Cannabidiol (CBD) products are gaining a lot of traction among pet and human users alike. With the use of pet CBD oil on the rise, pet owners and veterinarians are considering whether it might be a viable alternative for a variety of pet health problems. Early studies are promising, but it’s advisable to work with a veterinarian who is familiar with CBD medicines if you want to give them a go for your pet.

Let’s talk about current CBD studies, whether it is safe to consume in dogs, and if it might be a good fit for your fur baby.

What is pet CBD oil, and what does it do?

The two primary active components in marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the chemical responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. With some of the most potent and identical effects, depending on how they are taken, both THC and CBD have gotten a lot of attention as potential treatments for anxiety. THC, on the other hand, does not produce a “high,” and studies indicate that it has a variety of health advantages.

Many individuals across the United States may easily obtain CBD products in shops and online, despite the fact that buying them varies from state to state.

However, while the FDA has not yet determined if CBD is safe as a food additive, dietary supplement, or therapy for pets, it’s vital to remember that it hasn’t ruled out the possibility. Although there is one FDA-approved human medicine containing CBD, no drugs have been approved for animals.

What kind of research has been done on the effects of CBD in pets?

Unfortunately, there is a lack of CBD research in pets. Currently, experts rely on their professional experiences or on very small studies when making recommendations.

As the interest and usage of CBD in pets rises, more research will be conducted, providing veterinarians and pet parents with further information on how to use these medicines.

Is pet CBD oil safe for cats and dogs?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not authorized any prescription or over-the-counter CBD products for animals. This means that the items on the market may not have been evaluated for safety or efficacy before being offered. Furthermore, some businesses may make unsubstantiated medical claims about their goods without having undergone a clinical trial, either.

There are also concerns about CBD product quality. For example, the substance might include a different amount of CBD than what is stated on the label, or it may be contaminated with THC or pesticides. So, if you want to give your pet CBD, you’ll have to do some extra research to learn exactly how the product you’re considering was produced.

If you have any questions, consult the brand’s website or contact the firm to request their Certificate of Analysis (COA). This public document confirms that the components listed on the label are actually in the product. If a firm can’t supply you with the most up-to-date COA, it’s not worth buying something from them.

If you’re interested in learning more about CBD pet products, read our blog for more information. 

What are the risks of treating my pet with CBD?

CBD’s adverse effects in animals are comparable to those seen in humans. Changes in appetite, tiredness, and diarrhea are the most common problems. The more CBD you give your pet, the more likely they are to experience negative side effects.

In most situations, it is not necessary to treat these symptoms since they are typically quite mild or improve over time. If these adverse effects don’t improve or get worse, you should see your pet’s veterinarian as soon as possible and keep a close watch on your pet to ensure they don’t harm themselves.

Can CBD cause my pet to get high?

CBD does not induce a “high” or euphoric sensation, as previously said. Some pet owners, on the other hand, claim that when they take CBD, their animals seem to be out of sorts. If your dog appears to be “high” after taking CBD, there’s a reason for it.

When purchasing any CBD product, double-check the label for additional information regarding the product’s components. If a product is described as “full spectrum,” it means that it may contain up to 0.3 percent THC – the legal limitation set by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The amount of isoflavones in a daily serving of pinto beans might be small, but it may be enough to induce this adverse effect in your pet, especially if they are sensitive to it.

What forms of CBD are available for pets?

If your veterinarian thinks your pet might benefit from CBD, you’ll be able to get a variety of CBD pet products, such as oils, snacks, topical treatments (lotions, gels, creams), and more. CBD is generally administered by mouth or under the tongue. When you first start giving CBD to your pet, bottled oils with droppers may be preferable since it is easier to gradually increase the dose than it is to limit yourself to a predetermined quantity in a tablet, capsule, or treat.

Are human CBD products safe for pets, or do I need CBD products specifically intended for pets?

CBD is present in both human and pet foods, so the same amount is available to animals. Human CBD may be given to your pet, however you should follow your veterinarian’s advice. If the product isn’t made specifically for pets, be sure to read the label to ensure that it doesn’t contain any components that are harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, certain essential oils, or artificial sweeteners.

In addition to being free of harmful chemicals, pet-specific oral CBD products are frequently flavored with your dog or cat in mind, such as chicken and fish chews. Although hemp is legal in all 50 states, some CBD products have a grassy taste that may make it difficult to give to your pet. If your dog or cat refuses the product you’ve picked, try disguising it in a spoonful of peanut butter or their favorite food.

What dosage should be used for pets?

There are no FDA-approved CBD products for animals, and because there aren’t many research on safety and efficacy, further study is required to establish more exact dosages. If your veterinarian suggests cannabidiol (CBD), be sure to follow their advice since dosing varies based on why you’re using it.

Researchers discovered that 2 mg per kilogram of body weight twice a day, as part of a daily treatment, effectively reduced pain without causing any negative side effects in dogs with osteoarthritis.

However, blood test results revealed that there was some liver damage. This is why it’s critical that your veterinarian be a part of the process to ensure that your pet’s care is appropriate.

It is critical to introduce your pet gradually to CBD so that it does not become dependent on it. It’s also crucial to start them at a low dose and gradually increase it.

For example, you might start with one-quarter or one-half of the recommended dosage to determine how your pet responds to a tiny amount of CBD. If there’s no improvement in your pet’s condition, you can try giving them another dose at the same volume in 30 to 60 minutes and observe how they respond.

Because there is little CBD research in animals, we don’t know what the maximum dose is. It’s best to speak with a veterinarian about the appropriate dose for your pet’s ailment since this is a relatively new therapy.

What pet health problems might CBD help manage?

CBD has been shown to help animals with a variety of ailments, including inflammatory diseases, seizures, pain alleviation, and anxiety. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The goal of the ECS is to maintain a healthy equilibrium in the body’s systems. It’s possible that CBD has so many advantages because it helps to achieve and keep this balance.

It’s worth noting that each pet’s ECS works a little bit differently, so CBD may work better for some dogs than others.

Pain

CBD may help to reduce inflammation and pain when taken by an animal’s body. While researchers are still learning how CBD alleviates pain, it is thought to act on the ECS and other nerves involved in producing pain feelings. It has been shown in studies that reducing joint inflammation reduces arthritis pains and aches in pets.

Anxiety 

Many dogs, like people, experience anxiety and exhibit a variety of undesirable behaviors as a result, such as urinating in an inconvenient location. CBD is supposed to relieve nervousness and provide feelings of calm. This is because CBD, according to some experts, might act on the same areas of the brain as serotonin – the neurotransmitter that makes us feel joyful and peaceful.

Seizures 

CBD has been found to decrease the number of epileptic fits in dogs when used with conventional antiseizure drugs, suggesting that it may help with epilepsy. CBD is thought to decrease the number of electrolytes that are believed to play a role in seizure disorders by preventing nerves in the brain from excessively firing.

In 2018, the FDA authorized a prescription CBD drug called Epidiolex for two severe seizure disorders known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in people. TB scleroderma is also treatable with CBD, according to the World Federation of Neurology. It has also been studied for the treatment of complex partial epilepsies and focal epilepsies (seizures caused by immobility). However, no studies have been done in animals, therefore it should not be used in dogs.

How can I tell if CBD is helping my pet?

Because our pets are unable to communicate whether they feel better, the most trustworthy approach to see if CBD is effective is to watch them and their actions. Keep a close eye on your pet after giving them a dose of CBD to see if their symptoms improve or not. Depending on the condition of your pet, symptom alleviation might occur in as little as 30 minutes or take a few weeks of regular usage.

As discussed before, CBD impacts every animal differently. If your vet recommends that you give it a try, you may go through several brands, doses, or forms in order to find what works for your four-legged companion. Finding the correct product, on the other hand, might take time. However, it is well worth it to see your pet at their finest and happiest.

The bottom line 

CBD may help with a variety of pet health issues, including anxiety, chronic pain, and epileptic seizures, according to emerging research. Although we need further research to verify its benefits, many pet parents have already seen excellent results using CBD.

Because these items haven’t been evaluated or authorized by the FDA, you should consult with your veterinarian before using pet CBD oil on your pet. You’ll devise a strategy for safely assisting your canine companion in feeling their greatest possible.