Does CBD Have Benefits For Your Pets?

As a pet owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. And believe it or not, CBD oil may be able to help.

CBD is one of the most talked-about options in the holistic wellness space, and it’s no surprise why. However, this holistic remedy does bring up its fair share of questions.

If you’re currently exploring the world of CBD and how it can help your four-legged friend, you may wonder a lot of things. What is it? How does it work? Is it safe? Is it effective? Part of the journey in getting all your top CBD questions answered is learning all about the many CBD benefits for dogs and how it can help them live happier and healthier lives.

So, let’s take a closer look at CBD, the many situations it’s used for, and how it may be the perfect holistic option for your pup!

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol.

It’s one of the main biologically active components in the hemp plant that’s been extensively researched for its wide range of potential health benefits for humans and pets.

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, which means ingesting it doesn’t result in intoxication, making it a more viable compound to use with your four-legged friend.

While CBD is present in marijuana and hemp plants, most CBD for dogs and other animals is derived from hemp. This is because hemp plants legally cannot contain more than 0.3% THC, making it a federally legal compound within the United States.

CBD is found to be so versatile for people and pets and has built a reputation for helping many people manage their health. It has become widely available in pet and human wellness products such as CBD oils, capsules, edible treats, topicals, and smokables.

How does CBD Work in Animals?

Significant research still needs to be performed to thoroughly compare the differences between the endocannabinoid system of pets and how this system responds to phytocannabinoids (synthetic and plant-based cannabinoids) like CBD.

There are two major types of cannabinoid receptors in a pet’s body—CB1 and CB2. These receptors help to balance and regulate a pet’s immune and central nervous system, which can ultimately influence inflammation, pain, allergies, and mood.

There are three main components of the endocannabinoid system: the receptors, the endocannabinoids and the enzymes. The endocannabinoids (chemicals naturally produced in a pet’s body) are generated on demand and bind to the receptors, especially in times of stress, disease or injury.

Phytocannabinoids, like CBD, work similarly to the endocannabinoids by also binding to the cannabinoid receptors.

Dogs have the highest density of CB1 receptors in the brain compared to any other species, including humans. A recent publication indicated that cats appear to have lower absorption and possibly faster elimination of CBD compared to dogs. Therefore, cats may need to be dosed more often to maintain appropriate blood levels of CBD.

Every pet is different, and not all dogs and cats will see the same results from using CBD products.

Is It Safe To Give Pets CBD?

CBD is found to be safe and well-tolerated in humans and animals. As long as you are using appropriate doses for your pet, a high-quality CBD oil should not pose any risk to your pet’s health.

However, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before starting your pet on any new supplements to be sure that the CBD oil will not interact with any other medications or supplements your pet is currently taking.

With that said, CBD has a wide margin of safety and is unlikely to cause serious side effects in most pets. So if you are looking for a natural way to help your pet relax and ease anxiety, CBD may be worth considering.

CBD Pet Benefits

CBD oil is an increasingly popular option for those looking for natural alternatives to traditional medications.

CBD oil can be administered in various ways, including orally, topically, and through inhalation (though not recommended for pets). Regarding pets, many owners are interested in using edible CBD to help their furry friend feel their best.

Here are some of the top benefits of CBD for pets:

Anxious Behavior
Many pets suffer from anxiety, whether it’s due to separation from their owner or socialization issues.

CBD has been shown to help reduce anxious behavior in both humans and animals. As a result, it may be helpful for pets who get anxious easily or have trouble during thunderstorms or fireworks.

Pain & Inflammation
CBD has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation and relieve pain in animals. This can be particularly helpful for older dogs who may be struggling with arthritis or other age-related joint pain.

Appetite
Pets who are undergoing treatment for cancer or other chronic illnesses often lose their appetite. CBD may help appetite by interacting with the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors. This can significantly affect your pet’s quality of life and overall health.

Reduction in seizures and convulsions
CBD has been shown to help with epilepsy by lowering the frequency of seizures when used in combination with traditional antiseizure medications. Although experts don’t fully understand how CBD treats seizures, it is thought to prevent nerves in the brain from firing too much and lower the number of electrolytes believed to have a role in seizure conditions.

What To Look For In Pet Health CBD Products

When it comes to choosing CBD products for pets, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to keep your pet safe and happy.

Hemp-Derived CBD

To make sure your products for CBD pet benefits are legal and non-psychoactive, only purchase non-GMO CBD from hemp. Full Spectrum or THC-Free Broad Spectrum CBD

While CBD and THC are the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, over a hundred biologically active compounds can support CBD pet benefits.

These include minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC, CBDa, trace amounts of THC, and terpenes. All these phytochemicals work together in pet health CBD products for the most potent and holistic effects on the endocannabinoid system through a phenomenon called the entourage effect.

In some cases, your cat or dog should avoid even trace amounts of THC found in full spectrum CBD oil, which is why broad spectrum CBD is a great option for your pets to stay safe.

Human-Grade Ingredients

If you’re looking for quality CBD products for your pets, make sure to look for human-grade ingredients.

The CBD oil used in the products should be the same grade as what is used for humans, and you should feel comfortable consuming all the other ingredients listed for yourself.

Do your research and only select reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients in their products. Your pet deserves the best, so make sure to give them CBD products that meet these standards.

Appropriate Doses For Your Pet

CBD is dose-dependent, meaning its effect on your pet depends on how much they take.

Our pets are typically much smaller than us, so it’s important to ensure we’re giving them CBD oil that is appropriate for their size and sensitivity.

For horses, which weigh more than we do, we want to ensure the pet health CBD oil is appropriate for their size and sensitivity.

Finally, pay attention to the dosage instructions on the product label. Start with a lower dose and increase gradually as needed.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pet gets the best possible experience for the CBD pet benefits.

Side-Effects To Look Out For When Using Pet Health CBD Products

Thankfully CBD is a non-toxic compound, and adverse effects in animals aren’t common when using high-quality CBD products in the appropriate doses.

Still, our pets can’t always tell us when something is wrong, so it’s important that we keep an eye on them after giving them pet health CBD.

Most Common Reported Side Effects:

Dry Mouth
CBD can lead to a decrease in the production of saliva. This typically presents itself as an increased thirst in your pet. Ensure that your dog always has access to fresh water so that he can satisfy his thirst as needed.

Slight Lethargy
CBD can promote relaxation in animals, so your four-legged friend might seem a little sleepy when they’re first introduced to CBD. This may be ideal if you’re using CBD to help your dog manage stress or nervousness, but if your dog ever seems too drowsy, you can always adjust their dose accordingly.

Lowered Blood Pressure
If you administer too high a dose of CBD to your pet, it may cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. The drop itself is small, but it can create a temporary feeling of lightheadedness in your pup. Be sure to stay within the recommended dosage range for your dog’s weight whenever offering them CBD.

Diarrhea
If you’ve ever introduced a new food or supplement to your dog’s healthcare regimen, you probably already know that diarrhea is almost an expected side effect. In this case, the gastrointestinal upset is not caused by the CBD itself but rather by the carrier oil that’s used in the product. This is why it’s important to slowly introduce CBD to your dog, as it gives his body time to acclimate. It’s also a good rule of thumb to offer CBD at mealtime as opposed to on an empty stomach.

Bottom Line

Overall, the evidence is compelling that CBD can help at least some conditions. The endocannabinoid system is the largest system in the body, and the least explored. Every year brings new discoveries—and new claims. It’s the beginning of a brave new world of health, but as with any new path, expect some wrong turns, dead ends, and false hopes. CBD is not a miracle drug, but it may be the miracle your dog needs.