Cannabidiol (CBD) has changed the wellness world. It has provided relief from anxiety, chronic pain, and more for humans. Recently, pet parents have asked if CBD can also help our pets.
The short answer is yes, CBD is emerging as a safe, natural alternative for pet health. From easing joint pain to reducing stress during thunderstorms, many veterinarians suggest CBD as part of a treatment plan, and pet parents are looking into alternatives.
Here, we will cover CBD, how it affects pets, what a pet parent might look for in using CBD, considerations and safety features with CBD, and how to pick the best product for your four-legged friend.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not produce a high and is, therefore, a favored choice for someone looking for the benefits provided by cannabis but without the psychoactive component.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system for humans and animals. The ECS manages balance to everyday bodily functions, including but not limited to sleep, pain, mood, and appetite.
CBD for pets mostly comes from hemp, a cannabis variety with less than 0.3% THC, and is available in pet-only products like oils, chews, capsules, and treats.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
CBD research in pets is still young, but the research has been promising. So what have we learned so far? Based on anecdotal reports from pet owners and veterinarians anecdotal reports or preliminary research, pets tend to tolerate CBD well if given appropriate dosages.
One study, conducted by Cornell University in 2018, indicated that CBD was highly tolerated and cannabidiol effectively increased comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
It is important to note that not all CBD products are the same. It is thought that full-spectrum CBD from hemp is the safest as it has only trace amounts of THC. You should never give any products with high THC levels to your pets, as they can be toxic to animals.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Pets
Pain Management
One of the most common benefits of using CBD for pets is its ability to reduce pain. This is especially true for chronic pain stemming from osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal concerns. CBD interacts with receptors in your pet’s body to decrease pain and the associated inflammation.
Calming Effect
Pets can have anxiety just like people do. Some common triggers might include separation, loud noises, car rides, or new environments. Many pet owners say CBD helps to keep their pets calm and relaxed during these stressful situations.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
CBD is commonly recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be particularly beneficial for older pets struggling with joint inflammation, allergies, and chronic diseases.
Seizure Management
CBD has shown exciting potential to lower the number of seizures in dogs and lessen the intensity of seizures, particularly in dogs with epilepsy. While further research will be needed to understand the best applications for CBD fully, early studies show it could become a viable alternative to traditional seizure medications that are highly effective but also come with side effects.
Increased Appetite and Decreased Nausea
Should your pet have had surgery or if they are recovering from an illness or treatment such as chemotherapy, CBD may help stimulate appetite and could help decrease nausea, which may help them eat and regain strength.
How to Choose a CBD Product for Your Pet
Quality and transparency are paramount when choosing your pet’s CBD product. Here is what to look for:
- Hemp-derived CBD: Ensure the product is made from industrial hemp and contains only trace amounts of THC, less than 0.3%.
- Lab Testing: Look for third-party laboratory-test products that provide lab results to verify potency and purity.
- Pet Formulations: Find products formulated especially for pets, with dosing instructions specific to animal needs.
- No artificial ingredients: Choose products with whole ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Begin with the lowest dose and increase the dosage as necessary based on your pet’s response. The correct dosage is often related to your pet’s weight, condition, and tolerance to the ingredient.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
In Canada, CBD is legal for both humans and animals. Still, products intended for animal consumption will have specifications of Health Canada, thus, depending on the product, to verify that you are purchasing a product that is considered safe for the intended use, as well as labelling. As always, buy from companies with a good online reputation, that meet safety standards and will disclose adequate labelling information.
While giving your pet a human product is tempting, it is safer to use a veterinarian-approved product that has been tested on pets using animal doses.
There is no shortage of accessible recreational cannabis delivery; however, consumer-level services are sometimes not equipped to supply pet-safe products. Although you may have local options from a producer, you may also wish to pursue the wellness service providers listed under weed delivery in Kitchener services. Once again, you should make reasonable attempts to verify that an entity is a licensed, reputable vendor.
Final Thoughts
CBD is quickly becoming an integral part of the pet wellness toolbox for natural support against pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc. While certainly not a cure-all, pet parents are finding that CBD has improved their furry companions’ quality of life drastically.
Getting it right requires selecting appropriate products, starting low, and working with your veterinarian closely. CBD will be a safe and beneficial part of your pet’s wellness regimen.