1 in 7 adults uses some type of CBD product. With the expansion of the CBD market, people turn to CBD to combat medical problems like anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
But what about CBD products for pets? Can your pet benefit from CBD and should you consider giving it to them? What is the connection between CBD and pets?
If you have a furry friend and you’re curious about how CBD products work, keep reading to learn more about CBD for pets.
What Is CBD?
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CBD stands for cannabidiol oil which is found in the hemp plant, a member of the cannabis family. Unlike marijuana, it doesn’t produce that “high” feeling because it lacks the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
Whether you buy CBD online or in the store, you’ll typically find that most CBD products have less than 0.3% THC, which is normal. This is a trace amount, and won’t cause any psychosomatic effects.
CBD works with the endocannabinoid system in the body to promote balance in areas like sleep, mood, and pain regulation. Dogs and cats also have an endocannabinoid system and benefit from the supplemental cannabinoids that CBD offers.
CBD and Pets
CBD for dogs and cats can have many benefits, but what are they? It’s important to remember that every pet is different and may not respond in the same way to CBD. Here are some benefits you might experience when you give CBD oil to your pet.
- Increases Appetite
Does your pet turn up their nose at their food for various reasons? While you may not know why your pet won’t eat, sometimes it’s due to nausea, causing a lack of appetite.
CBD works to soothe nausea so your pet can consume their meals and get much-needed calories and minerals. If your dog has trouble digesting food, CBD also helps aid in digestion.
- Calms Anxiety
Many dogs suffer from periods of anxiety due to situations that are circumstantial or because of past trauma. Whatever the case, an anxious pet can be challenging to deal with when you have company, at the vet, or in daily life.
CBD works to calm anxiety and promote a sense of peacefulness in your pet. You can give it to your pet when situations seem more stressful, like company or fireworks. If your pet has trouble sleeping, a recommended dose from your vet may help ease them into rest.
- Pain
As your pet ages, they may experience arthritis in their joints. This makes mobility hard and uncomfortable.
CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory, which reduces the inflammation caused by arthritis or other joint pain. When your pet feels less pain, they’re able to participate in walking, running, and other normal activities.
- Allergies
While you might suffer from allergies related to pets, did you know that pets also suffer from allergies as well? Certain allergens upset your pet’s skin condition, making it itchy, red, and swollen.
Since CBD is an anti-inflammatory, it works to reduce the amount of redness. CBD also encourages healthy skin growth so your pet is free from itching.
- Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures. It occurs in both humans and animals. For pet owners, witnessing a seizure can be a scary experience and many pet owners don’t know what to do.
There’s some evidence that suggests CBD can help diminish seizures caused by epilepsy. You should always inquire of your vet about trying CBD for your pet with epilepsy, especially if they’re already taking medication.
CBD Products for Pets
Because of the popularity of CBD, choosing a CBD product for your pet can feel overwhelming. Here’s the breakdown of what CBD products are available for your pet.
Types of CBD
CBD comes in three basic forms: full spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate.
The full spectrum contains all of the other compounds from the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC. The idea behind full-spectrum CBD is that all of these compounds work synergistically, giving your pet the benefits of all of the compounds.
Broad-spectrum CBD also has all of the additional compounds, but with the THC removed. Broad-spectrum is a great choice for pet owners who wish to use CBD without THC.
CBD isolate is pure CBD with all of the other elements removed. This usually comes in powder form.
There are benefits to each type of CBD, and you can discuss with your vet which type of CBD is best for your dog.
Methods of CBD
CBD comes in many forms which means a variety of ways to administer CBD to your pet. Some pets might be more persnickety than others, so it’s ok if there’s a trial and error period for finding the best way to give CBD to your pet. Here are some preferred methods of administering CBD.
One of the easiest ways to give your dog CBD is with CBD-infused treats. These treats already have fixed amounts of CBD in them and come in flavors dogs love. The only caveat with CBD treats is watching their calorie intake.
Tinctures are CBD mixed with alcohol or water. Typically, they’re flavored, but unflavored options are available, and they’re preferred because you draw exact measurements. You can give your pet CBD using a tincture to deposit drops directly into their mouth or putting it in their food.
Choosing a CBD specially formulated for dogs takes the guesswork out of administering CBD. The measurements are easy to read and understand and you don’t have to worry about giving too much or too little.
Giving CBD to Pets
Finding the best CBD products for pets makes all the difference in reaping the benefits of CBD. Try CBD oil for your pet today and see if it improves the quality of their life.
Do you want to know more about giving your pet their best life? Check out the rest of our pet page today to learn more.
