Will CBD Benefit My Pet?
CBD, what is it?
The two primary active components of marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). People who consume marijuana feel a "high" because of the chemical THC. Contrarily, research indicates that CBD has several potential health advantages and does not result in a "high."
Despite state-specific limitations on purchasing CBD products, many Americans can readily buy these items offline and online.
However, it's crucial to remember that the FDA hasn't yet decided whether or not CBD is safe to use as a dietary supplement, food additive, or medication for dogs. No products have been licensed for use in animals, even though one FDA-approved human drug contains CBD.
What studies have been conducted on the effects of CBD on animals?
Unfortunately, there aren't many studies on using CBD in animals. Currently, recommendations are derived from either relatively limited research or the professional experiences of veterinarians.
The quantity and size of these studies will increase along with the interest in and use of CBD in pets, giving veterinarians and pet owners greater direction on utilizing these products most effectively.
Is CBD safe for animal use?
It's crucial to remember that neither prescription nor over-the-counter CBD products have FDA approval for animal usage. This indicates that the items might have yet to undergo safety or efficacy testing before being on the market. Additionally, some businesses may make unsubstantiated medical claims about their products that have not been examined or approved.
Concerns exist regarding the caliber of CBD products as well. For instance, the product can have less CBD than what is listed on the label, or it might contain impurities like THC or pesticides. Therefore, if you choose CBD for your pet, you should do more research to learn exactly how the product is created.
Consult the brand's website or contact them to request their Certificate of Analysis if you have any doubts (COA). This open record confirms that the product genuinely contains the contents listed on the label. It is only a good idea to buy a product from a firm if they can give you the most recent COA.
What are the dangers of administering CBD to my pet?
Animals consuming CBD exhibit side effects that are very comparable to those that people do. The most typical problems include diarrhea, tiredness, and changes in appetite. The likelihood of your pet experiencing side effects often increases with the CBD dose you give them.
These responses are typically moderate or go better independently, so treating them is rarely essential. You should consult your pet's veterinarian if these side effects don't improve or get worse, and you should keep a close eye on your pet to ensure they don't damage themselves.
Can CBD make my dog or cat feel high?
As was already established, CBD doesn't make you feel "high" or euphoric. However, some claim that when their pets take CBD, they are a little out of sorts. There is a reason why your pet may appear to be "high" after a dose.
Please read the label of any CBD product thoroughly before buying it to learn more about its exact ingredients. The term "full spectrum" indicates that the product may contain up to 0.3% THC, which is the legal limit under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. This minuscule amount may be sufficient to give your pet this unwanted effect, especially if they are susceptible to it.
What are CBD products available for animals?
Several CBD pet products are available, including oils, treats, topical solutions (lotions, gels, creams), and more if your veterinarian advises CBD for your pet. It is frequently administered orally or sublingually. When you initially begin administering CBD to your pet, bottled oils with droppers may be better since it is simpler to gradually increase the dose as opposed to being restricted to a predetermined amount in a tablet, capsule, or treat.
Are CBD products made for humans safe for pets, or do I require CBD products made expressly for animals?
The identical CBD in goods made for pets is also present in products intended for people. Therefore, giving your pet human CBD may be okay, but you should heed any advice from your veterinarian. Suppose the product is not manufactured expressly for pets. In that case, it is crucial to examine the label to ensure no components like chocolate, specific essential oils, or artificial sweeteners that could be poisonous to animals. Pet-specific oral CBD products are typically flavored with your furry buddy in mind, such as chicken and fish chews, in addition to being created without these hazardous components. Be mindful that some CBD products have a grassy taste, which might make giving them to your pet more challenging. If you discover that your dog or cat is rejecting your chosen product, consider hiding it in a dollop of peanut butter or another favorite treat for your pet.
How much CBD should be given to pets?
Since there aren't any FDA-approved animal-use products and there aren't many efficacy and safety studies available, more investigation is required to establish more precise doses. One study looked at the effectiveness of CBD oil in helping treat osteoarthritis symptoms in dogs. If your veterinarian suggests CBD, follow their directions, as dosing may vary depending on medical uses, pet's breed, weight, and daily habits. Researchers discovered that 2 mg per kilogram of body weight administered twice daily reduced discomfort without any adverse effects reported by pet owners.
Blood test results indicated that there might have been some liver damage. This is why your veterinarian must be involved in ensuring that your pet is being properly managed.
It's crucial to start your pet on a low dose of CBD and increase it gradually, just like you would for someone who has never used it before.
To observe how your pet responds to a modest amount of CBD, for instance, you could begin with a quarter or a half of the dose on the label. Your veterinarian might ask you to provide a second dose of the same amount in 30 to 60 minutes to see if your pet has symptom improvement.
We are unsure of the safest maximum dose because there is little research on using CBD in animals. It is best to talk about the safest amount with a vet who knows about utilizing CBD to treat your pet's illness.
Which pet health issues could CBD help treat?
Animals with various illnesses, including but not limited to inflammatory issues, seizures, pain alleviation, and anxiety, have exhibited benefits from CBD. Based on the body's endocannabinoid system, CBD treats health issues in pets (ECS). All bodily systems must be in equilibrium for the ECS to function correctly. This is assumed to be the cause of CBD's potentially wide range of advantages.
Pain
Once absorbed by an animal's body, CBD may play a role in reducing inflammation and easing pain. Keep in mind that every pet's ECS acts slightly differently, so CBD may work better for some than others. The ECS and other nerves that are involved in producing pain sensations are thought to be affected by CBD. However, specialists are yet unsure exactly how it might do so. More particular, research has shown that treating joint inflammation lessens the discomfort pets experience from osteoarthritis.
Anxiety
Like humans, many pets suffer anxiety, which can result in problematic behaviors, such as improper urination. CBD is believed to reduce stress and promote emotions of relaxation. Experts surmise that serotonin, the hormone that promotes happiness and peace, and CBD may activate some of the same brain regions.
Seizures
When combined with conventional anti-seizure drugs, CBD has been demonstrated to aid dogs with epilepsy by reducing the frequency of seizures. CBD is supposed to prevent excessive brain nerve firing and reduce the number of electrolytes suspected to have a role in seizure diseases.
At the same time, doctors are unsure exactly how it treats seizures.
In 2018, the FDA authorized Epidiolex, a prescription CBD drug, to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two severe seizure disorders in people. It is also approved to manage seizures brought on by TB sclerosis complex. It is not advised to use it on pets because no studies have been done on its use in animals.
How can I know whether CBD is benefiting my pet?
Since our pets cannot communicate how they are feeling, observing their actions is the most accurate way to determine whether CBD is having an effect. Keep a watchful check on your pet after administering a dose of CBD to determine whether their symptoms appear to be getting better. Symptom relief may occur in as little as 30 minutes or require daily use for a few weeks, depending on your pet's illness. As previously said, each animal is uniquely affected by CBD. If your veterinarian advises you to try it, you might need to experiment with different brands, doses, or forms before settling on one that is effective for your canine friend. Even if it takes time to discover the correct product, watching your pet be their healthiest, happiest self is worthwhile.
The Final Word
According to recent studies, CBD may be beneficial for treating various pet health issues, including anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures. Numerous pet owners already use CBD with remarkable success, even if additional research is required to establish its advantages.
Before beginning anything new, you should talk about utilizing CBD with a veterinarian who has experience treating pets with CBD because these products have yet to be examined or authorized by the FDA. You will develop a strategy for securely assisting your animal buddy in feeling as good as possible together.
Let's Recap
An initial study indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) may benefit animals suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures.
If your vet advises CBD for your pet, avoid products with questionable chemicals (such as artificial sweeteners) and adhere to their dosage guidelines.
Since there haven't been many studies on the use of CBD in animals, it's vital to talk to a veterinarian who has experience with CBD about whether it's a good option for your pet.
Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are becoming more and more well-liked among people and animals. Canine owners and doctors are increasingly asking whether CBD could be a substitute option for various pet health concerns as its use has increased. Early research is encouraging, but if you want to try CBD products for your pet, it's essential to work with a familiar vet.
