What Is CBD and How Does It Work for Pets?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found naturally in hemp plants. All mammals host their own endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance. CBD interacts with this system which regulates functions throughout the body such as sleep, memory, mood, immune function, anxiety, pain and inflammation. There are many ways CBD may contribute to improving the quality of life and health for your furry friend.

Potential Benefits of CBD For Pets

Reduced Anxiety

CBD may reduce stress for your pets and fear related behaviors. Pets may experience several triggers such as loud fireworks, thunderstorms, being in public, and separation from loved ones. Many people share that CBD works great for managing their stress and anxiety levels along with any other triggers that your furry friend deals with. Typically most will use CBD as needed for when stressful situations arise.

Pain Reduction

Studies suggest CBD may be a powerful anti-inflammatory and could possibly help manage chronic pain for conditions such as osteoarthritis. Symptoms such as swollen or stiff joints may be causing your little companion pain and discomfort. For chronic pain, most people establish a consistent regiment, by dosing once to a couple times a day to potentially reduce inflammation on a daily basis. Some of the best feedback we hear is that older pets are more mobile and are playing like a puppy again.

Seizures

Among one of the most common reasons people report using CBD for pets is to help reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. Often people share that they use CBD in combination with traditional anti-seizure medications to help lower the frequency of seizures for their dogs with epilepsy. From 2016 to 2017 CSU (Colorado State University) conducted a study that was published in the June 1st issue for the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The researchers found a correlation between the seizure reduction and the level of CBD in all the dogs from trials. Data showed that dogs with higher levels of CBD had reduced seizures.

Healthier Skin & Coat

On June 6th of 2022 a clinical trial led by Dr. Andrew Rosenberg in partnership with ElleVet Sciences found that over 65% of dogs with atopic dermatitis experienced significant relief from itchiness after being treated with CBD oil. The placebo-controlled study focused on dogs who hadn’t responded to other treatments, and owners reported no major side effects. These findings suggest that properly dosed CBD may be a safe and effective option for managing skin irritation in dogs.

How Should I Dose CBD For My Pet?

CBD Pet treats

CBD pet treats are infused; offering consistent, convenient, and accurate dosing. Brands like Active CBD Oil even have a weight chart to give you an idea of how much CBD other pets are taking on average. Your pup will love the treats because to them it's a tasty little reward.

CBD Oil For Pets

Pet CBD oil offers a convenient and effective method for administering CBD to your pets. It allows for flexible dosing, including higher amounts when needed, and can easily be mixed into their food. For pets that are comfortable consuming it directly, the oil may also provide faster absorption than edibles.

Is CBD Safe for Pets? What the Science Says

While CBD is generally considered safe for pet consumption it is still important to always consult with a veterinarian before giving CBD to your furry friends. Most research has shown that CBD and hemp products that are THC free are safe for pets.

Risks of CBD Products

Now that we have discussed how CBD is generally safe for pets, let's talk about what can make it unsafe for your fluffy friend. When picking out a CBD product for your pup be sure to pick a product that has no THC as it can be toxic for animals. The best way to ensure your product is THC free is to check for 3rd party lab testing. Discover CBD provides 3rd party testing for all of our products, so you can be assured that your CBD pet product has no THC. You can check out all of our 3rd party lab results with this link.

Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil Pet Tinctures

When using a CBD tincture be careful not to give your pet too much, as oil may cause diarrhea when consumed in large amounts. Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a common symptom, so don’t be surprised if your pet is staying extra hydrated by drinking more water. Lethargy is one of the most commonly reported pet CBD side effects when giving too high of a dose of CBD. If you find that your pet shows signs of decreased energy, sleepiness, and disinterest in everyday activities then it may be best to lower their dose.

CBD vs. Traditional Meds: When to Try Natural Remedies for Dogs

Before exploring potential natural remedies such as CBD for your pets, it is crucial to prioritize veterinary examination first. It's important to have a discussion with a veterinarian, especially if your pet is already on other medications, to see if CBD may be an option worth trying. CBD may offer potential benefits for anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures, however research is still emerging and there is much to learn before we understand the full extent of how CBD may help our pets. The Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences department of Texas A&M University, published a blog “The ABCs Of CBD For Pets” discussing the potential benefits of CBD for pets. Dr. Amy Savarino states “We all want the best for our animals, so it seems natural to add a CBD product to a pet’s daily drug regimen if they are experiencing these health problems.” Other veterinarians have also encouraged pet owners to explore CBD as a potential option for pets.

Where Can I Find CBD For My Pet?

Most CBD stores will have a pet option, usually just CBD dog treats. At Discover CBD not only do we carry CBD dog treats made with natural ingredients, but we also have CBD pet tinctures. We sell both products on our website at DiscoverCBD.com and in our Discover CBD stores.

CBD Pet Treats

Here at Discover CBD, we formulate our CBD dog treats with natural ingredients such as pumpkin puree and oat flour that may contribute to potentially improving your pet’s health.

Pumpkin puree is nutritionally dense and packed with:

Vitamins such as A, C, and E
Minerals like potassium and zinc
Fiber, which may provide better and more regulated digestion
Antioxidants which can help support the immune system

Oat flour is gluten free, making it a suitable option for pets with gluten sensitivities. Additionally it is rich in:

Fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation
Essential vitamins such as vitamin B
Minerals like iron and magnesium
Antioxidants that may help protect pets from oxidative stress

CBD Pet Tinctures

Although treats make for convenient and easy dosing, if you are giving CBD to a larger pet or one that needs more CBD, then a CBD pet tincture may be a more cost effective route. Most prefer to put the drops of CBD oil onto their food, or give it to them directly in their mouth. Dogs have been shown to have a high concentration of blood vessels in their gums so that is the ideal location to put the oil. Our Active CBD oil pet tincture is made with three simple ingredients: MCT oil, Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, and vegan friendly chicken flavoring, making it a great option for the health conscious pet owner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CBD has shown potential as a natural remedy for the care of pets, especially in the case of anxiety, chronic pain, convulsions, and problems of the skin and coat. Whether in the form of tincture oil or delicious treats it is a very warm-hearted way to look after your friends. Remember before trying CBD for your pet that it is advised to consult your veterinarian, especially if your pet is on other medicines or has any underlying health issues.

If you ever have any questions about CBD for pets, we are always happy to help so please feel free to give us a call at 719-666-7219, chat with us online or stop by any of our retail locations to maybe try a free sample of our CBD pet treats.