CBD for Pets: How CBD Oil is Helpful for Pets?
What is CBD for Pets?
When you are considering using CBD for your pets, it is important to have all the facts. The first and most important is to distinguish between CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
CBD does not contain the psychedelic properties that are found in THC. This is important because you definitely want to avoid getting your pet high. With this in mind, let’s take a look at CBD products and how they can be helpful for your pets.
What Is CBD Oil for Pets?
Among the most common ways to provide CBD for your pets is through CBD oil. This is where CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant.
This can be done through different methods like:
- Solvents like butane or propane
- Steam distillation
- CO2
- Olive Oil
If an extraction method, other than oil, is used, the resulting extraction can be infused into the oil. In the case of an oil extraction method, the oil is infused with CBD. Carrier oils for the extraction can include coconut oil and others. This is different than the CBD oil used for vaporizers because it is intended to be ingested.
CBD Products on the Market
There are quite a few CBD products already on the market for your pets. Edibles are very popular with owners. It is a premeasured way to get your pets to enjoy eating CBD. The trick is to find edibles your pet is going to willingly consume.
CBD oil is another product on the market you can provide your pet with. This will allow you to simply add it to food for your pet to consume. This will provide you with less control over your pet consuming all of the oil.
There are also CBD topical products available on the market. While the absorption rate is lower than CBD that is ingested, it is easier to apply directly to the affected areas you are attempting to treat. Make sure when using these products you are able to prevent your pet from licking it off.
How Does CBD Affect Pets?
CBD can affect animals differently. The CB1 receptors are what it attaches to. This will cause your pet to feel certain results, such as decreased pain, inflammation, and a more relaxed state. There are still tests being conducted on how CBD reacts with pets to determine what happens on a chemical level throughout the body as well as in the brain.
What Animal Health Problems Can CBD Oil Help With?
Most pet owners are purchasing CBD to help with a specific health malady. Some of the most common health problems this can help with are pain, anxiety, and seizures. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
- Pain
Inflammation can be a cause of pain as well as a reaction to it. CBD is known to help with inflammation. This can alleviate inflammation-related pain, or lessen the discomfort caused by pain. Pain can also be affected directly through how CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
- Anxiety
CBD in general can help to relieve anxiety by relaxing your pet. This is especially true when using full-spectrum products. This will contain trace amounts of THC that will help to even further relax your pet. You will notice overly hyper pets becoming more docile over time as a result.
- Seizures
The only condition the FDA has authorized CBD to treat his seizures. While they have not authorized any product specifically for pets as of yet, it has been shown to have a dramatic effect on seizures. This is due to how it binds with the CB1 receptors.
Possible Side Effects
As with anything in life, there are going to be some side effects when using CBD oil. This is not to say every pet will experience side effects. Some will experience none while those that do will vary in severity. It is important to note larger doses of CBD carry a higher risk of suffering from any side effects.
Some of the most common side effects include:
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
If you notice any of these side effects, you may want to try reducing dosage levels as well as talking to your vet.
Risks of Using CBD Oil
The biggest risk of using CBD oil is purchasing from a disreputable producer. To avoid this, always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is a public document that attests to the ingredients stated as used in the product is actually used in the product.
Another risk is that the product will use a full-spectrum CBD oil that contains trace amounts of THC. Last, you could potentially expose your pet to higher levels of THC if you purchase CBD intended for humans in dispensaries where THC is sold.
How to Pick the Right CBD Oil for Pet?
First and foremost do not be fooled into purchasing hemp oil instead of CBD oil. Hemp oil is made from hemp seed and does not contain any CBD. Always check for a COA as mentioned above. Seek products that use a solvent extraction method or oil infusion. Read through the ingredient list to make sure it contains little to no sweeteners. You should also be careful not to purchase products with chocolate or essential oils in the product.
CBD for your pet can be highly beneficial. Being choosy with the products you purchase will give your pet the best chance for enjoying the benefits therein. If you understand what you are buying and use it properly, it will help to get the best results for your pet.
Remember to always speak with your vet when you are choosing to offer your pet CBD to make sure it will not interfere with any other medication your pet is taking.
