CBD For Pets
CBD for pets is not a new trend, it has been around for several years now. CBD is a cannabidiol found in the cannabis plant. CBD is legal in all fifty states because it does not contain THC.
Since CBD doesn’t have any THC, humans or pets do not have the psychoactive effects that marijuana has. This is what makes CBD such a potent and unique chemical.
CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, which every living thing has. The ECS is responsible for many core functions of all mammals, including sleep, mood, and immunity.
Ultimately, the ECS promotes homeostasis in the body. If your ECS is off, so is your mental and physical health. This is why we can feel stressed or have a fight or flight response when it’s not warranted.
Since CBD mimics the composition of the human body, it can be very beneficial for human health.
In fact, we have receptors for CBD all over our bodies. So do animals! That’s why CBD comes in forms that can be ingested as well as applied dermally for immediate pain relief.
In many studies, CBD for humans has been shown to have anti-cancerous properties, improve sleep, and help with managing mental health.
CBD can also have these effects on your pets!
You might be wondering about CBD for pets. Let’s explore how CBD can help our various pets feel their best.
CBD for Pets
There are many reasons to think about administering CBD for your pet. If your furry friend seems off, ask your vet about trying some CBD. It’s been known to be a painkiller, control seizures, and reduce inflammation. Once you know the underlying cause of your best friend’s odd behavior, CBD could help.
Let’s say you’ve recently adopted a new dog, but he’s afraid of common everyday items like toys, doors, or cars. It’s possible your pet had a traumatic experience in his previous life. See if CBD can help with some of his anxieties and help him ease into your home.
If you’re bringing Fido on a road trip, consider CBD to help with the stress. Because of its connection to the ECS, CBD can help calm down your dog so he’s more relaxed in the car. The same goes for other common stressors. If your dog gets stressed during thunderstorms or fireworks, CBD could be a great option to reduce his anxieties.
There are a few ways to administer CBD to your pet. CBD oil for pets can be a bit messy, but you can always administer it over food or directly in their mouth.
Alternatively, CBD infused pet treats provide an easy method of application, especially if you’re traveling.
Dosing CBD for Your Pet
Choosing the right dose of CBD for your pet can be confusing. Every company has a different dosing guideline based on their products. The dosage can also vary depending on what you are trying to achieve. Always check your package to make sure you are giving that specific product’s recommended serving amount.
There are 3 different factors to influence the dosing for your pet, the potency of the product, the weight of your pet, and the ailment you are trying to help treat. Our advice is to start with a smaller than recommended dose and ease up to the product’s dosage guidelines. CBD performs differently for pets, just as it does in humans. A smaller amount may work better for some pets, where a larger amount is needed for a different, yet same size pet.
A Safe Approximate dose of CBD for pets is calculated as 0.2mg of CBD per pound. So for instance, your dog weighs 25 pounds, you would give him 5mg of CBD. .2mg x 25lbs = 5mg CBD
Give Your Pet CBD Oil for a Better Quality of Life
Giving your pet CBD oil is a safe, effective way to treat a wide variety of ailments and illnesses. While there may not be a load of studies that confirm across the board that CBD is a cure-all for all conditions, there is enough anecdotal evidence out there that shows that it can be a huge benefit to dogs. The best part is that there are little to no side effects that can cause further harm.
Is CBD Legal to Give My Pet?
This was made possible by the 2018 United States Farm Bill. CBD has been around for quite some time, but it has only been legal the last couple of years. Before now, it was illegal due to the uncontrolled amount of Delta 9 THC in the product. Delta 9 THC is what gives the product a psychoactive effect on users. Fortunately, CBD from the hemp plant has little to no traces of Delta 9 THC. The United States Farm Bill set its limit of THC at .3%. This means one product can not test higher than .3% THC, Thus will not cause a user or pet to have a psychoactive reaction, or a “High” effect.
Purchasing CBD for Pets
After you discuss purchasing CBD for your pet with your veterinarian, be sure to purchase CBD for animals from a reputable company. CBD dosage for pets will vary on weight and species, so chat with your vet about a good dosage to start with.
If you don’t notice any changes in your pet, you might be able to increase the dosage.
Look for companies that openly publish third-party lab results and have formulations specifically for pets. Organic CBD is best because it doesn’t have any pesticides or harmful chemicals.
Often, the company you buy from will have some guidelines to follow that will help you choose a dosage that can address all of your pet’s needs.
CBD can have some negative side effects that include drowsiness, so it’s important to monitor your pet and communicate any concerns to your veterinarian.
“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”