At this point, most Americans have heard of CBD and many have tried it for themselves. However, surprisingly few people realize that it can also be used as an all-natural treatment for dogs, cats, and other pets. Read on to find out about what pet owners need to know before giving CBD to their furry friends.
What Is It?
CBD products for your pets are designed to be easy to dose and appealing to dogs. Made from full-spectrum hemp extract, it contains cannabidiol and other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. Hemp-based CBD is very different from marijuana-based CBD. While people in states with legal medical or recreational marijuana may benefit from products and supplements that contain THC, dogs do not. They should only be given hemp-based products.
Is It Safe?
While veterinary research into CBD for dogs is still in its infancy, many have already begun recommending various products for treating hotspots, protecting pads, and alleviating anxiety, arthritis pain, and other health problems.
So far, the studies on how CBD affects dogs and how it is tolerated have provided promising results. It is effective and well-tolerated, with the only noteworthy side effects being mild diarrhea and very slightly elevated serum ALP levels. There’s no evidence that it poses a threat of liver toxicity.
How to Use It
How pet owners should give CBD to their dogs depends on what problem they are trying to treat. For skin or pad problems, topical solutions are the best fit. For anxiety, pain, aggression, or neurological disorders, giving the pet’s oil or chews is a better way to go.
How It Helps
Dogs suffer from many of the same underlying health conditions as their owners. CBD treats them in the same way by interacting with the animals’ endocannabinoid systems to help them maintain a state of healthy homeostasis. Anecdotal reports suggest that CBD oil or chew treats can help:
- Stress and anxiety
- Moderate and severe pain
- Chronic inflammation
- Arthritis and other forms of joint pain
- Seizures caused by epilepsy
- Digestive problems
- Nausea
- Cancer symptoms
- And more
How to Choose High-Quality Products
Dog owners want what’s best for their pets, so they should take the time to verify that any CBD products they buy are pure and safe to use. Look for hemp-based products processed using safe methods instead of cheap and potentially toxic solvents and verify that they are lab tested.
Full-spectrum hemp-based CBD products are most effective since they work based on the entourage effect, but make sure the oil or chews don’t contain more than 0.3% THC. Not only can excessive amounts of THC high enough to produce psychoactive effects be bad for dogs, but in many states, they’re also illegal. The easiest way to buy CBD dog chews, oil, and skin care products is to find a reputable vendor online.
The Bottom Line
No pet owner wants to see his or her furry friend suffer. CBD offers a natural remedy that can help dogs manage diverse conditions. Many veterinarians recommend it, and it’s safe for almost all dogs, cats, and other furry friends.
