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American’s interest in cannabidiol (CBD) products is increasing at an unprecedented rate, with record sales predicted for this rapidly growing market during the next few years.

The word is definitely out about the wide range of health benefits CBD can provide, and people are taking advantage of hemp’s legal status and the various products produced from it. Whether it’s an oil, topical, or infused edible, everyone seems to be getting on the CBD bandwagon.

CBD’s increasing popularity even extends to our household pets, particularly cats and dogs. Many people use CBD to address and treat physical and behavioral problems with their companion animals with very good results, and CBD for pets is legal in all 50 states.

For common conditions like anxiety and skin irritation, CBD appears to provide the same healing and soothing properties for pets that it does for their human owners.

Understanding CBD

Before diving into various CBD treatments for pets, let’s cover some basic information about this cannabis compound. CBD, which is present in marijuana as well as industrial hemp, is one of the two main cannabinoids with strong commercial value, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the second.

Tips for Introducing Your animals to CBD. Dog treats on marijuana leaves.

THC provides a strong psychoactive experience, which is why many people consume recreational marijuana. THC also has medicinal value and applications for a range of chronic conditions including pain, insomnia, and fibromyalgia. CBD is not a psychoactive agent, so regardless of the amount you or your pet takes, it will not result in an intoxicating effect.

CBD is now legal, and an increasingly wide range of products contain it. As well as CBD oil and tinctures, a wide variety of topical products like lotions, creams, salves, balms, and bath salts also contain this beneficial cannabinoid.

While CBD does not get people “high” in the sense that THC does, it does have a relaxing quality and eases anxiety, and it’s also been known to effectively treat depression. Like THC, CBD works in combination with various cannabis terpenes to promote wellness in a combined manner, known as “the entourage effect.” Exactly why these cannabis compounds work more effectively as a group is not entirely known and is a topic relevant to ongoing research.

One of the most recent and popular ways to consume CBD is in the form of smokable or vapable hemp flower. Now cultivated by skilled growers in the same meticulous manner as marijuana, there are an increasing number of hemp strains hitting the market, with increasingly potent levels of CBD. The whole-plant approach to consuming CBD is rapidly gaining popularity.

With so many people—and an increasing number of pets—benefiting from the use of CBD and CBD-related products, you may want to consider using it to address physical or mental conditions your pet may be experiencing. It’s safe as well as effective.

Common Uses of CBD for Companion Animals

Pet owners, particularly people who use CBD themselves with good results, want their cherished companions to receive the same CBD benefits as humans. Based largely on anecdotal reports—but mostly reports that are universally positive and support CBD as an effective treatment—pet owners are purchasing CBD oil or CBD products specifically created for pet use.

Some of the most common conditions people use CBD for cats and dogs are separation anxiety, fear from thunderstorms or loud noises, as well as relief from pain, arthritis, and inflammation. There also are valid reason to use hemp for skin conditions and infections. It turns out that many of the same reasons humans consume CBD also apply to their pets.

The Evidence on CBD For Pets

While research in the veterinary community about CBD uses and benefits is ongoing, there have already been some significant findings and promising results from research that indicates this cannabinoid may have a valuable and promising future for use on animals.

Research conducted at Cornell University has been widely publicized in a number of publications and other media. The finding of this study indicates great potential for treating dogs with arthritis with CBD. Other research conducted at Colorado State University as a pilot study to explore the potential benefits of CBD for treating arthritis in dogs has resulted in similar, promising results.

The Colorado study also has seen widespread coverage in the media, and has been the subject of numerous articles. While the evidence supporting the effectiveness of CBD on dogs is largely anecdotal at this time, research with more clinical parameters will no doubt shed additional light on how CBD may benefit man’s best friend.

The First Step

Since our companion animals enrich our lives so much and become literally parts of our families, you want the very best for them. A prudent first step before administering CBD to your dog or cat is to have a discussion with your pet’s veterinarian—or a veterinarian with a progressive approach to holistic medicine.

Document some of the most compelling reason why you think CBD will help your pet. Write some notes you can refer to about specific incidents that support your desire to try CBD. Perhaps your dog gets such severe separation anxiety that it destroyed your leather couch when you went to work one day—an event you probably won’t need notes to remember.

Thunderstorms are a terrorizing experience for many animals, so if your pets shake uncontrollably with fear, and your cat goes under the bed or your dogs goes to the far end of your walk-in closet when a storm is brewing, you probably have enough compelling reasons to get buy-in from your vet for a CBD regimen.

While you don’t need a prescription form a veterinarian to obtain CBD for your pet, your vet should know about your plans for Fluffy or Fido. If for no other reason, keeping your vet in the loop may provide compelling reason for him or her to recommend CBD for other canine and feline patients.

Pet cbd. Introducing cbd to pets. Dog looking at a sign with CBD on it

Ways to Provide CBD to Your Pet

The process of dosing your pet with CBD is usually very simple and easy, with no stress for the pet. Most people simply administer one to three drops (depending on the size of the pet) of CBD oil or tincture into the mouths of their pets, without the pets reacting in a negative manner. There should be no struggle, and if worse comes to worse, you can put the drops on a favorite food treat.

Some people prefer to provide CBD to their pets in a treat form that’s very pleasing for the animal. There also are CBD treats specifically created for dogs, as well as cats. Dogs love the beef and liver flavored treats and look forward to eating them.

And even the most finicky cat will enjoy the tuna flavor of feline CBD treats. The makers of these products not only know the range of benefits CBD can provide to pets but also ensure that the CBD treats are palatable and enjoyable for them.

Pet owners looking for alternative treatments for the health and wellness of their furry pals are becoming interested in the issue of introducing CBD to their animals. Below is a summary that addresses different facets of this topic:

  1. Comprehending the Definition and Origin of CBD for Pets: Plants that grow cannabis and hemp contain a substance called cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD doesn't make you feel euphoric or intoxicated as THC does.
    Applications for Pets: frequently used to treat pets for anxiety, discomfort, and seizures.
  2. Producers and Goods
    Product Types: CBD is available for pets in a number of forms, such as chewables, oils, and topical lotions.
    Top Manufacturers: Notable businesses in this sector include HolistaPet, Petly CBD, and Honest Paws. They sell a variety of goods made especially for animals.
  3. Benefits of CBD for Stress and Anxiety in Pets: It is thought that CBD has relaxing properties that assist in lowering stress and anxiety in pets.

Pain Relief: In particular, for arthritic disorders, it may aid in the management of chronic pain.

Control of Seizures: Research indicates that CBD may assist in the treatment of seizures in animals.

Safety and Effectiveness: Although anecdotal evidence is encouraging, additional studies are need to completely comprehend the advantages and any hazards.

  1. Pet Doses
    Choosing the Appropriate Amount: The size, age, and condition being treated of the pet all affect the dosage. It's imperative to speak with a veterinarian and abide by product instructions.

Starting with Low Doses: Give your pet a tiny amount at first, watch how they react, and make any required adjustments.

  1. Lawful Matters
    Diverse Laws: States and nations may have different laws governing the legality of CBD products. In the United States, CBD is usually accepted as lawful if it comes from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC.

Regulation and Quality Control: Seek for goods that have undergone independent testing to ensure their potency and purity.

  1. Choosing High-Quality Items
    Ingredients & Purity: Look for goods that are certified to be THC-free and have clear labeling.

Reputation and Reviews: Look up brands online and peruse pet owners' reviews.

  1. Getting Advice from Veterinarians
    Professional Advice: Before giving your pet CBD, always get their opinion from a veterinarian, especially if they are currently taking other drugs.

Final Thoughts on CBD For Pets

You want the very best for your pet, CBD is a natural way to provide relief for a variety of physical and mental conditions.

Although CBD presents a viable substitute for maintaining the health and wellbeing of pets, it's crucial to use caution when applying it.

To guarantee the best results for your pet, do your homework on items, comprehend legal implications, and seek advice from experts.

Perhaps you use CBD yourself and live a better life as a result. If you believe your pet has an identifiable condition that CBD may help, have a discussion with your veterinarian about the possible benefits of CBD. Once your pet receives it, you may just see an improvement.

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CBD For Pets FAQ's

Does CBD work for pets?

One of the earliest studies on CBD was conducted at Cornell, and the results indicated that many canines responded well to CBD for pain relief. More than 80% of the osteoarthritis-afflicted dogs in the study reported feeling less pain, which made them more at ease and active.

Can I give CBD to my pet?

When your four-legged buddy first gets exposed to CBD, they may appear a little tired because CBD helps animals relax. This might be perfect if you're using CBD to assist your dog deal with anxiety or stress, but you can always adjust their dosage if they ever look overly sleepy.

Do vets recommend CBD for dogs and cats?

Even if they believe CBD is a fantastic resource for pet wellbeing, most physicians will not suggest it for pets at this time. However, this could soon change.

Is CBD for humans different than CBD for Pets?

In essence, there is no distinction between CBD oil for humans and CBD oil for pets. There are variations in serving suggestions, but the manufacturing processes of the oils are usually the same.

How long after taking does CBD take to kick in for dogs?

Most dogs respond to CBD in 30 to 45 minutes on average. This is dependent on a number of variables, such as your dog's metabolism, whether they are taking CBD on an empty stomach or full stomach, and the kind of CBD product you have selected.

Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

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