CBD seems to be taking over the world—for both humans and their furry friends.
That's right, there's CBD for cats and CBD for dogs, and veterinarians nationwide are becoming hip to the new trend. There's still a lot to learn, however, and there are still a lot of veterinarians out there who won't recommend CBD products because they know so little about it. So, if you're one of the many pet owners looking into using CBD for dogs or CBD for cats, here is a good place to start.
Keep reading to learn more about CBD for pets and what products are on the market.
CBD For Pets 101
First thing's first: there is no difference in CBD for humans, CBD for cats, and CBD for dogs. The FDA just doesn't allow CBD products to be marketed and labeled for both humans and animals. Therefore, it's generally safe to assume that CBD oil, for example, is safe all around. Of course, we wouldn't suggest that you share your CBD edibles with Spot or Mr. Mittens because the actual food ingredients may be harmful to them.
Other than not sharing your edibles, there is one other caveat that needs to be understood. That caveat is that THC can be toxic to cats and dogs. So, if you live in a state where THC is legal and you have CBD products that contain levels of THC exceeding the standard 0.03 percent—DO NOT share it with your pets. Stick to the CBD products that are specially marketed and labeled for pets
Having said that, it's important to remember that CBD will not get you or your pets high. That standard 0.03 percent is the trace amount of THC allowed in full-spectrum CBD products. CBD is one of over a hundred non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. It works seamlessly with the Endocannabinoids system (ECS) that all members of the Phylum Chordata class possess. In other words, if there's a backbone, there's an ECS.
The ECS of all vertebrate species works in the same manner—to regulate all other systems within the body. The ECS naturally produces what are called endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, which phytocannabinoids such as CBD mimic to support the ECS. You can read more about how the ECS works and responds to CBD here.
While scientific research is still in its early stages, CBD has been widely used over the years to treat nearly every condition known to man—and animals. So let's take a closer look at the CBD products for two of the most popular household pets:
CBD For Cats
Our felines friends can suffer from several ailments, including (but not limited to):
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Chronic upper respiratory infections
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
- Pancreatitis
- Seizures
CBD is known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other therapeutic properties. Because of this, it has become a much safer and natural alternative to traditional medications, especially for our feline friends. The type of ailment your cat is suffering from will determine the type of CBD product that is needed. Some of the CBD products on the market for cats include:
- CBD oils and tinctures
- CBD cat treats
- CBD balms and lotions
- CBD hairball aid chews
- CBD capsules and powders
Whether you need to quell your kitty's anxiety before a trip to the vet or help relieve their arthritic pain as they age, one of the above products can help.
CBD For Dogs
Man's best friend is also susceptible to a number of health issues, including (but not limited to):
- Anxiety and stress
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Skin issues
As we've mentioned before, the research and scientific studies behind CBD and its ability to treat a wide variety of ailments is still in its early stages. However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence out there that supports the use of CBD as an alternative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms in dogs. Once again the type of product you'll use will depend on what ails your pup, but here are your options:
- CBD oils and tinctures
- CBD dog treats and biscuits
- CBD balms and lotions
- CBD capsules and powders
- CBD shampoos and conditioners
In addition to easing pain and calming anxiety, CBD also acts as a superfood. So, even if your pooch isn't suffering, you can still as CBD to their daily regimen as an overall health supplement.
Is CBD Safe?
The burning question we all have—is CBD for dogs and CBD for cats safe? After all, it does seem too good to be true. In its short time on the market for both pets and humans, CBD has been deemed 100 percent safe. Once again, however, there are a few caveats to this.
One caveat is that there may be some light side effects, especially when you're trying to figure out the right dosage for your pet. Those side effects include drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and a change in appetite. These side effects are rare, and when they do occur they're usually mild. Of course, if your pet experiences persistent side effects, you should discontinue their CBD use and get in touch with your vet.
The other caveat is that it's not the CBD itself that's unsafe, but the ingredients that are potentially surrounding the CBD in the final product. This includes the farming and manufacturing process it undergoes as well. It's extremely important that you find a reputable CBD product recommended by your veterinarian that's pure, non-GMO, additive-free, and grown here in the United States.
You also want to make sure that the labels on the CBD products show that they have undergone third-party lab testing. If they have, you should be able to access those results by scanning a code or visiting the company's website. Third-party lab testing ensures the quality and purity of the CBD products.
Is CBD Right For My Pet?
The only way to determine if CBD for cats or CBD for dogs is right for your pet is to visit your veterinarian. They're the only people that can give your cat or dog a proper diagnosis and recommend a safe and effective treatment. Of course, you probably still have a bunch of questions about CBD for pets.
We can help you with those questions. Reach out to us today to see how we can help you and your furry friends.