CBD for Pets: Should You Try it For Yours?

According to a report by the Brightfield Group, the CBD industry is expected to reach $22 million in revenue by 2022.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant. Unlike marijuana, CBD isn’t addictive. Instead of causing a high, CBD products are great for relieving stress, pain, and anxiety.

These benefits aren’t just for humans, though!

The rising popularity of CBD has encouraged a new wave of products to help relieve these symptoms in another target audience: pets.

That’s right; CBD oil can relieve anxiety and pain in man’s best friend, too. Many people are questioning whether CBD oil for pets is safe. We’ve covered the essentials so you can feel reassured before giving your pet a new type of treat.

Here’s everything you need to know about CBD for pets!

That way, you can make an educated decision before buying CBD for man’s best friend.

The Benefits of CBD Oil for Pets

From everyday anxiety to the pains of cancer, pet CBD can relieve a number of ailments.

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation is associated with a number of conditions (such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis), easing this inflammation is important to help humans and animals alike.

For example, CBD can reduce swelling in the joints and muscles. This can help prevent arthritis, especially in your active canine.

According to this study, CBD even relieved the pain in dogs with osteoarthritis while increasing their energy levels.

You can learn more about CBD Oil for Horses with Inflammation to further explore these benefits.

Pet CBD can also help reduce the risk of seizures. It even reduces the duration of these seizures. Reducing the number of seizures your pet might experience in a given day can help them live a happier, healthier life.

If your pet exhibits symptoms of anxiety, CBD can calm them down.

The compound ingredients in CBD communicate with the Endocannabinoid system in the body. That goes for humans and animals as well. The CBD can encourage calming effects to help relieve this anxiety.

If your pet has cancer, some reports note CBD’s ability to fight cell growth in tumors. It can also relieve the pain your pet is experiencing while improving positive cell growth.

Finally, CBD oil for pets can help increase your pet’s appetite. If they haven’t been eating lately (perhaps a symptom of their anxiety), try CBD for pets and help them develop a healthy appetite again.

Remain Realistic

While these benefits of CBD oil for pets are great, it’s important to develop realistic expectations before buying your pet these special treats.

Researchers are still trying to determine the best dosages of CBD for pets. These studies are exploring how CBD is metabolized in cats and dogs. Research is also trying to determine whether the compound poses any health risks.

However, recent clinical trials, including the study on dogs with osteoarthritis mentioned above, have shown positive results.

Scientists urge pet owners to remain cautious. Though initial research has demonstrated CBD oil for pets is safe, further research is underway to determine the effectiveness of CBD for pets.

There are different CBD products for pets on the market, including chew treats, capsules, and tinctures. You might notice your pet responds to one better than another.

Keep an eye out for new studies regarding CBD and pets, too. For example, this study explored the connection between epilepsy (which is a common neurological disorder for many dogs) and the use of CBD products.

New research and studies can help you determine whether or not using CBD for pets is right for your pet.

Stop at the Vet First

Whether or not you give your pet CBD is up to you. However, a stop at your local vet can help you get a little more information first.

Your vet can answer any questions you have about their experience with CBD products. They can also discuss doses and potential interactions your pet may experience. If you’re looking for reassurance pet CBD is the best option for your pet, get your vet’s perspective.

That way, you can limit any potential harm to your pet.

Your vet can also provide their firsthand experience with CBD. This allows you to refer to someone you know and trust for guidance on the subject.

Choosing Products

Sometimes, it’s a challenge to find the best pet CBD products. You need to look for a product that’s free of contaminants, lists all of their ingredients, and was created responsibly.

Unfortunately, the cannabis industry remains unregulated.

This means you need to do your research before you buy CBD for pets.

Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, there are a number of items you can check for when exploring different products.

For example, you should look for products that have a seal from the National Animal Supplement Council. You should also check for pet CBD that follows Good Manufacturing Practices.

Both of these labels can indicate the product was made with safe ingredients.

They also tell you the products were manufactured in a clean environment.

Make sure you don’t give your pet CBD products meant for humans. These products might contain ingredients such as xylitol or grapeseed oil, which aren’t safe for animals to consume.

Some CBD products also contain THC. Though some veterinarians use products with THC for treatments, it can be dangerous to experiment with these products on your own pet.

However, CBD-only products shouldn’t contain more than .3 percent THC. It is possible for your animals to get high from CBD products, so it’s important to watch how your pet reacts. Keep an eye on your pet in case the product contains more THC than the label claims.

Certificate of Analysis

Some CBD companies request independent, third-party testing on their products. This allows them to offer their products with a Certificate of Analysis, or COA.

A COA can indicate how much THC or CBD the product contains. Before you try CBD for pets, check for this seal. The COA will also ensure the product was tested for fungicides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

That way, you can feel reassured you’re feeding your pet a healthy, safe CBD oil product.

Watch for Reactions

When you first decide to try CBD for pets, make sure you watch for any reactions and side effects.

CBD can also interact with any other medications your pet is taking. When you visit your vet, make sure to ask them about these medications and how they might interact with CBD.

In fact, CBD might enhance the effects of the drugs your pet is currently taking.

If you notice your pet experience any side effects, contact your vet.

Low and Slow

When administrating CBD for pets, make sure to check the product label for instructions. This can help you determine a good starting point for the dosage.

Remember, there’s little conclusive research about which dosages are safe and most effective.

If you’re unsure about the dose, try starting at 1 mg per 10 pounds of your pet’s body weight. Give them one dose to begin, then increase to twice a day. Monitor your pet’s reaction the entire time.

That way, you can recognize any side effects your pet might experience as soon as they occur.

Caution is key here. Cannabis is considered an individualized medicine, so the dose often depends on a per person (or pet) basis.

The general rule is to start low and go slow as you try to determine the right dosage. Some experts also suggest pet parents use tinctures instead of a chew treat.

This can make it easier for you to increase or decrease the dosage.

Be patient as you try to find the right dose for your pet. Remember to keep an eye out for any side effects. That way, you can keep your pet happy and safe as you both explore CBD for pets.

Storing Products

Unfortunately, cannabinoids degrade over time. Make sure you store your pet CBD products away from sunlight and bright lights. It’s best to keep them at room temperature to avoid further degrading the products.

Major temperature changes (hot or cold) can change the chemical composition of these products.

Make sure to take a look at the color of your pet’s CBD oil when you first purchase it. If you notice the oil change color over time, it’s probably degraded.

Throw away any products that appear damaged to make sure your pet only uses the best.

CBD for Pets: The Tail-Wagging Truth

With this guide on CBD for pets, you have everything you need before purchasing CBD treats for man’s best friend. Now you can make an informed decision to determine if CBD is right for the animal in your life.

Remember to start low and go slow when trying to determine the best dose for your pet.

That way, they can experience all of the great benefits of CBD products.

Explore the rest of our blog for more news and guides about the world of cannabis.