CBD, the non-psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis plants, is increasingly being utilized for pets. Its powerful calming and healing effects may help balance out an animal's endocannabinoid system and alleviate many medical and behavioral problems.
Pets CBD products come in a range of forms, from chews and oils to creams and drops. Usually designed specifically with your pet's individual needs in mind, you can rest assured that you're giving them the optimal CBD solution for their condition.
How can I get my dog or cat to take a pet-specific CBD product?
The most efficient way to introduce CBD into their diet is by mixing it into their food. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it if necessary.
How can I know if the CBD product I'm purchasing is safe?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits all answer to this question at present. Your veterinarian can give advice on which CBD products are appropriate for your pet and whether they work together with other medications or therapies they prescribe.
What are the side effects of CBD for pets?
While many of CBD's effects are similar to those experienced by humans, some are more severe. For instance, pets taking higher doses of CBD are likely to experience changes in appetite and a lack of energy levels.
Do Vets Recommend CBD For Pets?
When pet parents first learn about CBD, many questions arise. Veterinarians are an excellent place to start as they can answer all your queries regarding how CBD works and its potential benefits for your pup or feline friend.
When it comes to pet CBD use, the answer depends on a number of factors including your pet's age and overall health condition.
For instance, if your pet is young and healthy, a low dose of CBD daily might suffice to promote a healthier lifestyle. On the other hand, older animals or those suffering from health conditions like pain or immune issues might need to receive an increased dosage.
Some veterinarians may be reluctant to discuss CBD with you or even prescribe it for your dog or cat due to the limited scientific research on it. In such cases, more traditional medications that have demonstrated efficacy and safety may be more suitable.
Veterinarians familiar with CBD often endorse it due to the positive response they've observed in their own pets. CBD can help with a variety of issues, from anxiety to joint stiffness and soreness.
What to Look For in a Vet-Approved CBD Product
When selecting a CBD product for your dog, the most essential factor to consider is whether the company produces it responsibly and transparently. Make sure the item contains only high-quality, non-GMO ingredients with no contaminants like pesticides or THC. This way, you can be confident that what you're getting is what it says on the package!
What's The Difference Between CBD For Humans And Pet CBD?
CBD for humans is typically a full-spectrum extract extracted from hemp that contains beneficial compounds known as cannabinoids. Studies have demonstrated that these cannabinoids support normal immune function, promote mental clarity, and physical wellbeing across all mammals.
Hemp is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are vital for supporting a healthy inflammation response and protecting against disease development.
To guarantee your pet gets the benefits of CBD, select a hemp-derived product that contains all essential nutrients without any unnecessary additives or pesticides. A trustworthy brand will provide you with a Certificate of Analysis which displays the total number of cannabinoids and other phytochemicals present in the item.
Dosing for pets is much lower than for people, as their smaller body mass makes them more sensitive to excess oils that could harm their stomachs. A good guideline is to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the amount that works best for your furry friend's individual requirements.
Dogs rarely experience side effects from hemp-derived products since they aren't metabolized by the liver and lack psychoactive properties like THC. However, pet parents may initially notice slight lethargy or drowsiness in their animals at first.
Dry Mouth: CBD can cause dogs' saliva production to decrease, leading to thirst. Therefore, ensure your pup always has access to fresh water and monitor their weight regularly so you know they're getting the correct dosage.
How Long Does It Take For CBD To Take Effect On Pets?
In some dogs, CBD starts working within 30-60 minutes to reduce stress or anxiety. On the other hand, results may take a bit longer for more chronic conditions like pain or mobility issues.
Dosing is another crucial factor to consider when using CBD for pets. How it's administered affects how quickly the CBD enters your pup's system and their response to it.
Sublingual drops under the tongue (drops or chews) are typically the fastest way for your pet's CBD intake. However, as with many things in life, finding the ideal dose requires trial and error.
How quickly your pet absorbs CBD oil or chews depends on several factors, including their age, weight, health status, activity level and symptoms. Older pups typically take longer to absorb CBD oil or chews than younger ones do and that could mean delayed results.
CBD may have effects that last up to four hours, depending on the type of product used and your pet's age, size, health status and condition.
CBD injections in your dog's system can help alleviate a range of negative symptoms caused by an imbalance in their endocannabinoid system. These may include stress, joint pain and digestive troubles.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Needs CBD?
If your pup is dealing with pain, anxiety, mood or seizures, adding CBD to their daily regimen could be beneficial. Studies in humans suggest that CBD helps alleviate these symptoms.
CBD for dogs can be administered in several ways, the most popular being tinctures, treats and topical applications. Depending on your dog's individual needs and preferences, you may need to try several different approaches before finding one that works best for them.
Tinctures
A simple and efficient way to give your pet CBD is with a tincture. It's easy to administer, as you simply squirt it directly into their mouth with a plastic dropper.
Treats
A delicious, fatty treat made from CBD-infused peanut butter is an ideal way to feed your dog CBD. This type of CBD treat allows your pup to digest it more effectively and absorb it better than when given CBD in a dry capsule form.
When selecting a CBD-infused treat for your pup, make sure it doesn't contain sugar or any other additives. These can cause negative side effects in dogs such as excessive panting, vomiting, and dribbling of urine.
Though more research is needed to be done, some anecdotal evidence suggests CBD might be beneficial for dogs suffering from various medical conditions like arthritis and chronic pain, allergies, cancer, idiopathic epilepsy and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. In some cases, these effects could be seen within one week after beginning treatment with CBD oil.
Is It Safe To Give Dogs Human CBD Oil?
As more pet parents look for natural solutions to relieve pain, anxiety, and other health concerns without fearing the negative side effects that many drugs can cause, many are turning towards pet CBD - one of the fastest-growing segments of the CBD market. According to one survey, 35% of Americans have given their dogs or cats CBD.
Before giving your dog human CBD oil, there are a few things to take into account:
First and foremost, hemp CBD is non-psychoactive compared to marijuana cannabis which contains psychoactive levels of THC. This poses a significant concern as THC could make your dog feel sedated or anxious.
Another concern is that some hemp oils marketed for human consumption contain high levels of THC. Therefore, be sure to search out products with either a low concentration of THC or none at all.
Generally, CBD that has been sourced from organic hemp is safe for most animals to consume. However, some higher doses may cause adverse reactions in smaller pets; thus, always consult your veterinarian before adding any new items into your pet's diet.
How to Achieve the Correct Dosage
When shopping for pet CBD products, make sure they don't contain Xylitol - an artificial sweetener which may be toxic to dogs and cats as well as lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which could prove hazardous in your furry friend.
How Long Does CBD For Pets Last?
No matter if you're new to CBD or have been using it for years, many pet owners wonder how long the effects of CBD last on their furry friends. The answer depends on several factors including the type of product and your pup's weight and overall condition.
Treats (Gummies, Biscuits)
Unlike oral forms of CBD like capsules and oil drops, treats don't need to go through digestion before working. This allows them to reach the bloodstream faster and give dogs an immediate lift in their moods.
Acute Pain and Anxiety
CBD typically takes 20-40 minutes to begin working when given in low doses, especially if your pet is dealing with anxiety or experiencing acute pain. This timeline may be extended if they have additional medical conditions that need monitoring after administration.
Relief of Chronic Pain
CBD supplements for dogs may provide temporary relief from various health conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis and muscle discomfort. Furthermore, CBD supports normal inflammation response and healthy cellular activity.
Side Effects
When first starting CBD for your dog, it's common for pet parents to observe mild side effects like sedation or diarrhea. This is because the body takes time to adjust to a new compound; so watch closely as you gradually introduce CBD over several days.
How to Take it
Once your dog has become accustomed to the new dose, you can gradually increase it as needed. A general recommendation is to start with 0.2-0.5 mg of CBD per pound of bodyweight and gradually increase this amount by a few milligrams every few days until positive results are observed.
Can CBD Help Pets With Anxiety?
Are you noticing your dog whimper, chew on things they shouldn't, or get anxious around loud noises? If so, talk to your veterinarian about using CBD for calming them down.
Can CBD Help With Anxiety?
Cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in hemp plants, has been demonstrated to be effective at treating anxiety in both humans and animals alike. This is likely due to its interaction with receptors located in the brain and central nervous system which regulate hormones related to anxiety and fear responses.
CBD does not cause psychoactive effects (a "high") like THC does, which makes it increasingly popular among pet owners.
Does CBD Help With Anxiety?
CBD works by activating your dog's endocannabinoid system, which is a natural network of cells and organs that regulate their moods. By activating this system, CBD reduces feelings of anxiety and agitation in addition to improving sleep quality for your pup.
Dosage of CBD for Dog Anxiety
When giving your pup CBD to reduce anxiety, start them on the lowest amount possible and gradually increase it until they achieve desired results. The dosage will depend on several factors such as their age, size, weight and activity level; each dog requires a unique approach.
How to Give Your Dog CBD for Anxiety
When giving your pup CBD for anxiety, oral administration is the most efficient method; this means ingestion directly through their gums. Furthermore, make sure the product you purchase has high bioavailability - meaning it absorbs rapidly and easily into their bloodstream.
Does CBD Make Pets Sleepy?
Sleep is essential for your pet's overall health and wellbeing. Whether your pup has a chronic condition, recently moved, or any other underlying issue, lack of sleep can have serious repercussions on their wellbeing - potentially even leading to long-term issues like behavioral issues. Without adequate rest, they could experience serious consequences that have detrimental effects on their wellbeing.
CBD oil has long been recognized for its ability to promote restfulness and relaxation in dogs, which can be a beneficial side effect when they have difficulty sleeping. While CBD alone won't make your pup sleepy, it can work in concert with other natural sleep aids like melatonin to help your pup fall asleep naturally and stay asleep longer.
Doses and Side Effects
The dosage for CBD supplements for dogs varies depending on the brand you select. Dr Robert Silver suggests starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it until you find what works best for your pup.
Increased Thirst
Your pup may experience a temporary drop in blood pressure while on CBD, making them more sensitive to changes to their body fluid levels. This may cause increased water consumption but this is usually only temporary and goes away once you reduce their dose or stop giving CBD for some time.
Itchy Skin
If your pet is scratching or itching excessively when taking their dose of CBD, then they should either reduce or discontinue use. While itching is not a common side effect, it should be taken into account.
Can CBD Cause Liver Damage In Dogs?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive component of Cannabis that has beneficial effects on health. It has been used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, pain and muscle disorders like dystonia.
Studies have indicated that CBD may be effective at treating opioid addiction in animals, though more research is necessary to determine whether this holds true for humans as well.
At high doses of CBD in mice, dose-dependent hepatotoxicity was observed with increased serum ALT, AST, total bilirubin and intrahepatic concentrations of oxidized glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, an increase in liver-to-body weight ratio was noted at this dose but not lower ones.
At baseline, 2, 4, 10, 18 and 26 weeks after exposure to CBD, followed by a 4-week washout period, physiological health measures were conducted. These included fortnightly veterinary examinations, twice daily well-being observations and an ongoing quality of life survey.
At each checkpoint, plasma and feces levels of CBD were measured in all dogs. Over the 26-week feeding period, mean plasma levels steadily increased before decreasing to negligible amounts 4 weeks after the final dose.
Urinalysis was conducted at all time points to detect any changes in urine pH or specific gravity. No differences were observed between groups for these measurements.
Over half of dogs treated with CBD experienced an elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level. However, this was not associated with other liver parameters that were clinically significant and did not adversely impact the dogs' health or wellbeing.
What Effect Does CBD Have On Dog's Brain?
Studies have demonstrated the CBD compound found in cannabis can reduce anxiety, alleviate pain and promote sleep. Furthermore, it helps protect the brain from damage as well as being potentially beneficial in fighting cancer cells.
Canine Pain Relief
CBD has been scientifically proven to reduce chronic inflammation and alleviate pain in dogs, such as nerve pain or arthritis. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of medication your pup requires for pain relief - saving both money and minimizing side effects like nausea.
Epilepsy and Seizures
An estimated 5% of dogs suffer from seizures, which are usually treated with drugs like phenobarbital and potassium bromide that can be detrimental to your pup's liver. But studies have demonstrated that CBD may reduce both frequency and intensity of seizures in these animals.
Additionally, CBD can help alleviate seizures by calming the nervous system. It also enhances cognitive function - beneficial for older dogs or those suffering from dementia.
Canine Anxiety Management
CBD has been shown to be most effective when administered over a sustained period of time for treating anxiety. According to a 2012 study, rats given repeated oral doses of CBD experienced less anxiety than those only given one oral dose.
When administering CBD to your pet, start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect. Dr Robert Silver recommends 0.05 to 0.25 mg per pound of body weight twice daily for best results.
Can A Dog Get Addicted To CBD Oil?
CBD was previously classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, similar to heroin. That meant vets couldn't prescribe it; however, that's changing now; veterinarians can now suggest CBD to their clients provided they meet certain requirements.
CBD Is Effective for Many Dog Health Issues
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties which may benefit dogs with various ailments, such as itching, arthritis and skin disorders. Furthermore, it reduces seizures, promotes sleep quality and decreases anxiety levels.
Some studies suggest CBD may be beneficial for pets suffering from glaucoma and pain management. It could even be useful in cases of inflammatory bowel disease - which causes vomiting or diarrhea - and pancreatitis - an inflammation of the pancreas.
Can CBD oil cause dry mouth?
Research has indicated that CBD oil may affect saliva production. This is a commonly observed side effect in humans and could potentially lead to increased thirst in your dog as well.
Lowered Blood Pressure
Studies have reported that high doses of CBD can temporarily lower your dog's blood pressure; however, this is only temporary and usually has few negative side effects.
Drowsiness
CBD's sedating effects may cause mild drowsiness in some dogs; however, this should last no longer than an hour and eventually wear off. Monitor your pup's behavior and activity level closely when beginning to introduce CBD. Start with small doses and gradually increase or decrease dosage as needed.
