Pet CBD 101

*Never give your pet THC

CBD or cannabidiol has been gaining popularity in recent years as a natural remedy for various ailments in both humans and animals. Many pet owners have been turning to CBD to help manage their furry friend’s health conditions. CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which is a member of the cannabis family, but unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive and has no mind-altering effects. In this article, we will discuss what pet CBD is, how it works, its benefits, and how to properly use it for your pet.

What is Pet CBD?

Pet CBD is a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant. It is non-toxic and non-psychoactive, meaning it does not make your pet “high”. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors found throughout the body. The ECS is responsible for regulating various physiological processes such as appetite, mood, pain, and inflammation. When CBD is ingested or applied topically, it interacts with the ECS, helping to promote balance and homeostasis within the body.

How Does Pet CBD Work?

Pet CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body. The endocannabinoid system is made up of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, including in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. The two primary cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and organs.

When CBD is ingested or applied topically, it interacts with the ECS, helping to promote balance and homeostasis within the body. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving effects. Additionally, CBD has been found to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, making it a potential treatment for conditions such as epilepsy, osteoarthritis, and cancer.

Benefits of Pet CBD:

CBD has been found to have a number of potential benefits for pets, including:

1. Pain Relief: CBD has been found to have analgesic properties and may help to alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and cancer.

2. Anxiety Relief: CBD has been found to have anxiolytic properties and may help to reduce anxiety and stress in pets.

3. Anti-Inflammatory: CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis.

4. Antioxidant: CBD has been found to have antioxidant properties and may help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

5. Neuroprotective: CBD has been found to have neuroprotective properties and may help to protect the brain from damage caused by conditions such as epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases.

How to Properly Dose Pet CBD:

Properly dosing your pet with CBD is important to ensure that your furry friend receives the maximum benefits without any adverse side effects. In this article, we will discuss how to properly dose your pet with CBD.

Consult with Your Veterinarian:

Before giving your pet CBD, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can help you determine the proper dosage and whether or not CBD is appropriate for your pet’s health condition. Additionally, your vet can advise you on any potential drug interactions and whether or not CBD could interfere with any medications your pet is currently taking.

Choose a High-Quality Product:

Not all pet CBD products are created equal. Choose a product that is made from high-quality hemp and has been tested for purity and potency. Look for products that have been third-party lab tested and have a certificate of analysis (COA). The COA will provide information about the product’s potency and the presence of any contaminants.

Start with a Low Dose:

It is important to start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase the dosage as needed. This will help you to determine the optimal dosage for your pet. The general rule of thumb for dosing CBD is 0.2mg to 0.5mg per pound of body weight. For example, a 50-pound dog would receive a starting dose of 10mg to 25mg of CBD.

Monitor Your Pet:

It is important to monitor your pet for any changes in behavior or health after starting CBD. Keep a journal to track the dosage and any changes in behavior or health. Monitor your pet for any adverse side effects, such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your pet experiences any adverse side effects, stop giving CBD and consult with your veterinarian.

Adjust the Dose as Needed:

The optimal dosage for your pet may vary depending on their health condition and individual response to CBD. If you do not see any improvement in your pet’s condition after a week of starting CBD, you may need to increase the dosage. However, it is important to increase the dosage gradually and monitor your pet for any adverse side effects.

Consider the Form of CBD:

CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oil tinctures, capsules, treats, and topicals. The form of CBD you choose may impact the dosage. Oil tinctures are the most common form of CBD for pets and are easy to dose. Capsules and treats provide a pre-measured dosage and are a convenient option for pets that are finicky eaters. Topicals, such as balms and sprays, are applied directly to the skin and may require a higher dosage to be effective.

Properly dosing your pet with CBD is important to ensure that your furry friend receives the maximum benefits without any adverse side effects. It is important to consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet CBD, choose a high-quality product, start with a low dose, monitor your pet for any adverse side effects, adjust the dose as needed, and consider the form of CBD. By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively dose your pet with CBD.