Due to the increasing demand for natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, many pet owners are now choosing cannabidiol (CBD) for the management of dog health and wellness in pets. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychotropic substance derived from the hemp plant that is potentially beneficial in improving the health of pets, especially dogs and cats. In this article, we look into the merit of giving CBD to pets and how to go about it safely.
What Are the Benefits of CBD for Pets?
CBD is absorbed into the body via the endocannabinoid system. Similar to humans, pets also have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates complex bodily functions such as emotions, sensation of pain, feeling hunger and the immune system. The following are some of the benefits CBD is likely to bring to the non-human members of the family:
Alleviate discomfort
CBD for dogs has natural anti-inflammatory effects that can help with pain resulting from joint diseases such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, as well as other disorders that lead to persistent pain. It can provide relief without causing adverse effects as is the case with conventional medication for pain.
Lessening anxiety
Many pets have reasons to suffer from anxiety, be it due to thunder, eye contact, separation from their owners or simply a change of activities. CBD could help tame such traits by helping the stressed pet relax.
Management of seizure activity
It has been established that CBD is effective in the treatment of seizures in humans and animals. Therefore, CBD would also be effective in pets diagnosed with epilepsy in reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures as reported by some studies.
Appetite stimulation
There are pets who have low food intake because of sickness or some side effects from treatment. CBD might be useful for them as it could make them hungry thus enabling them to eat enough for normal growth and development.
Sleep quality enhancement
The use of CBD in pets could help with the improvement of the quality of sleep since it can reduce anxiety and pain which are some of the factors that prevent good sleep. This would be particularly beneficial for the elderly or pets that have health problems.
Help with skin diseases
Since CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, these can be exploited to cure most skin diseases, irritations, allergies and even dermatitis. It is suggested that topical CBD application of cannabinoid products might help to relieve the affected skin areas.
How to Choose the Best CBD for Pets
When it comes to products that may contain CBD products for pets, the following features should be taken into consideration:
- Quality: Choose products that are meant for use by animals. The labeling should be apparent and there should be evidence of third party testing of the product.
- Formulation of CBD: You may select between full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. The full spectrum CBD benefits comes from the entourage effect while the isolate contains one hundred percent CBD.
- Type of Pet CBD: Pets have different types of CBD including oils and capsules, which makes treating them comfortable and very easy. Oils and treats are the favorite forms and delivery systems since they are the easiest to administer and chew.
- Ingredients: There should not be any presence of dangerous chemicals or synthetic substances in the given product. It is better to use items with Natural Ingredients.
What Are the Dosage Guidelines for Pets?
One of the most difficult queries is how much CBD oil should you give your dog or cat as dosage can depend on the weight, age, health status and even the tolerance of your pet. Below are some general ways that can be used to measure the right amount your pet should take.
Start Low and Go Slow
One key principle is to begin with a small quantity and increase the CBD product for your pet to an appropriate level that is sufficient. This reduces the possibility of having side effects and enables you to observe their reaction.
General Dosage Recommendations
- Small pets (< 15 lbs): An initial CBD dosage of one to five milligrams.
- Mid-size pets (starting from 15-30 lbs): An initial dosage of no more than five to ten milligrams of CBD can be given.
- Medium high (30-60 lbs pets): 10-20 mg CBD per initial dose.
- Extra Large Pets (Greater than 60 lbs): 20-40mg.
Frequency of Dosing
Typically, many people give pet CBD products for dogs 1-2 times a day. However, it is best to consult your veterinarian for more tailored interventions relative to your pet’s requirements and health dimension.
Monitoring Response
Observe how your pet behaves and their health after you give CBD for the first time. If CBD seems to reduce anxiety or improve mobility, you may have the effective dose. If there were no responses or there were side effects, try to change the dose.
Consult Your Veterinarian
You should never introduce or try to recommend CBD oil for dogs or any hemp oil to their house pets without first checking with the veterinarian. Not all veterinarians feel comfortable with CBD pet products and could offer specific recommendations on CBD hemp products, concentration of CBD, premium CBD, CBD regimens that are safe for dogs, and how different medications can affect your furry buddy.
Conclusion
The potential advantages of CBD for pets are significant and include pain relief, relief from anxiety, improvement in sleep, and an increase in appetite. Following the right dosing and selection of the right products, pet owners can safely access the benefits of CBD for their pets. However, always consult with a veterinarian before starting any new supplement to ensure its suitability for the health of the pet. CBD, when professionally managed, can be an important component of the overall health management of pets and promote their health and well-being.