Can CBD Help Your Pet?
CBD isn’t just a human wellness trend, it is making big waves in pet care! But, when it comes to CBD for dogs and pets, there is a lot of research that needs to be done in order to suss out the misinformation. If you want to do what is best for your pup and are thinking about trying our hemp-infused CBD dog treats, tinctures, or oils, then you need to know about it. Below, we will discuss what CBD oil is, how it can affect your pets, and the potential benefits of CBD pet oil.
Oregon Hemp House has a great selection of hemp-infused CBD pet care products that you can take a look at for yourself now. Shop with us today and discover the benefits of CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is not to be confused with its sister compound, THC, which is also found on the hemp plant. Hemp contains high CBD content, with less than 0.3% THC content, which means that when you or your pet ingest CBD, neither of you will get “high,” as CBD is non-psychoactive, and there is simply not enough THC to do that. CBD offers therapeutic effects without the mental intoxication that is associated with marijuana.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) recently approved a resolution seeking federal rescheduling of cannabis, arguing that the potential benefits offered by cannabinoids such as CBD for pets outweigh the risks by a huge margin.
CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil
CBD oil and hemp oil are not the same. Here’s why:
CBD Oil
CBD Oil is an active cannabinoid compound that comes from the leaves, flowers, and sometimes the stems from mature cannabis plants. It’s this compound that provides the medical and therapeutic benefits you get from CBD oil.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil, on the other hand, is made from cannabis seeds, which contain little to no CBD (or THC). While hemp seeds don’t share the same therapeutic characteristics as CBD, hemp oils have their own unique nutritional benefits. Many pet owners use hemp oil as a nutritional supplement because it is vitamin and mineral-rich.
How CBD Works in Your Pets
Just like us, pets have an endocannabinoid system too. This system plays a crucial role in terms of regulating various activities at the cellular level and maintaining homeostasis or biological valance. This system has a network of CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body that can be activated by naturally-produced endocannabinoids, such as 2AG and anandamide. These receptors can also be activated using external compounds such as the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, one of them being CBD.
The cannabinoids produced in the body get synthesized quickly, and as a result, often fall short when needed in large amounts. This is where external cannabinoids like CBD come in. CBD is able to activate CB1 and CB2 receptors and in this way, maintain homeostasis at a cellular level. By reactivating these receptors, CBD mimics the natural cannabinoids and provides the same, and even more therapeutic effects.
How Can CBD Help Your Pet?
When it comes to how CBD affects pets, it is true that the body of research of small — but it is growing! There is a reliable amount of evidence showing that just like humans, CBD can help pets since we all have the same endocannabinoid system. Researchers and veterinarians have little knowledge about how CBD works in pets to manifest its various health-related qualities due to cannabis’ status as a federally illegal drug in the U.S., which holds back much-needed research and funding. Because of this, there is no reliable way of establishing the effectiveness of various CBD products since they vary in standard and potency.
That being said, there is enough evidence from pet owners who have reported nothing but positive results when using CBD for pets to help their furry friends overcome a wide range of ailments. While CBD research for pets and humans is slow, here’s what we do know about CBD for pets:
CBD Oil Can Be Used to Ease Stress
Pets can undergo either behavioral or situational stress. In most cases, your pet will suffer from situational stress, especially from thunderstorms, when traveling, or when they are somewhere new with people they are unfamiliar with. CBD oil has been shown to be extremely effective in relieving stress due to its soothing and calming effects. In humans, CBD has been found to reduce stress during public speaking, reducing stress in both healthy people and those with stress disorders. When it comes to behavioral stress, you may need to seek the help of a professional since CBD for pet treatment alone may not do the trick.
CBD for Pain Management
The current research shows that CBD is very effective in anti-pain management, so much so that scientists are considering it a very viable way to treat chronic pain. It is highly attributed to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, the compound has been found to be effective for reducing nerve-related pain by reducing the pain signals fired by the affected cells. It is also able to decrease general inflammation. Pet owners can give their pets CBD oil to greatly improve their quality of life.
CBD for Appetite Boost
In case you’re having trouble getting your pet to eat, CBD may be just what you need. The National Cancer Institute acknowledges that CBD is able to improve appetite, and animal studies also strongly suggest that CBD is able to reduce nausea and vomiting, even if there are side-effect symptoms caused by other drugs and toxins.
How Much CBD to Give a Dog
Every dog will respond differently, which is why it is important to start with a small dose, monitor your pet’s results, and adjust from there. Most products will offer dosing suggestions, but keep in mind that these are developed by the manufacturer. Since CBD isn’t regulated, there is no way to tell how much is safe and effective to give a dog. Follow these tips:
- Start with a low dose
- Monitor your pet’s reactions
- Increase the dose slowly if needed
How to Choose a Products
There is a lot of variability in products on the market, meaning that certain CBD products for pets and humans alike are more effective than others. A good rule of thumb when selecting CBD products is to look on the product’s website for a “certificate of analysis” and other evidence of third-party testing. These certifications tell you things like if products are pesticide and heavy metal-free, and if the quality is as advertised.
Make sure you research each brand before purchasing and consult a veterinarian about the side effects and toxicities that these products may cause in your pet before treating.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it is important to acknowledge that the research on CBD in pets is sparse, but you shouldn’t let that discourage you completely. Because it is unregulated by the FDA, it is essential that you perform due diligence in product research of your own before giving your dog any CBD. If you decide to give your dog CBD, talk to your vet first. Start with a small dose and work your way up if you need to.
If you already know your pet loves CBD, then take a look at the hemp-infused CBD pet products that we carry here at Oregon Hemp House. With CBD pet treats, tinctures, and pet shampoos, we may have just what you are looking for. Shop now!