they respond well, good for you. If your pet fails to respond to CBD as anticipated you may need to try something else. Thankfully, it is safe for pets.
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