Pets experience health problems just like humans do. It can be very distressing and upsetting when you have an animal with health complications; they cannot communicate their symptoms to us, and yet doting owners can tell their pet is suffering. It can be hard to deal with such a thing, and vet bills often end up becoming extortionate.
Lately, CBD has been increasingly given to pets for a variety of reasons. By supporting a healthy lifestyle for your pet, you can mitigate the risk of them being excessively uncomfortable. Whether your puppy is over-the-top excitable and needs to calm down a bit, or if you have an old kitty with aching joints, CBD may be an option.
However, any good animal owner needs to check – and double-check – if something is safe before giving it to their pet. Since CBD is already a much-debated topic for humans, it’s logical to wonder whether it is any good for your pets. Today, we will be looking at whether CBD really is safe to give to your pet.
CBD, Pets, and the Animal Endocannabinoid System
As you probably already know, CBD works in humans by interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for influencing a number of different bodily functions, regulating things like mood and stress.
As it turns out, the ECS is present in all mammals. This means that your pet has an endocannabinoid system, too! Because of this, it’s possible that CBD could provide pets with the same benefits that humans glean from it.
In other words, CBD can theoretically be given to your pet because they also have an endocannabinoid system. However, some fundamental differences between humans and animals mean that you have to be careful.
Can I Give CBD Oil to My Pet?
When looking into CBD, it is important to consult trustworthy sources. Of course, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is a pretty reliable source when it comes to your pet, specifically canines.
The AKC reminds us that no formal studies have been carried out on CBD for dogs. However, the Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is currently funding a study into CBD for use in dogs that experience tremors.
It is believed that CBD is quite safe for dogs (and other animals) to consume. This does not mean, however, that you can simply give your pet the CBD oil that you have been using. A properly formulated product for pets is preferred; one that contains no ingredients that might harm your pet.
Furthermore, depending on the size of your pet, they will need a much lower serving size than you have been taking. For example, some folks give 2mg of CBD per kilogram of their pet’s weight. Make sure to calculate this amount before giving your pet CBD.
Possible Benefits of CBD for Pets
The possible benefits of CBD for pets basically parallels the list of benefits for humans. In other words, due to similarities in the ECS of humans and other mammals, the effects should be somewhat similar.
Possible Side Effects of CBD for Pets
Side effects can occur with CBD oil, but they tend to be minor. In humans, this is not a big issue because we can simply fix the problem; if you have a dry mouth, you can go and grab a glass of water from the kitchen.
When it comes to our pets, however, side effects can be more risky. Our pets can’t verbally communicate to us when something feels wrong, and therefore we must be extra vigilant. The side effects of CBD for pets may include:
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
Of course, these side effects are not typically serious. However, it can be worth recording what signs you notice after giving your pet CBD so that if anything happens, you can explain the situation to your vet in full detail.
When giving CBD to your pet, make sure they have easy access to water nearby in case of dry mouth. Administer it in an environment they are comfortable with, as if they feel dizzy they can become disorientated and stressed.
Talking with Your Vet About CBD
We are by no means veterinary experts, and so it is essential that you consult with a professional before giving CBD to your animal. Don’t worry, you can’t be penalized for asking about CBD for your pet.
And if you live in California, you’re in luck as this is the only state where veterinarians have been authorized to discuss CBD with their clients. If you live in other states, you will have to be the one to bring up CBD in conversation. Once you have raised the topic, your vet can openly discuss CBD with you and talk about whether it is an appropriate option for your pet.
It is possible that your vet will have absolutely no idea about CBD, so you may want to do your research first so that you can come forward with some conclusions in mind. If your vet is helpful, they might look into it for you.
In short, don’t be afraid to talk to your vet about CBD; at the end of the day, it’s more important that your four-legged friend remains safe, and the only way to do this is to consult a professional before giving CBD to your beloved pet.
Final Thoughts: Is CBD for Pets Safe?
In general, it is thought that CBD is safe for pets to consume. When buying CBD for your pet, ensure that the company has visible certificates of analysis confirming the contents of the product. Also ensure that the product is THC-free and contains no harmful ingredients. Choose a product that allows for easy dosing, perhaps in a low dose so that you can carefully try out CBD and see how your pet responds.
Above all, you should consult a veterinary professional before giving CBD to your dog or cat. They will be able to advise you fully on whether it is the right choice.
