Best CBD For Pets: What You Should Know About Benefits, Uses and More
Animal owners want what is best for their furry friends, and that includes providing them with the best CBD for pets that are available in the market. In case you are looking for the best CBD products for pets that can provide your four-legged pals with the wellness benefits they deserve, keep reading and discover MiisterCBD's top picks!
Where Can I Buy the Best CBD for Pets Near Me?
CBD has been used in holistic practices as an alternative remedy to clinical pharmaceuticals. But, it may surprise you that our furry friends may also benefit from CBD supplements. In this article, we'll discuss the potential benefits of CBD for pets alongside supporting evidence to show how cannabinoids can affect animals. Continue reading to find out more!
CBD For Pets Overview
CBD is a chemical compound that naturally occurs in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike other cannabis compounds, CBD is well-tolerated by most consumers, with minimal side effects. Meanwhile, the federal government recently passed the 2018 Farm bill, which removed CBD and other cannabinoids with less than 0.3% THC from the classified substance list.
Cannabidiol, also CBD, works like most cannabinoids and can interact with a specialized system of receptors and hormones in the body. For example, it can help to regulate the central nervous system and ensure balance or homeostasis. In addition, many studies propose that CBD can do much more for the human body.
Meanwhile, experts also believe that CBD may have potential health benefits for pets. Unfortunately, most of the research on the potential health benefits of CBD was initially conducted on animals. However, as the use of CBD in pets increases, we can expect more research that will explain the benefits of CBD for pets.
Through extensive research and experimentation, MiisterCBD has found the online shops and brands that offer the best CBD products for pets. From oil to treats, passing through health condition-specific products, as well as the ideal products for dogs, cats, and other species, below you will be able to discover which are the best CBD sellers for your furry pals.
Types of CBD Products That Are Available For Pets
Like the human variant, CBD pet supplements are specially formulated for animals and come in different forms. They are well-tolerated in animals and cause little to no side effects after use.
Suppose a veterinarian recommends using CBD products for your pets. In that case, there are various options, including oils, pellets, treats, and topical products. For example, CBD oil can be administered sublingually by placing it under the tongue of the animal. However, if you can't get your dog or cat to hold through this method, you can try adding CBD to its food.
Many animals love their CBD treats, and since it doesn't have the strong and earthy hemp taste, it is well-tolerated with even the pickiest eaters. Likewise, you can rub a CBD cream or ointment on the affected area to ensure fast relief and reduce pain. Meanwhile, many vets frown against using human CBD products for pets, which can be dangerous.
How to Choose the Best CBD for your Pets?
Pet parents that are interested in giving their furry friends CBD products should look into companies that offer products that are produced with organically grown hemp. These products should also provide a certificate indicating they have been tested by third-party laboratories, which guarantees that the CBD product does not contain any harmful ingredient, such as more than 0.01% THC.
Furthermore, high-quality CBD products should contain additional ingredients such as fatty acids, nutrients, and vitamins, to ensure your pet has access to all those healthy factors. Ensure that the products you select do not contain pesticides, mycotoxins or heavy metals.
Different Types of CBD Extracts Even For Pets
While using cannabinoids for pets might shock you, many owners won't hesitate to administer CBD to their pets. There are three main CBD extracts, namely, broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolate. These extracts have different levels of cannabinoid concentration and affect animals in their unique way. Full-spectrum CBD products contain CBD and a spread of other cannabis compounds to provide an entourage effect.
However, full-spectrum CBD contains a higher THC concentration than other extracts and is best used in moderate doses. On the other hand, CBD isolate consists of over 98% CBD and doesn't contain any THC. CBD has been stripped of other compounds and is considered the purest form of CBD.
Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD falls between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. It contains small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids, with CBD as the main ingredient. Many doctors recommend broad-spectrum CBD extracts for animals since they contain a little bit of everything.
How Does CBD Work On Pets?
In a simple manner, it works exactly the same way as it does in humans. As mentioned before, mammals such as people and most pets, have an innate endocannabinoid system which is a natural nervous system. Mammals’ central nervous systems and peripheral nervous systems are integrated with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which means that when the receptors of the ECS interact with CBD, both other systems will have consequent reactions.
CBD supplements are widely used as a wellness formula for managing animals' mental and physical health. But how does CBD work on pets? Scientists believe CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to regulate immune response and improve well-being.
It can mimic the endocannabinoid chemicals that are naturally occurring in all vertebrates. In addition, CBD receptors are also present in animals' bodies, acting as master regulators that signal other systems to restore balance and stabilize the body. CBD is like most cannabinoids, but unlike THC, it doesn't cause highness.
Okay, but what does that really mean? Basically, it means that when consuming CBD, all the systems that are integrated with the ECS, such as the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system, will benefit from the properties the hemp plant has to offer.
Moreover, the ECS is also responsible for regulating balance, coordination, activation/suppression of appetite, cardiovascular aspects, and general mood. As such, when your pet consumes CBD, it will have a regulatory and moderating effect in the ECS-related systems, thus improving their health.
Although not every pet will react the same way to CBD products, there are specially made formulas that were designed by veterinarians to ensure that your furry friends have access to the wellness properties they have to offer.
When used in moderate amounts, CBD may provide a stimulating effect. Still, high amounts of CBD can act as a sedative and cause drowsiness. If you're using CBD for pets, it's also important to use pet formulas that are specifically made to help your pet. You can also choose broad-spectrum or CBD isolate, which is generally the safest option for pets.
CBD is generally considered safe for animals and doesn't have the same toxicity as THC, which can cause fatal reactions. As a result, many veterinarians often encourage pet owners to administer CBD to their dogs or cats to relieve pain and manage health issues. However, some doctors also believe that there are associated risks with using CBD products in animals.
Potential Benefits of CBD For Pets
In recent times, there has been a rise in testimonials and reports of CBD use in pets for anxiety, pain management, and other health symptoms. Researchers have confirmed that CBD is a super remedy full of potential human and animal health benefits. However, these claims are backed by limited scientific evidence and individual experiences.
Many pet owners cannot watch their dogs suffer pain and administer CBD supplements to relieve pain symptoms of debilitating conditions such as osteoarthritis, which many dogs can suffer from. In addition, it may be effective in helping animals overcome cancer and have fewer side effects than traditional cancer treatments.
Some pets suffer from severe anxiety, which may be triggered by separation or other circumstantial factors. Regardless, many vet doctors are encouraging the use of CBD to help their animal patients reduce anxiety and provide a calm, relaxed feeling. For instance, you can give a small dose of CBD for calm relief next time there's a thunderstorm and your dog panics.
CBD may also help improve appetite and reduce pickiness in cats and dogs. If your pet is always refusing to eat, you may be tempted to start using CBD pet treats as a way to increase appetite and encourage a healthy diet.
Mammals, such as humans, cats, or dogs, have an endocannabinoid system that reacts to CBD. This system is composed of receptors that play an important role in some primary functions of the body: mood, sleep, pain, immunity, and many more! When a pet consumes CBD products, these receptors react to the cannabinoids that are part of the products, thus allowing your furry friend to take advantage of all the CBD benefits that you, a human, would be able to take as well.
As such, there are several benefits that your four-legged friend can enjoy from consuming CBD oil or treats, as we will explain below.
CBD benefits for dogs
CBD products for dogs offer an array of benefits, as long as you are giving your pet products that have been specifically designed for dogs. Pets can take advantage of benefits from CBD intake similar to those humans have, such as pain relief, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and many others.
Generally, dogs who consume the right dosage of CBD can see an increased quality of life, especially when it comes to:
- Generalized anxiety and separation anxiety
- Seizures
- Pain, ache, and inflammation
- Skin conditions
- Depression
- Appetite issues
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
Similar to the health benefits humans experience when consuming CBD, your dog can also have a healthier and happier life through the consumption of specialized CBD products for dogs.
As mentioned before, both humans and dogs have an endocannabinoid system, which reacts positively to the compounds found in CBD oils or other CBD-based products. As such, certain veterinarians recommend that pet owners give their dogs CBD in order to relieve pain, improve separation anxiety, and in certain cases even to reduce aggressive tendencies.
Dogs that suffer from bone and muscle aches and inflammation have also shown to react positively to CBD products, especially in cases where the animal suffers from conditions such as arthritis.
CBD benefits for cats
As mentioned before, mammals are biologically equipped with an endocannabinoid system, and your little cat is no different. Due to this, our furry friends can also take advantage of the health benefits that CBD provides. But, which benefits does CBD offer specifically to cats?
Well, it seems that these little fluff-balls are not that different from us, being able to experience the anti-inflammation and anxiolytic benefits just like humans do. Moreover, recent studies from Cornell University have shown that CBD oil is excellent at managing chronic pain in pets.
Moreover, CBD has excellent anti-seizure properties, which allow your cats with neurological issues to have a better quality of life. But these are not the only benefits your cat can take advantage of with CBD, as it can also be used to manage:
- Stress and anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Inflammation
- Epileptic seizures
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Urinary tract inflammation
- Decreased appetite
- Hormone regulation
With this in mind, it is easy to understand how beneficial CBD can be to your cat, however, it is important that you only give them CBD products that were made specifically for pets, as the CBD dosage of human products is too high for our little furry friends.
CBD benefits for other animals
Although cats and dogs are the most common pets to share a home with, CBD products can also benefit a myriad of other species. Rabbits, horses, ferrets, pigs, guinea pigs, birds, and rats also have an endocannabinoid system, thus being able to take advantage of all the wellness benefits that CBD products have to offer, such as:
- Reduced muscle and joint pain and inflammation: if your pet is suffering from joint issues or arthritis, CBD can improve their mobility and even decrease their pain.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: pets who do not like to be alone and suffer from separation anxiety, or if they are naturally stressed and anxious beings, can also become calmer through the help of CBD.
- Improved digestive health: if your pet suffers from ailments related to their digestive system, CBD can also prove to be helpful.
- Increased appetite: pets that have been suffering from a lack of appetite may also see an improvement with CBD.
- Improved cardiovascular health: CBD aids with the circulation of blood, thus helping prevent cardiovascular issues.
- Reduced seizures: similar to the effects seen in humans, CBD is an excellent aid in reducing seizures and epileptic fits, which helps animals have an improved quality of life.
Precautions Before Giving CBD To Pets
Amidst the raving reviews and positive feedback from many pet owners, it is also necessary to exercise caution when giving your pets CBD products. To start with, animals like cats and dogs cannot handle human doses of CBD unknown to many owners. In addition, high amounts of THC can cause toxicity and eventual death in small animals.
Therefore, administering CBD for pets is no child's play, and you must take proper steps to ensure that your animal stays in good health. In addition, studies have shown that CBD can be fatal when combined with orthodox medication. Therefore, you shouldn't add CBD supplements to your pet's prescription drugs.
Another problem many pet owners have is finding legit vendors that provide high-quality CBD products. You can check online or at local stores around you, and it's important to see a third-party report from an independent lab before you make a purchase. It helps you to confirm that the contents match the label.
When administering CBD for pet use, proper dosage makes all the difference. Too much CBD in animals can cause toxicity resulting in nausea, lethargy, drowsiness, and other side effects. If you also notice dry mouth or diarrhea after CBD intake, you may need to reduce or stop the dosage entirely.
When Can You Give Some CBD to your Pets?
Some of the most common questions that pet owners ask themselves before giving their furry friends CBD is “when should you do it” and “how much should you give them”. Well, the answer to these questions vary depending on a series of factors:
- The ailment you want to treat with CBD
- The species of the animal
- The weight and age of the animal
- Among others
We recommend that you contact your veterinary doctor and request their advice before giving CBD products to your pet, as they know your animal’s medical history and which medications they are currently taking.
Although it is always better to consult with a veterinary professional before giving CBD to your pet, there is no need to worry, as there is no toxicity related to this molecule. The frequency and dosage of CBD for any given pet will depend on their health condition, their size, as well as the type of ailment you wish to use CBD for. As an example, if your pet is suffering from skin conditions, you may want to use a topical CBD product, as opposed to CBD oil or treats, which can be used to deal with gastrointestinal issues.
Scientific Research About CBD For Pets
You have probably seen blogs and articles on CBD's wonders for pets. But what do scientists have to say about CBD use in animals? Some medical experts believe in the healing powers of CBD for humans and animals. As a result, it is celebrated in many holistic and traditional practices for wellness and improved health.
Meanwhile, few studies have looked at the effects of CBD on humans and animals with positive outcomes. Researchers believe that CBD may be a game changer for treating neuropathic pain, for instance, arthritis pain and cancer pain.
A study conducted at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine showed that dogs who were given 4.4mg per pound twice daily improved pain relief and quality of life. Another study by Baylor University showed further improvements after CBD was delivered in a liposomal formulation.
CBD has also been reported to reduce cancer-cell death and prevent metastasis in canines. Researchers have also found that standard chemotherapy drugs performed better when combined with CBD. There is also scientific evidence that certain CBD pet products can reduce itchiness and inflammation. Still, many vets hesitate to prescribe CBD to their patients due to the lack of proper regulation.
Conslusion: Pros and Cons of Giving CBD To Pets
You might have encountered several success stories where animal health improved after taking CBD supplements. However, the truth is that there is a good and bad side to giving your pets CBD supplements. For starters, CBD is well-tolerated in most animals and interacts well with the endocannabinoid system to regulate immune functions.
It may be a milder and more effective alternative to regular pain treatments that often cause grogginess and sickness. In addition, CBD may help your dog sleep better by reducing anxiety and panic disorders. Finally, suppose your dog suffers from severe illnesses like arthritis, seizures, or cancer.
Another benefit is that CBD pet products are quite affordable and are available all around. On the flip side, most states have almost no regulation controlling the manufacturing and sale of CBD products. However, this has encouraged many scam vendors who target innocent customers.
In addition, it is hard to administer CBD products properly since there is no standard dosage you can follow. As a result, there is a risk that that you may give your pet too little or too much. As a pet owner, you must ensure that your furry friend remains in good health with or without CBD.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD safe for our pets?
Yes, CBD is safe for animals, however, it is important that you purchase products that were designed specifically for pets as the human concentrations might be too high for small pets. The ideal quantity and type of CBD product for your pet will depend on the species, size, and health condition you want to treat.
Why can we use CBD for our pets?
Most animals are born with an endocannabinoid system which, just like in humans, interacts with the molecules from the cannabis/hemp plant. This means that the body of your furry friend will have the necessary receptors and enzymes to process CBD. There is an increasing number of scientific studies related to the interactions of CBD in animals.
Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs?
Yes, several vets recommend CBD oil for dogs and there is an increasing number of studies aimed at proving the health benefits that CBD can have on the general well-being of pets. We recommend that you contact your pet’s vet before giving them CBD products as they will know their medical history.
What is the CBD dose I can give to my dog or my cat?
The amount of CBD you can give your pet will vary according to the ailment you want to treat and the animal weight. Please note that there are pet-specific CBD products that contain lower dosages of cannabidiol and which have been designed with the health of the animals in mind.
What is the best CBD oil for dogs?
The best CBD oil for dogs is the one formulated and sold by Naturicious. This brand has developed two CBD oils especially for dogs, which contain no traces of THC, and which can be found in bottles of 300mg and 500mg. The CBD content ranges between 3% and 5%.
I have been writing several articles on the Internet about natural products and eco-friendly ways to help with general wellbeing. I became interested in CBD when I traveled to the US. I believe everyone should have access to reviews and testimonials to obtain quality and certified products.
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