What You Should Know About CBD for Pets

Guest Post By Emma Castleberry
Choosing a new supplement or medication for your pet can be a daunting task. It can be very difficult to understand exactly how your pet feels when you introduce something new to their diet. But when our furriest family members are suffering from pain or anxiety, we want to help. One tool pet owners have started using to support their pets’ lives is CBD.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in industrial hemp. You’re hearing more about CBD these days because of the 2018 Farm Bill, which made the growth, production, and manufacturing of hemp federally legal. Hemp is not the same thing as marijuana, though they are harvested from the same plant. CBD, unlike THC, does not have intoxicating effects.

The World Health Organization released a study in 2017 that found no evidence of animals becoming dependent on CBD, and that animals who were treated with CBD didn’t experience any of the behavioral changes (i.e., lethargy) associated with THC. This is part of what makes CBD a potentially ideal option for pets from all walks of life.

Is CBD Oil Safe for My Pet?

There are plenty of stories from pet owners about how CBD has been used for a variety of applications. While studies continue to be on-going, there are some positive implications from early research. The American Kennel Club is currently sponsoring a study on how CBD might be able to help dogs who are resistant to other treatments for their epilepsy. Because CBD is a new substance currently under speculation, there is limited scientific evidence on this topic, though many studies are underway.

Pet owners can rest assured about one thing: the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is one of the main bodily systems utilized in the processing of CBD, functions similarly in all mammals – including dogs, cats, horses, and humans. So, it is probable that CBD can be applied to mammalian pets much in the same way we use it for ourselves.

What to Look for in CBD Products for Pets

Not all CBD is treated equally. Because this is a relatively new industry, there are still some regulatory kinks that need to be worked out. Buyers need to be wary of scams and low-quality products. As with anything you’re giving to your pet, it’s important to choose the highest-quality, safest CBD product you can find. Here are some things to look for when shopping for CBD pet products:

THC-Free

Legally, CBD products have to contain less than 0.3 percent THC, and that minimal amount should generally be safe for your animal. But it’s best, when possible, to seek out CBD products that are classified as THC-free, meaning no THC has been detected in them using valid scientific analytical tools.

Made in the USA

Domestically sourced hemp from the United States is likely to be more regulated than hemp that was sourced abroad. An American company that sources hemp from the US has the opportunity to closely monitor their product even when it’s in the ground. This ensures a more rigorous standard of quality assurance.

Third-Party Tested

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) ensures that a CBD product has been tested by a third party, independent laboratory to confirm its ingredients and potency. When shopping for CBD for pets, every product you purchase should have a COA. The company should make it easy to find this information.

How to Give CBD to Your Pet

Like any medication or supplement, the serving size of CBD for pets will depend on the animal’s size, species, and breed. Reliable brands will specify the species for their CBD pet products.  They also provide instructions for usage according to your pet’s weight.

You’ll want to consult your veterinarian before introducing CBD into your pet’s diet. Usually, pet owners will start with the lowest possible serving and observe its effects on the pet for at least 30 days. If you see no effects with the lowest concentration, you can increase incrementally. Take it slow and watch your pet carefully.

There are a variety of ways to administer CBD to your pets. Whatever method you choose, make sure your pet only gets what you give them. Always keep CBD products out of your pet’s reach and, better yet, locked away. You might not think Sparky can get up to that countertop, but he might surprise you in pursuit of a bacon-flavored CBD treat.

CBD Oil for Pets

CBD oil is one of the most popular methods for administration. To make CBD oil, CBD is often combined with a simple MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, which is quick to absorb in the bloodstream and usually easy to digest.

CBD oils can be given directly into the pet’s mouth or drizzled onto food or treat for an easier application. Another benefit of administering CBD as an oil is that you have very exact control over the serving and can give your pet more or less as needed.

CBD Treats for Pets

As CBD becomes a more popular alternative choice for pets, new and easy-to-use products are appearing on the market. Treats and chewables in various flavors make it easy to administer CBD to your pet. It also ensures the exact serving every time. The simplicity of this method makes it great for pet-sitters, too.

CBD Topicals for Pets

CBD balms and topicals provide a method that is well-suited for muscle or joint issues in pets. Just administer the topical by rubbing it directly on the problem area (and maybe follow with a belly rub, for good measure).

Consult Your Veterinarian

It is always advisable to consult your veterinarian before introducing anything new into your pet’s diet or regime. Your veterinarian can offer additional insight into how CBD can be used to improve your pet’s life and how to administer the appropriate serving. If you think CBD could be a useful tool to improve your pet’s life, call your veterinarian today.