CBD has grown in popularity due to the 2018 Farm Bill, which deemed it legal to grow and distribute CBD and hemp products that do not have THC, the hallucinogenic properties of the cannabis plant.
Many people have used CBD to combat insomnia, anxiety, and even ease ailments like cancer, schizophrenia, and chronic joint pain.
Did you know you can also give CBD to certain pets? In many cases, pets can experience the same benefits humans do from taking CBD. This guide will explore the CBD benefits for pets and explain how to use it for optimal health.
What Is CBD for pets?
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, “can my pet use CBD”? Let’s explore how CBD can help our various pets feel their best.
CBD for Dogs
There are many reasons to think about administering CBD for your dog. 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 dog. 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 dog treats provide an easy method of application, especially if you’re traveling.
CBD for Cats
CBD can help if your cat has Feline Leukemia or other cancers. Because of its unique properties, CBD can reduce inflammation and feelings of nausea often associated with cancer itself or the treatment of cancers in cats.
In cats, CBD can also help with coats and skin. Since many cats can have issues with dry skin, CBD can help hydrate the skin and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
CBD shows great promise as an antibiotic, even against the traditionally antibiotic-resistant bacteria with a biofilm. CBD might be able to reduce the need for pharmaceutical antibiotics and have fewer side effects. In cats, this could be helpful in treating the many transmissible infections cats can catch easily through close contact with other cats or time spent outdoors.
There haven’t been many studies done on the effects of CBD in cats, but with the industry growing so quickly, it’s only a matter of time before we have more information.
CBD for Horses
Horses, like all mammals, can also receive CBD treatments. If your horse has skin irritations from saddles or other stressors, a CBD salve can help calm visible inflammation and reduce soreness.
Similarly to cats and dogs, if your horse struggles with travel, a CBD tincture or treat can help ease anxiety and keep them calm for the trip.
Equine CBD dosages vary depending on what your horse needs. For general anxiety, your horse will need fewer milligrams than they do for chronic pain or inflammation.
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.
CBD for pets is a growing market, so don’t shy away from it. Check out the rest of our blog for more information about CBD for pets and people!
