CBD for Pets

Just like humans, our beloved pets can reap the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) oil. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system! Your cat and your dog, like us, also posJust like humans, cats and dogs also have endocannabinoid systems which meansthat they too can benefit from the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD. The complex system of receptors and endocannabinoids located throughout their bodies works similarly to ours: making sense of internal and sensory input to help them remain in balance and return to a “normal” healthy state.sess a system of receptors and endocannabinoids in their bodies. 

Humans are taking a closer look at what they put in and on their bodies these days — and that tends to extend to the care and products they choose for their pets, too. Skepticism of harsh pharmaceuticals and the side effects they often come with has led an increasing number of pet parents to see if natural remedies such as CBD can ease the pain or stress their pet is experiencing.

While tinctures and treats are being sold online and in stores it’s worth noting that, because the FDA hasn’t green lit these products quite yet, your veterinarian currently cannot and likely will not recommend you try CBD. That’s not to say you can’t discuss it as a potential treatment option for your pet, it just means they cannot prescribe it as a treatment until the FDA has signed off and issued a dosage chart.

Definitive scientific data on the efficacy of CBD in treating pet ailments is still being collected, but anecdotal evidence from pet owners themselves strongly suggests its potential for treating pain (especially neuropathic pain), helping control seizures, managing stress, and calming skin conditions. Additional first-hand accounts show CBD can also be used for its anti-inflammatory properties, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, as well as potential anti-cancer and cardiac benefits.

Buying Considerations

Just as we’ve discussed looking for organic, American-grown hemp in your CBD search, you should opt for the same standards when choosing your pet’s products. With any quality pet brand, there should be no difference between the CBD found in your pet’s treats or tincture to that found in human products — although it’s often flavored differently (think peanut butter or bacon rather than lemon or peppermint). That being said, always give your pet CBD formulated specifically for animals to make absolutely sure it doesn’t contain any ingredients or constituents (other than CBD) that are unsafe for animals. It’s also a good idea to ensure the product does not contain THC, which is psychoactive and can also make them sick.

Plenty of pets like the taste of CBD straight from the dropper or find relief with CBD treats, but tincture can also be added directly to food. When starting your pet on a CBD regimen, always start at the low end of dosage and work your way up.

Pet Parents Survey

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association published a survey titled “Consumers’ Perceptions of Hemp Products for Animals”. The purpose of the study was to identify which CBD products pet owners are purchasing, why they are purchasing them for their pets and how beneficial they believed the CBD products are for their pets. Part of the study included an anonymous online survey, which collected 632 responses. Of those responses, 58.8% said they are currently using a CBD oil product for their dog. 77.6% of those respondents said they use a CBD oil product for their dog because of an illness or condition diagnosed by a veterinarian. The most common conditions identified include: seizures, cancer, anxiety and arthritis. 11.93% of respondents said they are currently using a CBD oil product for their cat. 81.8% of those respondents said they used a CBD oil product for their cat because of an illness or condition diagnosed by a veterinarian.

Within the survey, participants were prompted on observed side effects from administering CBD to their pets. The most common side effects observed by dog owners were sedation, 22.0%, and over-active appetite, 15.9%; respondents reported a moderate or significant effect. The most common side effects observed by cat owners were sedation, 19.2%, and over-active appetite, 16.0%; respondents reported a moderate or significant effect.