What to Know About CBD Oil for
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Today, with legalization running slightly rampant through the United States, CBD has been popularized for its health benefits. Though it is not yet FDA approved for use with pets, there are definite benefits to using CBD oil on pets. CBD can even take the place of some medications that one’s pets may be on.
Can You Give Human CBD Oil to Pets?
Well, those benefits don’t end with humans. One may wonder if they can use this same natural remedy for their pets’ ailments? Short answer, it is possible. Can one give CBD oil designed for humans to their pets? That answer is also yes, although it is recommended that CBD oil designed specifically for pets is purchased and used.
Things to Consider Before Starting Treatment with CBD
First, it should be noted that research on the topic of CBD for pets is relatively thin, as it is only gaining traction academically as of recent. Also, the illegal nature of cannabis, in general, makes research harder to take part in. However, with studies having been performed on people producing positive results and testimonial evidence from pet owners, there is no doubt that healing and relieving of pain is occurring for pets when using CBD oil.
- Another critical thing to note is that your pet will not be sedated or experience a high of any sort. CBD oil comes from cannabis, but it is not the psychoactive compound of the plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the psychoactive compound of cannabis and is found in zero or close to zero quantities in CBD oils.
- Also, CBD oil is typically derived from hemp plants, the plant in the cannabis family with a higher CBD to THC ratio and nearly no THC at all. Regardless, being a label hawk is always in your best interest. The percentages of each compound should be listed on the label. If not, do not buy that product.
CBD Oil is Legal and Safe for Pets
- CBD oil is legally sold and is safe. Price is something one should take into consideration upon purchasing CBD for their pet/s. The best advice does not cheap out on the CBD oil product. More affordable CBD products can contain remnants of pesticides, free radicals, and metals due to their low-cost production.
- One pays for what they get with CBD oil. The higher the price, the higher the quality; the higher the quality, the more positive effects will be had by one’s pet. Also, going for organic CBD oil is the safest bet for pets. Like the cheaper CBD oils, non-organics risk having pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, solvents, etc.
Lastly, one should consider the risks of using a supplement, or healing remedy, such as CBD for their pet/s. There is no research indicating risks of use to this point. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD; nor do they provide a dosing chart or suggestions.
Therefore, there is no official guideline for this practice. However, many experienced holistic vets and other pet owners who have had success with CBD offer up suggestions for implementing a CBD regimen into one’s pet’s life. As always though, one should visit their pet’s vet and assess the situation thoroughly with the professionals before beginning any treatment.
Why Should CBD be Used on Pets?
There are a host of reasons why CBD can be beneficial for pets. Not only can CBD be used for the treatment of specific ailments, but it can also be used as a daily, health-balancing supplement. Now, through research, it is known that CBD helps humans in various aspects of our health. Being that this is possible via the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the effects will be closely mirrored in pets. All mammals have an ECS, and in fact, a dog’s ECS is more sensitive to phytocompounds than a human’s ECS, meaning that the effects may be more significant for pets. CBD oil can be used for any of the following:
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Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Pets, like their human counterparts, also encounter stresses and anxieties in their daily pet lives. CBD oil is known to ease tension and stress, bringing a state of relaxation to your pet.
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Cancer-Fighting
For humans, CBD has been found to have an anti-tumor effect, substantially expediting cell death for cancer cells. By blocking cancer cells’ ability to produce energy and therefore reproduce, CBD inhibits the cancers ability to spread and thrive.
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Treatment for Seizures and Epilepsy
It is an estimation that up to five percent of dogs suffer from seizures. CBD has been observed reducing epilepsy by 84 percent in drug-resistant individuals who have chronic epilepsy.
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Pain Relief
CBD carries anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to physical pains, CBD can be used to decrease neuropathy and other nerve pains. The overall anti-inflammation properties have effects from reducing nerve pain to alleviating the stresses of aging.
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Digestion and Irritable Bowel Disease
Again due to the phytocompound’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is useful in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel disease. This is also partially due to the antibiotic properties of CBD, which helps to restore gut motility.
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Increasing Appetite
Just as CBD regulates the gut and bowel movements aiding IBD, CBD is highly effective in restoring pets’ appetites. CBD aids pets suffering from vomiting and nausea in regulating their stomach environments.
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Reducing Chronic Inflammation
CBD oil, as aforementioned, carries anti-inflammatory properties that allow for the oil to reduce inflammation associated with allergies, hypersensitivities, and autoimmune issues. CBD oil can decrease chronic inflammation.
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Protecting the Nervous System
CBD oil is useful in the protection of the nervous system and helping fight against neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to aiding pets with degenerative nerve issues, CBD has been shown to protect senior pets from cell death in the brain caused by toxins and free radicals.
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Promoting Cardiovascular Health
CBD oil is effective in maintaining heart health. It reduces the damage caused by damaged blood vessels and heart rate irregularities.
In addition to the provided list, CBD has even more benefits. Things such as antibacterial effects come to mind. Whatever one is looking to treat, there is likely a CBD solution. Also, CBD oil is legal and safe for pets!
Dosage With CBD Oil
As with any medication or supplement, start with low doses and monitor effects closely. Many CBD oils one can purchase, at least credibly branded products, will provide dosing suggestions. Also, CBD oil dosing will depend on the pet’s size, so look out for oil products offered for correctly sized pets. Again, starting slowly and monitoring the effects of CBD oil is the safest method for introducing oil to pets.
How to Give CBD Oil to Your Pet
The best way to administer CBD oil to pets is with a water syringe. Start by pulling the desired dosage with the syringe and then add water to the mix to make it more easily ingested by the pet. Squirt this solution into the pet’s mouth. The oil can also be added to the pet’s water or food supply.
Dosage With CBD Capsules
Another option for integrating CBD into a pet’s life is by using CBD capsules rather than oil. Just like digestion for humans, the tablet has to make its way into the dog’s system, as opposed to the oil that begins affecting the pet immediately.
How to Administer CBD Capsules for Pets
Typically, for a medium-sized dog, one capsule every six to eight hours does the trick. It also depends on what the CBD is being used for on the pet, which will alter dosing slightly.
Dosage With CBD Treats
In addition to oil and capsules, there are CBD infused treats. Just like the capsules, treats will take longer to affect pets. Also, it may be a day or two before effects are noticeable with treats.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Pet
With three separate methods for integrating CBD into a pet’s life, it can be hard to decide what to use. Generally, if the pet is cooperative, use the syringe method. If the pet is harder to work with, try the capsules or dog treats.
5 CBD Products for Pets on the Market
With that in mind, the following are great CBD products for pets:
- HolistaPet CBD Pet Tincture (150mg/300mg/600mg) [dogs or cats]
- Innovet Hemp CBD Capsules for Dogs
- HolistaPet CBD Cat Treats (150mg – 2mg per treat)
- Smart Hemp CBD Relaxation & Anti-Anxiety Capsules
- King Kanine King Kalm CBD (75mg/150mg/300mg)
Conclusion
CBD is a fantastic option for pets in need of better help and health. From relaxation to biological regulation, CBD is powerfully helpful for pets. With the various products on the market, it should be easy to find an option that works for any pet. By discussing with your vet and cautiously integrating CBD into the pet’s regime, they should be on their way to more comfort and better health in no time!