CBD has been monopolising the market for both humans and their four-legged furry friends over the years. However, it’s worth noting that CBD pet care products are quite new to the wellness scene. Scientists are yet to uncover the potential benefits and effectiveness of CBD for animals.
As a loving and responsible pet parent, you want to ensure the wellness and safety of your pups and cats. So, before you walk down the health and wellness aisles of your local pet shops, it pays to do some detailed research to determine whether CBD is right for your pets. If you’re intrigued about joining the CBD pet party yet a bit dubious at the same time, this article is meant to help by covering a few important things that any concerned pet owner should keep in mind.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a prominent chemical compound derived from hemp (a non-intoxicating cannabis subspecies). The plant contains relatively low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in cannabis that produces the notorious “high” sensation among users. With that being said, hemp has gained remarkable momentum for its high safety profile, offering potential wellness benefits without any toxic side effects or substance dependency.
Hemp-derived CBD products are readily obtainable in many parts of Europe. However, the current legal status of CBD remains in a state of flux. While some territories are slowly decriminalising the use of CBD with varying levels of local restriction, others still consider the substance under the same class as THC. Typically, in states where CBD is widely accepted, people use oral CBD products and topical solutions to help relieve muscle tension and support overall balance. Despite the CBD hype that has been going on recently, experts agree that there is no adequate evidence to support CBD’s potential benefits on human health. Ultimately, consulting a healthcare provider before using CBD is imperative.
How CBD Might Affect Your Pets
If there’s one significant similarity between you and your pet, it’s that both of you have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This regulatory system governs a variety of processes in the brain and body, including mood, memory, sleep, appetite and immune response. Likewise, your pet’s endocannabinoid system also controls its bodily processes to encourage a sense of homeostasis.
Cannabinoids like CBD are thought to influence the ECS in a way that possibly benefits the entire body. This partly explains why CBD might have a wide range of potential effects on both human and animal bodies. Because humans and most mammals seem to be influenced by CBD in relatively parallel ways, scientists are trying to figure out whether animals may benefit from CBD the way some people anecdotally do.
One study suggests that emotional support from animal companions may have a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to handle stress and anxiety symptoms. While pets serve as a constant source of affection and happiness to their owners, they themselves are also prone to developing signs of stress and anxiety at some point in their lives. According to a recent survey report on dog owners, more than 70% of the dogs that participated in the study expressed symptoms of anxiety due to noise sensitivities, fear of surfaces, aggression, and separation from their owners. CBD is reportedly loaded with natural relaxing properties, which may help some pets to find peace and comfort in a stressful situation. But as we speak, more conclusive studies are still needed to validate the full potential impact of CBD on humans and animals alike.
Choosing the Right CBD Pet Products
Because we all want what’s best for our pets, it can be tempting to let them experience the prevailing potential effects of CBD. But of course, we cannot assume that what works for us will also work for our dogs and what works for our dogs will also work for our cats. In other words, every individual may respond differently to CBD. That’s why we strongly suggest that you consult a veterinarian first and foremost before even deciding to treat your pet with CBD. Once you have their go signal, a few things to keep in mind when shopping for CBD pet products will help you make a smart and secure purchase.
These include the product’s quality, dosage and place of origin. Without meticulous regulation, many fraudulent dispensaries can sell out low-grade CBD products, which may be ineffective or harmful for your pets. Always look for trusted merchants that provide lab-tested CBD products with a reliable certificate of analysis (COA). This helps to verify the authenticity of the ingredients used in the product. It’s also ideal to check out online reviews to make sure that they deliver on their promises.
Aside from choosing the best CBD format for your four-legged friend, you should also weigh the pros and cons of CBD isolate vs full spectrum products. Also, the right dosage of CBD to give your pet is equally important. If you have been prescribed by your vet, they should advise you how much CBD your pet can take each day. Generally, the standard rule is to start with a lower CBD dose and gradually increase it if needed. Most importantly, keep monitoring your pets for positive or negative results.
Possible Risks of Using CBD for Pets
While there is no definitive scientific evidence on treating pets with CBD, a growing body of anecdotal evidence from pet owners notes that CBD itself is generally safe for animal consumption. And as we tackle this topic, it’s worth mentioning that CBD won’t get your pets high. As previously mentioned, CBD is a non-intoxicating compound. However, with a lack of dosage recommendations for pets, the possibility of its side effects may be increased. Some common adverse effects of CBD on animals may include dry mouth and drowsiness, so you might notice a few changes in their appetite and sleeping patterns. Cases like these are quite rare, but it’s always best to be careful supplementing your pets with CBD.
