Giving your edibles to your pet dog has always been a big no-no (and it still is), but did you know that there are new CBD products designed specifically for pets? Some pet owners opt to give their dogs and cats CBD to help with ailments, stimulate appetite, and reduce anxiety in stressful situations for pets. But is CBD good for pets? How will my dog react? Let’s review the basics of pet CBD products and how to use them.
Is CBD Safe for Animals?
CBD products that don’t contain any THC are safe for animals when used appropriately. Similar to humans, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in pets, helping them regulate pain, anxiety, and inflammation. However, proper dosing is essential. If your dog consumes too much CBD, it can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or vomiting. It’s also important to use pet-specific CBD products that are free from THC, as THC can be toxic to animals. While many pet owners report positive effects, scientific research on long-term use in animals is still ongoing.
The Benefits of CBD for Pet Health
CBD offers several potential health benefits for pets, especially as they start to get older and less mobile. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help manage pain from arthritis, joint issues, or injuries. It can also help with nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, making it useful for pets undergoing treatments that affect their digestion or eating habits. Some pet owners use CBD as a general wellness supplement to reduce chronic discomfort and promote better sleep in older pets.
Pet CBD products also have calming properties that may help reduce anxiety and stress. Pets that get anxious when separated from their owners will often find comfort in CBD when left alone. Similarly, pets with noise phobias can get the temporary relief they need during thunderstorms or holidays with lots of fireworks. Studies suggest that CBD can help reduce the frequency of seizures in pets with epilepsy, making it a potential alternative to traditional anti-seizure medications.
Pet CBD Products
Pet CBD products are still a growing industry, but if you look in the right places, you’ll find plenty of options for your furry friend.
- CBD Oils – Pet CBD oils are usually administered by adding drops to their food, water, or directly into the pet’s mouth for fast absorption. Proper dosing is important, so be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle before giving any to your pets
- CBD Treats and Chews – Pet CBD treats are specially formulated edible products that are an easy and enjoyable way to give pets CBD. Unlike CBD oils, treats come in a measured dose, as long as you don’t overfeed them to your dog or cat.
- CBD Topicals – CBD topicals for pets are creams, balms, sprays, or lotions that are applied directly to the skin for targeted relief. Pet topicals are great for pets that experience dry skin, arthritis, or joint discomfort
Listen to Your Veterinarian
While pet CBD products are tested before being made available, remember that every cat and dog is different. For this reason, it’s important to ask your veterinarian about giving CBD to your pets. They can provide expert guidance on potential interactions with other medications and the overall safety of CBD for your specific pet. Veterinarians are familiar with your pet’s health history and can help determine if CBD is a suitable option for treating your pet’s conditions. A veterinarian can also help adjust the dosage based on your pet’s size, age, and medical condition.
If your pet suffers from anxiety, arthritis, or a low appetite, CBD may serve as a solution. Pet CBD products are slowly becoming more common, occasionally available at pet supply stores, online retailers, and dispensaries. If you think that CBD is the next step for your dog or cat, listening to your vet will ensure that any specific products are safe for your pet.
Do you give your pets CBD? Hit me up on social media, and let’s spark up a conversation about it!
