CBD for pets: everything you need to know

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More and more pet owners are becoming interested in the potential benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) for their beloved pets. CBD is extracted from hemp plants and is known to have a variety of positive health effects. In this article, we will take a closer look at how CBD can help pets and what to look for when using it.

What is CBD and how does it work in pets?

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is also present in animals. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in maintaining balance in the body and regulating various processes such as mood, sleep, pain perception, and inflammation. CBD can help stimulate the endocannabinoid system to support these processes in pets.

CBD oil for pets
CBD oil for pet

Potential benefits of CBD for pets

CBD can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can be especially beneficial for animals with separation anxiety or fear of loud noises. CBD may also have anti-inflammatory properties and relieve pain, which can be especially helpful for pets with arthritis or other painful conditions. In addition, CBD can also stimulate appetite and reduce nausea, which can be beneficial for pets with loss of appetite or digestive issues.

How to use CBD safely for pets

When using CBD for pets, it is important to follow the correct dosage. Each animal is individual, so it is advisable to start with a low dose and observe the effect. There are several forms of CBD products for pets, including CBD oils, treats, and creams. It is important to choose high-quality CBD products that are specifically designed for pets and do not contain harmful additives. Before using CBD, you should also consult a veterinarian to make sure there are no interactions with existing medications.

Possible side effects and precautions

Although CBD is generally considered safe for pets, some animals may experience mild side effects such as drowsiness or decreased activity. In rare cases, pets may also be sensitive to CBD. If side effects occur, one should stop using CBD for the time being and consult a veterinarian. It is recommended to use Broad Spectrum products that do not have THC at all. A safe value is offered by products made specifically for pets:

CBD can provide pets with a number of potential benefits, including stress relief, pain relief, and appetite stimulation. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and can help regulate various processes in the body. When using CBD for pets, it is important to follow the correct dosage and choose high-quality products designed specifically for pets. Side effects are usually mild, but it is advisable to consult a veterinarian before using CBD. By addressing these issues, CBD can be a safe and potentially effective option for supporting pet health and well-being.

CBD for dogs

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CBD products are becoming increasingly popular. Dogs and cats are fed with hemp extracts worldwide. Many owners enjoy the positive effect on the well-being of their pets and praise the use of CBD products. This blog article gives the most important information in the use of CBD for dogs, cats and other pets.

How does the CBD get into the dog?

First comes the practical question of how the CBD will get into the dog’s body. There are several ways to do this. If it is accepted by the dog, the CBD in the form of oil can be administered directly e.g. with a pipette. Another option is to mix the cannabidiol – again in the form of oil – into the feed. This application seems to be one of the most practical, but it contradicts the relatively widespread recommendation to administer the oil about 2h before eating. A possible solution: provide only a very small amount of food with the CBD oil and administer this 2h before the main meal.
Topical application (i.e., application to the skin) does not seem to have much effect on the general condition of the pet, according to current knowledge.[1] Presumably, the active ingredients are not able to penetrate the skin well enough. But this does not mean that an ointment does not have a local effect, for example, on irritated skin.

The optimal dose

As with the use of CBD oils in humans, the question of dosage also arises in dogs. First, an important note: We are not allowed to give dosage recommendations for legal reasons. Nevertheless, we want to inform you with as good as possible, so that you can use the potential of the hemp plant also for your four-legged darlings. Most important rule: Always use an oil of max. Use 10% CBD concentration.
Since every (dog’s) body reacts differently to CBD, it’s best to determine the optimal dose for your dog yourself. The following applies: Always (!) start with a low dosage first and increase it as needed. This reliably prevents side effects. If side effects do occur, or if your dog is on regular medication, you should contact your veterinarian.

If you want to choose an oil for your dog, you need to make sure that this oil does not contain THC, as it is harmful for pets. Further you should use an oil of max. Select 10% CBD concentration, otherwise dosing becomes difficult. Once you have selected a product, you can start with “gradual dosing”: in the beginning, dose the oil low (e.g. 1 mg CBD per kg body weight). Always observe well whether an effect occurs or whether side effects occur. Based on these observations, after a habituation period of a few days, you can increase the dose slightly if necessary until the desired effect is achieved.

Excuse me?! Side effects?

So far, this article has talked several times about side effects and desired effect. What is actually meant there? Possible side effects that may occur include: diarrhea/digestive disorders, fatigue, sluggishness/drowsiness, or even a stimulated appetite. Since there should be no THC in CBD oil for animals anyway, animals do not get high.
It is difficult to make statements about the effect. As in humans, the study situation is still too thin. However, testimonials[2] indicate that CBD helps well against pain or sleep problems of the quadruped. Anxiety and stress also appear to be reduced by administration of CBD.
Further, there is a study that demonstrated successful use of CBD (in addition to conventional treatments) against epilepsy.[3]

Pet products in our store: https://www.herbadiberna.ch/cbd-oel-haustiere/

Articles on the subject:
CBD oils for the dog and the correct dosage (cbdoele.org)
Treating your dog with CBD (healthline.com)

Sources:
– [1]: Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in healthy dogs (Colorado State University).
– 2]: Consumer perception of hemp products for animals (ibid.).
– [3]: Clinical study on the antieptileptic effect of CBD (Mc Grath et al.).