CBD for Pets: All You Need to Know Before Buying
If you have a pet, it’s likely you have considered giving them a CBD product and have questions. Is CBD safe for my pets, how can it help my pet, and what kind of CBD should I give them? Keep reading about CBD for pets to get your questions answered.
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid, which are compounds found in the cannabis and hemp plants. Some studies have been done to determine how cannabinoids impact humans. These studies show the potential properties cannabinoids have for managing symptoms of diseases like cancer, but no research exists for dogs and cats. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body and make up the endocannabinoid system, which is an important part of the body that regulates appetite, memory, and physical pain. There are two main types of CBD oil: full and broad-spectrum. Broad-spectrum products will contain no THC, but full-spectrum products might contain trace amounts o.
In 2018, hemp was legalized in all 50 states after the passing of the Farm Bill. Hemp CBD must contain less than 0.03% THC by law, but many states have legalized medical cannabis. Many products contain both THC and CBD, but we are focusing on the hemp-based CBD here. Hemp-based CBD is what’s federally legal and given to dogs and cats. Giving your dogs anything more than the legally allowed THC content can cause serious issues, so it is highly recommended against doing so.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
At this time, no research has been conducted to determine whether CBD is a safe and effective treatment for pets. However, it is a topic that is being discussed often. This study indicated that of the over 2,000 veterinarians surveyed, they were asked by over 60% of pet owners if cannabis oils and treats were safe for their furry friends. There is anecdotal evidence from pet owners that say CBD oil has helped their dog or cat, but nothing definitively science-based. There is more attention paid to CBD for dogs than cats, but some cat owners say it helped their pet.
It is recommended that you only give CBD products to your pets that aren’t mammals, such as dogs and cats. Pets like snakes and birds could potentially have an adverse reaction. We know little about what CBD does to cats and dogs but at least we know what it does in humans, and the endocannabinoid system is relatively similar in mammals.
How Can CBD Help My Pet?
While there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that CBD is effective for pets, there are owners who say it helped their pets. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that CBD can be effective for pain as well as to possibly stop the growth of cancer. For millions of pet owners who get the bad news of their four-legged friends diagnosed with cancer every year, seeing CBD be helpful can bring about great relief. Some people think CBD can help a dog who has separation anxiety and help them remain calm when their owners are away.
The Possible Downside of CBD for Pets
While there are many potential benefits of giving your pet CBD, it is not without its possible dangers. CBD can make your dog or cat feel lethargic and lack energy. This is because CBD can help with anxiety. However, this might make your pet feel drowsy.
Additionally, vomiting, drooling and dry mouth can occur in pets who are given CBD. These negative reactions to CBD for pets is usually due to overdosing. This is one of the main reasons why you must always be sure to follow the labels correctly when giving your dog CBD and be sure to discuss it with your vet.
CBD for Pets – Other Factors to Consider
There are some great CBD products available for your dogs and cats. Trying each one out will be like seeing what kind of food or treats they like. Just like people, all pets are different. You can choose from CBD oil, hemp extract drops, or delicious treats that contain CBD. Many quality CBD products for pets also contain other nutrients and antioxidants that can be beneficial to your pets. However, use caution when purchasing anything CBD for your pet other than oil. With CBD oil, you have exact dosages and know precisely what you are administering. With treats containing CBD, this isn’t always the case.
Before purchasing any kind of CBD, always check the quality and purity of the manufacturer. Opt for CBD from organically grown hemp that is sourced from reputable farms. CBD products vary in price but always remember that you get what you pay for. Cheap hemp CBD could have toxic ingredients or pesticides that can be harmful to your cat or dog. Because of the growth in CBD’s popularity in recent years, some bad actors have taken advantage of this and sold CBD with heavy metals and other low-quality ingredients. Always be sure you are buying CBD products from a manufacturer that publishes its analysis publicly and frequently.
Be sure to only ever give your pet CBD products that are specifically designed for pets. A popular product on the CBD market currently is CBD gummies. And while they are delicious for many humans, a dog or a cat could have their digestive system negatively impacted by these products that can be loaded with sugar and syrups.
Bottom Line
CBD oil could have some potential for helping pets, but more research is necessary.
Always be sure to do your due diligence before giving your pet any kind of CBD product, and talk it over with your vet first. We are still learning about CBD and how it impacts both humans and animals, and CBD oil could cause a negative interaction with the medication your pet takes or an ingredient in their food.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The above-mentioned products are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical conditions.
Warning: Must be 21 and over to purchase or use CBD products. These products should not be used by nursing mothers or during pregnancy.
