Benefits of Pet CBD Oil

The benefits of CBD oil for humans has been well documented over the years. Cannabidiol is extracted from the flowers or buds of cannabis, better known as marijuana. CBD does not produce the high that is associated with marijuana, as it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As a result, CBD oil is very safe.

With this knowledge, many vets have started recommending CBD oil for pets. A study from Colorado State University showed that healthy dogs tolerated CBD well, with just a few reports of mild diarrhea. There was also a slight elevation in their liver enzyme levels. More extensive studies are required to determine the long-term effects of CBD on pets, but they currently do not believe there will be any threat of liver toxicity.

Why Consider CBD Oil for Pets?

Humans and animals have many things in common, so if something works well for one, it would be worth the effort to try it on the other. Humans often use CBD oil for anti-inflammatory effects, as well as help with pain, anxiety, aggression, muscle spasms, seizures, and neurological disorders. 

Since dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system like humans, it makes sense that they could benefit from CBD oil as well. CBD drops and treats are available for animals to help ease some conditions that may be causing discomfort to your pet. Some of the conditions CBD oil has shown positive effects for include:

  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Joint pain and arthritis
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Epileptic seizures
  • Nausea
  • Cancerous symptoms
  • Digestive problems

Anxiety – CBD works its way through the Endocannabinoid system to produce a calming effect on our furry friends.

Arthritis – CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling in joints that can lead to arthritis.

Seizures – CBD has proven to reduce the length of seizures in some pets. It has also been shown to decrease the number of seizures that our pets have during the day.

Fight Cancer – CBD has positive symptom effects as some reports show CBD fighting the cell growth of tumors while improving positive cell growth.

How Much CBD Should be Administered?

The process of determining appropriate amounts of CBD for humans can be complicated. The same goes for animals. It is important to remember that CBD is non-toxic, which means overdosing on CBD will not cause fatalities. Some guidelines for giving your pet CBD oil include:

  • ALWAYS consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet CBD. You want to be sure that it will not work against your pet’s current medications or health conditions.
  • Once approval has been granted, it would be good to start with 1mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of the animal’s body weight, once or twice a day.
  • It’s always best to start small and increase each week as results are generated.
  • Remain with your pet for several hours after giving them CBD to ensure they handle it well. After a few weeks of positive results, you can leave them safely following administering the oil.

Choosing the Right CBD Oil

Since CBD oil is not officially regulated for pets yet, it can be tricky to find the right kind of CBD oil for your pet. When searching for CBD oil, consider the following factors:

  • The oil should be organic. The highest-quality CBD oils are made from hemp that is organically grown free of toxins.
  • Check how it is processed. The safest methods found include carbon dioxide and cold press extraction.
  • Research if it has been independently tested. Companies that individually test their products and can provide a certificate of analysis (COA) are your best bets. Look for basic testing terms such as Microbiology, Pesticide, Mycotoxin, Residual Solvent, and Heavy Metals.
  • Understand the THC Level. Higher levels of THC could be harmful to your pet. Search for products with less than 0.3% THC. Products that are derived from hemp will always have low THC levels.

Is CBD Oil Right for Your Pet?

CBD oil may be just what your pet needs to feel better. It could help relieve some of your pet’s symptoms and make life easier for you and your pet. If you decide to give CBD oil for your pet a try, remember to always consult your veterinarian first. Many veterinarians support the positive effects of CBD oil, but you don’t want to risk any adverse effects on your pet.

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