Cannabidiol (CBD) products have quickly grown in popularity among many people. This has led many pet owners and veterinarians to begin wondering if CBD offers some of the same potential health benefits that many people experience from using CBD oils. Could CBD treatment be used as an alternative option for many pet health conditions and is it safe and effective?
There is some early research that has shown promise that CBD oils may offer some therapeutic benefits for your furry friend which could ultimately help them live happier and healthier lives.
We will take a look at some of this early research and dive into if CBD is safe to use in pets to help you decide if CBD is the right choice for you and your pets.
Key takeaways
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Some early research suggests that CBD use may help pets with certain conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures.
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Be sure to avoid products that are not designed for pets and follow all recommended dosing suggestions from the manufacturer.
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Since there are limited studies on using CBD with animals, you should look at anecdotal evidence from other pet owners to determine if CBD oil is right for your pets.
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You should only buy high quality CBD oil products for you pets to ensure they contain the correct potency, purity, and are free of harmful chemicals and additives.
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Veterinarians may not be allowed to prescribe or recommend cannabis products for your pets, regardless of their personal or professional stance on the topic.
What is CBD?
The cannabis plant contains two main active ingredients. Those consist of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the chemical compound responsible for the psychoactive effects or "high" which is commonly associated with traditional THC from marijuana. CBD on the other hand is non-psychoactive and does not produce a "high" but, as studies suggest, does offer a wide range of potential health and therapeutic benefits.
Is CBD Legal for Dogs?
Legal restrictions for purchasing CBD products do vary from state to state but at this point CBD has become mainstream and is more widely accepted. Many people across the U.S. can easily access and buy CBD oil products both in store and online.
One of the key factors that makes CBD products legal to purchase and use for both dogs and pets is the source of the CBD oil. CBD derived from the hemp plant is federally legal while CBD oil derived from marijuana is illegal at the federal level and may also be illegal depending on the state you live in.
It should be noted that the FDA has not yet determined whether or not CBD is safe as a food additive, dietary supplement, or treatment for pets. However, there is in fact one FDA- approved medication containing CBD for use in humans but currently no products have been approved for use in animals.
What Research has Been Done on the Effects of CBD for Pets?
There are only a handful of published studies relating to CBD and pets. This is simply due to the fact that it is oftentimes difficult to conduct cannabis related research.
Back in 2017 the American Veterinarian proclaimed that it was concerning to many veterinarians about the lack of peer-reviewed clinical studies aimed to prove the efficacy of cannabis products for animals.
Regardless of this, there have been some scientists that have been able to publish reputable peer-reviewed work. Results from these early studies has sparked interest of some vets and pet owners. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has compiled a list of veterinary medicine research on the clinical use of CBD in pets.
Their report offers some insight for dog owners and pet parents into some topics such as the quality of CBD pet products, regulatory matters, and looks at potential adverse reactions in animals, including dogs.
In July of 2018, one of the first clinical studies, which examined the effects of hemp-based CBD oil use for arthritic dogs, was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. This leading international journal reported the extremely encouraging results of the study.
There are several research studies that are currently being conducted to study the efficacy of CBD oil in treating several different conditions in dogs. The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has sponsored a study through the Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to study the use of CBD in treatment-resistant dogs.
The hope of the CHF is that this will be the first scientific data on the use of CBD in dogs with this specific condition along with scientific data on the side effects of CBD usage for dogs.
As the interest of using CBD oil for dogs and cats grows, the quantity and scale of these studies will grow. These future studies will provide veterinarians and pet owners with even more guidance and understanding as how best to use these hemp products.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
Yes, CBD is safe for your pets' health as long as the products you choose are high quality and free of harmful chemicals and heavy metals. To ensure that the products you choose for your furry friend are safe you should you purchase pet CBD products from reputable sources so you know you are getting the highest quality and best CBD oil.
All trusted CBD brands will offer full transparency by backing all of their products with lab testing, often referred to as a certificate of analysis (COA) which indicates what the product contains, how many milligrams it has, and the potency and purity.
You should avoid any company that makes medical claims regarding their products and who do not offer a certificate of analysis. Top quality CBD brands will always spend the extra time and money to make sure you know that what they say is in the label is actually in the product.
If you choose to try CBD oil for you pets, make sure to do some research and find out exactly how the product is made and what it contains before purchasing. At Everyday Delta we offer only the best CBD oil for dogs and pets that are backed by third party lab testing.
Are There Risks to Giving My Pet CBD?
The potential side effects of CBD oil use in pets is very similar to what humans may experience. The most common side effects reported include, fatigue, changes to appetite, and diarrhea.
If your dog experiences these effects, they will typically become apparent between one to three hours after ingestion, with some effects taking up to 12 hours to show up. One of the biggest risk factors to be aware of is Toxicosis, which is more likely to occur in younger dogs.
These is not typically a need to treat these adverse reactions, as they are relatively mild and will subside with time. However, if symptoms don't get better or worsen you should contact your vet and keep a close eye on your pet.
Will CBD Get My Pet High?
No, CBD oil will not get your dog or cat high since CBD is non-psychoactive. Although some pet parents may become concerned if their pet appears to be high, there are several reasons why a dog that has ingested CBD may look high.
First off, it is also important to know that some CBD pet products may contain both CBD and THC, so be sure to check the labels and be aware of the products contents before you purchase them. If the product you choose is labeled as "full spectrum CBD oil" it may contain up to 0.3% THC, the legal limit according to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
To fully avoid this possibility, you may want to select a product that is labeled as a CBD isolate, meaning that it should contain zero THC. Even a small amount of THC could cause this side effect in some pets, this is especially true if they are extra sensitive to it.
Is THC Safe for Pets?
While THC is a major component of cannabis and hemp plants, it is poisonous to dogs. This makes it essential that you keep THC edibles and all hemp products that contain a high THC content safely out of reach of your pets. In addition, many THC edibles which are designed to appeal to humans also contain artificial sweeteners or chocolate, which can be fatal to dogs.
THC toxicosis, which is a condition caused by poisoning, usually causes a large number of symptoms in dogs but rarely causes death. Even though most dogs generally recover form THC poisoning, it can at times be life threatening and it has resulted in canine deaths.
Common symptoms THC toxicosis to be aware of are lethargy and impaired coordination along with possible vomiting and loss of control of urine. More other common signs are dilated pupils, slowed heart rate, heighted physical sensitivity, and excessive drooling.
More rare symptoms can also occur such as increased heart rate, slowed breathing, rapid eye movement, and cause a temporary drop in blood pressure along with increased aggression or agitation.
If you think your dog or pet has ingested a THC edible or hemp product, call your veterinarian immediately. Although there is no cure of THC toxicosis your vet will be able to monitor your dog's heart rate, blood pressure, and overall condition until your pet can pass the THC from their system.
What Forms of CBD are Available for Pets?
There are a wide range of CBD oils for dogs and sometimes it can be hard to determine the best CBD oil to use for your pet. We will review some of the most common forms of CBD oil for dogs and some of the different types of CBD oils to look for.
The most common types of CBD products you will find are CBD isolate and full spectrum cbd oil. Let's explore the difference.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Full spectrum CBD oil is made from the entirety of hemp plants, resulting in many other parts of the hemp plant being contained in the CBD oil. You will find many other cannabinoids and terpenes along with the CBD. These additional ingredients work together to offer what's referred to as the "entourage effect" potentially offering a more powerful effect.
CBD Isolate Oil
in contrast to full spectrum oil, CBD isolate is refined full-spectrum hemp oil and only contains CBD and none of the other cannabis plant components. This is probably the best choice for those who find their animals are sensitive to even small amounts of THC, since CBD isolate will contain zero THC.
What Types of CBD Products are Available for Pets?
CBD tinctures
Dog CBD tinctures come as bottled oils with droppers designed to be measured easily. This may be preferable method when you first start giving CBD to your pet as it makes increasing the dose slowly easier than when compared to rather than being limited to a fixed dosage in a capsule or treat.
CBD oil sprays
Pet sprays are a very convenient way to administer hemp oil to your pet. This can also be the easiest way for some because it can be sprayed either directly into your pets mouth or can be sprayed directly onto their food.
CBD dog treats
Giving your dog CBD treats are usually a hit among both pets and owners alike, all but the pickiest of dogs will enjoy these. Plus the fact that they come in a predetermined dosage per treat makes dosing that much easier.
Are Human CBD Products Safe for Pets?
Even though the CBD oil contained in CBD products that are designed for human consumption might be the same and would probably be okay, we don't suggest giving them to your dog. Some of the other additional ingredients, while safe for us, might not be the best for your fur babies. Some ingredients such as chocolate, essential oils, and certain artificial sweeteners could be toxic to your dog.
Dogs also absorb CBD differently than humans. Some studies have noted that the administration method of CBD that was used made a major impact on the results of the study. When comparing results, a key difference relating to the results was that way the CBD was administered.
Pet specific CBD oil will take these factors into account and are specifically designed with your dog in mind. Not only that but pet friendly hemp oil will usually be offered in flavors a bit more geared towards your pups palette.
What CBD Dosage Should be Used for Pets?
It can be difficult to determine how much CBD to give your pet, but we will go over some general guidelines to help make dosing your dog CBD oil easier. Like with humans who are new to taking CBD, it is important to start your pet with a low dose and raise it slowly.
Remember that You should always reference the recommended dosage provided by the manufacturer of your CBD dog treats. Usually, this is based on your dog's body weight and the condition you are wanting to treat. The normal range is 1mg - 5mg per every 10 pounds.
CBD oil dosage can also vary depending on the weight of your dog and their sensitivity it along with the goal or purpose you are using it for. It is ideal that you start off with a small dosage and closely monitor how your pet reacts. If they don't get a enough or the CBD isn't absorbed well your pet won't see the full benefits of CBD oil.
What Pet Health Problems Might CBD Help Manage?
Some recent studies have shown promise that CBD is particularly helpful for dogs. This is because there has been a large amount of anecdotal evidence supporting the use of CBD to reduce anxiety, pain, seizures, neoplasia, increase quality of life, improve skin conditions and act as an anti-inflammatory in dogs.
The use of CBD for conditions like these is based on the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors. These cannabinoid receptors are what other cannabinoids, including CBD binds to then regulate balance of all processes in the body. This is thought to be the reason that there are so many benefits of CBD oil.
Like humans, every pet's endocannabinoid system functions slightly differently, so what may work well for one pet might not work the exact same for another.
Anxiety
Dogs and other animals can experience anxiety, much like humans can. Anxiety can lead to troublesome behavior in your pets like aggressive behaviors, excessive chewing, and urinating inappropriately. CBD is thought to calm the nerves and provide some feelings of tranquility. This is thought occur because of how CBD may activate some of the same areas of the brain as serotonin, the hormone responsible for making us feel happy and relaxed.
Pain
With few studies on the therapeutic potential of CBD for dogs, the few that do exist are promising. It appears that once an animal absorbs CBD it may play a role in lowering the inflammation and therefor relieve pain.
Experts are still unsure exactly how CBD may relive pain, but it is believed to be related to how CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the nerves that are involved in causing the pain sensations. Some studies have shown a reduction in joint inflammation can cause relief in osteoarthritis aches and pains for pets.
One study from Colorado State University done to assess the short-term effects of CBD on seizure management identified a correlation between the use of CBD and the reduction of seizures. This suggests a possible positive result and indicates more re
Three other studies specifically related to pain management highlighted CBD's potential to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. Survey's from owners in one of those studies indicated an impactful reduction of pain and a increase in activity levels when their dog was given CBD hemp oil.
Further, another study reported that 94% of owners felt the CBD treatment of their dog improved the dog's quality of life. They indicated that their dog slept less and was more interactive with the family members in the home.
Seizures
CBD has been shown to help with epilepsy in dogs in a way that lowers the frequency of their occurrence when used in conjunction with traditional antiepileptic drugs. It is unclear how CBD helps with seizure treatment, but it is thought to do so by preventing nerves in the brain from firing too much and therefore lowers the number of electrolytes, which have been tied to seizure conditions.
How Can I tell if CBD is Helping My Pet?
When using CBD oil for dogs it can be hard to tell when or if it's working. If only our pets could tell us how they are feeling. Since they can't outright tell us, you will have to gauge how they feel based on their behaviors. After you give a dose of CBD keep a close eye on your pet to see if they seem to be feeling better. Depending on their condition, relief may happen as quick as 30 mins or may take up to a few weeks after consistent use.
Just remember that every animal is different and will respond to CBD in teir own way. Finding the right product, dosage, and product type may take some trial and error but in the long run finding the right hemp products will pay off when you see your pet feeling their best.
Conclusion, Can CBD Help My Pet?
Many pet owners are curious about cannabis-based treatments for their furry companions and in the market for CBD products for dogs and cats it can be hard to know what is best. It is hard to ignore the overwhelmingly positive feedback many dog owners are reporting regardless of if the science hasn't caught up yet.
Ultimately it is up to you to do your research and your best judgment if CBD hemp oil, which CBD product, and how much CBD is right for your pet.
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