People have been using CBD for pets for years now, and the market is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Here at PureKana, we have launched a specifically formulated line of pet CBD products that are designed and engineered for optimal effectiveness in dogs and cats.
Regarding the question of whether or not you can give your pets “human” CBD oil, some sources suggest you can, and they are not entirely wrong. However, this is a little risky, and it’s something we don’t generally recommend here at PureKana. Keep reading to find out why.
Human CBD Oil vs. Pet CBD Oil
Human CBD oils and pet CBD oils are manufactured in much the same way. Essentially, CBD is CBD, and the extraction process is more or less the same. However, when designed specifically for pets, it is important to formulate appropriate milligram doses that will produce optimal effects.
Human CBD products are often far too concentrated for pets – especially for small pets. Dogs and cats require less CBD than we do, and while you could very well just administer regular CBD oil at a lower dose – this can quickly become tricky and complicated.
It’s also important to consider THC concentration. Many regular CBD oils contain trace amounts of THC, and in some cases, this can be too much for pets. Dogs can be especially sensitive to THC, and you’ve probably heard some stories in the news about dogs ended up at the vet emergency room after accidentally getting into their owner’s marijuana stash.
Therefore, if you do plan on giving your pet a dose of your own CBD oil, it’s important to make sure that it’s completely THC-free.
How Does CBD Work for Pets?
Just like humans, pets have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is responsible for establishing and maintaining a variety of physiological processes. Dogs (and indeed all mammals) have a network of CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout their body, just like we do. These receptors can be activated by both naturally occurring endocannabinoid (such as 2AG and anandamide), as well as external cannabinoids like CBD.
CB1 receptors are found predominantly in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more abundant in the immune system. CBD is believed to exert its beneficial effects by interacting with these receptors. Although the cannabinoid has little binding affinity to receptors, it still imparts a powerful indirect impact.
Since our pets have an endocannabinoid system just like we do, it makes sense that the benefits of CBD for pets are mostly the same as they are for us humans.
The Benefits of CBD for Your Pet
CBD is useful as a therapy for a variety of conditions in pets, including pain management, separation anxiety, lack of appetite, and more. Although there currently isn’t enough scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of CBD in actually treating these conditions, research thus far has been promising.
1. CBD as a pain remedy for animals
CBD is touted for its pain-relieving properties since it has been shown to have an impact on inflammatory response. A famed study by Ethan Russo found that CBD can reverse the inflammation response, and thereby reduce symptoms of pain – including chronic pain. As explained above, the ECS in dogs and cats works very similar to the human ECS system, which means CBD may reduce pain experienced by our furry friends.
2. CBD reduces anxiety and stress in pets
Just like us, pets feel the effects of anxiety and stress. In most cases, pet anxiety is situational, meaning it is caused by things like thunderstorms, traveling, or crowds of people. Due to its calming and soothing effects, CBD has tremendous use when it comes to relieving stress and anxiety in dogs and cats.
Potential Risks & Side Effects of Giving CBD to Your Pet
Many enjoy CBD – both humans and pets. However, you still need to be aware of potential risks that may exist. In most cases, side effects experienced from CBD are minor and not severe – provided you are careful about how much you administer to your pet. Similarly to humans, here is what you need to look out for when giving CBD to your furry friend.
- Dry mouth: CBD can decrease the production of saliva; your dog may get very thirsty and need more to drink. Therefore, be sure to keep a bowl of fresh water nearby and easily accessible.
- Drowsiness: The calming effects of CBD can lead to drowsiness and lethargy. Therefore, it’s important to monitor your pet and ensure you maintain a healthy dosage that doesn’t affect them negatively.
For more information on using CBD for dogs, the American Kennel Club and other associations offer excellent resources from trusted individuals in the pet industry. The general opinion is that CBD is highly beneficial pets; still, be aware of the potential risks, and keep a close eye on your pet after administering any type of CBD product.
Final Thoughts on CBD for Pets
When buying CBD products for your pet, try to ensure that the product is THC-free and is formulated specifically for pet use. If you think your pet could benefit from CBD, be sure to check out PureKana’s full line of pet products now.
Lastly, if you still feel uneasy about giving your pet CBD, we recommend consulting with a veterinary professional, as they may be able to provide help and advice about giving CBD to your pet in an effective manner.
