When CBD became popular becaue of its amazing health and wellness benefits, a lot of CBD products started emerging in the market for pets. Ranging from CBD edibles to CBD shampoos, these products target a spectrum of health symptoms and conditions with a natural and less intoxicating approach. Little did we know that CBD isn’t just for human consumption. While humans need to get a medical marijuana card to consume cannabis in some states, pets do not need that. However, you still need to consult with your vet about giving your pets CBD to avoid any complications.
Pet companions can benefit from CBD, as long as you know how to use it properly. Before giving CBD to your pet, make sure and consult a veterinarian about incorporating CBD products into your pet’s health routine.
CBD For Pets
Cannabidiol or CBD is the second most common active compound in the cannabis plant. When CBD is used in health and wellness products, it can:
- Provide relief for nerve-related and inflammatory pain
- Treat Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome
- Lessen stress, anxiety, and insomnia
- Treat and relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis
Contrary to common belief, CBD doesn’t induce the euphoric sensation that the compound called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can. CBD is known as a non-psychoactive compound with no psychoactive effects on users.
CBD is best known for its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of mammals. Thus, domesticated pets such as dogs and cats benefit them as well. The health advantages of CBD for pets are found in various CBD products.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
For an accurate dosage and faster absorption, the best product to provide your pets is CBD oil or tincture. CBD oils are concentrated CBD extracts diluted in carrier oils. Their potency mostly depends on the type of CBD oil, which can be either full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate. Generally, CBD isolates are preferred for pets. However, some companies might argue that the therapeutic properties of CBD wouldn’t be felt without a full-spectrum oil.
With less potency and CBD concentration, tinctures are used for milder health symptoms. If you’re still hesitating about providing CBD to your pet, the best entry point is to give CBD tinctures instead of oils to your pet. To administer oils or tinctures to your pet, the best site is under the tongue, placing a few drops and letting it sit for a while.
CBD Treats
Gibe your pet CBD treats from time to time during the day. They’re safe and non-intoxicating because there are other ingredients aside from CBD extracts such as wheat, corn, soy, and dairy. If your pet is sensitive to the taste and smell of CBD oil, introducing it to them gradually with the help of CBD snacks and treats is a good move.
While your pet chews the snacks, the CBD gets mixed with saliva and instantly releases its health effects. If you don’t want to over-intoxicate your pet, and they don’t have extreme health conditions anyway, giving them CBD treats as a supplement can relieve and manage health conditions such as loss of appetite, aggressive behavior, and anxiety, among others.
CBD Shampoos
Another unique method of administering CBD to your pet is through skin contact that is best in managing skin conditions. When hair is dry, itchy, and greasy, your pet’s coat health can even lead to developing worse skin conditions.
As a skin and hair healing and treatment product, shampoos infused with CBD helps in cleaning your pet’s coat from oil, dirt, and other impurities while keeping the skin’s essential oils. It can also relieve itchiness, redness, hot spots, and inflammation. To enjoy the full benefits of CBD shampoo, it’s best to follow it up with a CBD topical that can stay longer on your pet’s skin.
CBD Topicals
After bathing your pet with CBD shampoos, or a stand-alone product, use CBD-infused topicals such as balms, creams, or ointment to provide localized relief. Unlike CBD shampoos, they work longer and more immediately on your pet’s skin. In humans, CBD topicals are commonly used for joint pains and body aches, and you can also do the same for your pet.
These CBD topicals are usually combined with therapeutic ingredients such as herbal extracts and essential oils to offer additional healing for your pet’s skin, particularly in targeted, problematic areas. It can relieve pain-related itchiness, muscle and joint pain, insect bites, and many more. Applying topicals is a transdermal method and it won’t be absorbed by the bloodstream.
Takeaways
Administering CBD for dogs, cats, and other pets might be worrying at first, but educating yourself as a pet owner about the effects of CBD can help. If you’re new to the world of CBD, introducing them to your pets after proper consultation with your veterinarian.
