What kind of fur parent are you?
Are you the type to bring your baby to a vet at the first sign of illness? Or do you try to observe your pet for a couple of days to see if he or she will get better?
If you know what’s ailing your dog, you might wonder if it’s okay to give human medications to your pet. The good news is there are certain drugs for humans that are safe for sick pets. These include famotidine for treating or preventing ulcers, diphenoxylate-atropine for diarrhea, and so on.
CBD oil for pets is also considered generally safe, but there are some things you need to keep in mind before you let your dog take it. Here, we’ll talk about what you need to know about pet CBD oil.
First Things First: What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in hemp. Unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, it won’t get your or your pet high.
CBD is available in many forms–from tinctures to gummies to balms, bath products, etc. Many companies are also coming up with a line of products exclusively for dogs and cats.
Note that humans, canines, and felines all possess an endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s a complex system responsible for regulating sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and other functions. CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids can interact with the ECS to influence bodily processes.
How Safe Is CBD Oil for Pets?
There are many ways high-quality CBD oil can be beneficial for you and your pets. It can help with anxiety, chronic pain, mobility issues, and so on.
It’s not 100% free of side effects, though. Some dogs may not metabolize CBD as fast as others, resulting in lethargy and diarrhea. The best way to prevent these adverse reactions from happening is to go low and slow with the dosage.
Be sure to follow the label for dosing instructions. If you’re confused about how much to give your dog, you can consult your vet or check the recommended dosages online based on your pet’s body weight. Bigger dogs (100 pounds or more) may need higher doses to get CBD oil for pets’ benefits.
Understanding Factors That Affect CBD Quality
Dosing problems could occur if you use a substandard CBD oil product. You might give your dog more CBD than needed if you don’t see any improvement in his or her condition.
To be sure you’re buying high-quality CBD oil products, do some research. Where do they source their CBD? Is their CBD oil full-spectrum, or is it CBD isolate?
What extraction methods did they use? If you want to maximize the effects of CBD pet products, consider going full-spectrum.
Since full-spectrum CBD products contain other cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC, they create an entourage effect. That means the results produced are better when these compounds are taken together than when taken alone.
When to Give CBD Oil to Your Pets
For general wellness, you can give your dog a regular dose of CBD oil. However, if you have an aging pet, taking other medicines, you should ask your vet if frequent dosing of CBD will not harm your dog.
Some owners also give an extra dose of CBD during thunderstorms or any time there’s a loud event like fireworks during the Fourth of July. If you have an anxious dog, giving him or her a dose right before the noise starts can help put him or her at ease.
Here’s something to remember, though. CBD can build up in the body. If you give high doses every time, you’re putting your dog at risk of adverse reactions such as dry mouth, low blood pressure, and excessive drowsiness.
Some CBD Oil Shopping Tips to Keep in Mind
Whether you’re buying CBD oil products for yourself or your pet, remember to choose quality. That means looking for organic products or at least making sure that the CBD edibles or treats you’re buying are free of pesticides, solvents, and other contaminants.
One way to check is to ask for a Certificate of Analysis or COA. Reputable retailers will provide this upon request, or they might have it published somewhere on their website.
Another tip is to avoid shopping based on price. As with other things, you get what you pay for with CBD products. With so many CBD brands on the market, though, you can always check reviews to see which ones can offer the most bang for your buck.
Is It Okay to Give Human CBD Oil to Your Dog?
Speaking of the abundance of CBD brands online and in-stores, you might ask if it’s better to buy pet-specific CBD products. There’s no difference between CBD oil products for humans and pets. As long as there are no issues with quality and labeling, it’s okay to give “human” CBD to your dog.
Of course, don’t forget about proper dosing and administration. Remember, there’s no standard dosing guide for humans or pets, which is why it’s better to start with the lowest possible dose.
It’s also good to keep in mind that CBD builds up in the body. That means you shouldn’t give your pet a higher dose if you’re not seeing any effects in a week. Give it time before you decide that CBD isn’t for you or your pet.
For more information on the effects of CBD on pets, you can check out Pure Craft’s dogs and CBD oil guide.
CBD or CBDon’t for Your Pet?
Now that you know more about CBD oil for pets, do you plan to have your dog try it soon?
If yes, be sure to buy only high-quality CBD products from a reputable retailer. Don’t forget to go low and slow to prevent any side effects from occurring.
If you’re not entirely convinced and still have questions about CBD, you can do further research by asking other fur parents or asking your vet. You can also check out our other posts for more pet tips and advice.
Leave a Reply