Is Cannabis Safe for Pets?- CBD Oil Benefits For Dogs and Cats
- 1. Cbd oil for pets
- 2. Why use cbd oil for pets?
- 3. How to choose cbd oil for pets
Many people rely on cannabis to reduce pain, stress, anxiety and other issues, but what about pets? Your pets are like your children who need help when they are sick. Unlike us, they cannot communicate what they are actually suffering from, so the onus is on you to find out. Many people rely on cannabis to get rid of pain, stress, anxiety and other issues, but what about pets? Is cannabis safe for pets? Or will they not be able to manage the effects of certain cannabinoids? There is anecdotal evidence of people claimingtheir pets are completely okay even after consuming a few buds. We all have mischievous pets that eat straight from our grow rooms, unfortunately, accidents can happen.utSince there’s no evidence of the positive effects of THC on pets, we cannot recommend it.
There is evidence that the cannabinoid CBD, on the other hand, can be helpful to pets in small doses. Data shows that CBD oils can offer pain relief to pets, making them a bit more comfortable and even reducing their anxiety. When you think of cannabis oil, though, remember that the type suitable for pets will not contain THC and other cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, only CBD. Pet-friendly CBD oils will not contain all the terpenes and high-inducing cannabinoids of the plant. Since CBD and hemp have been legalized in all 50 states across the U.S. and other places around the world, it’s easier than ever before to purchase a CBD oil for your pets.
CBD oil for pets
With CBD oil becoming a well-known consumer good, you’ll see ones that are advertised specifically for pets as well. Both medicinal and recreational marijuana is becoming legal in many countries. But CBD is different and often derived from hemp instead of cannabis.
The cannabis plant contains more than 120 different cannabinoids. These are complex compounds occurring naturally in the plant. Out of all these cannabinoids, the two most popular are CBD and THC. THC behaves very similar to the endocannabinoids present in the human system, but it produces euphoric, high sensations that have been called ‘psychoactive’ effects. While some of us may love THC’s effects, pets are different. No matter how funny it seems, never blow cannabis or any type of smoke on your pet’s face. The smoke can be harsh on their eyes and lungs, and so it should be avoided.
Regardless of whether your pet loves or dislikes marijuana smoke in the home, you can certainly offer them pain relief with CBD oils. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. Studies have found that CBD oil is safe and can be used for pets.
Why use CBD oil for pets?
The image above shows the important functions of a dog’s brain. Note how it explains how cannabis affects different parts of the brain. However, while the picture demonstrates the usage of cannabis in general, we are talking specifically about CBD.
One comprehensive safety study found that hemp-derived cannabinoids are well tolerated in healthy dogs at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight/day. The CHF (Canine Health Foundation) has also sponsored a clinical trial to evaluate the benefits of CBD and how it can potentially treat problems in pets.
Studies have found CBD to help pets with:
- Arthritis – Just like CBD has proven beneficial for humans suffering from arthritis, it can help your pets as well. This is because CBD has been found to reduce inflammation. Arthritis eventually makes it difficult for your pets to be mobile after a while, so try CBD oil and you’ll definitely witness the difference.
- Seizures – Like humans, pets can suffer from epilepsy. It can make life difficult for your furry friends. While CBD is proven that it can help patients with epilepsy, you can rest assured that it will help your pets as well.
- Anxiety - During fireworks and other stressful events, this study found a small dose of CBD oil helps to relieve the pets’ stress.
A note on dosage
Your physician will be more than happy to give you the exact dosage of CBD. However, if your pet isn’t suffering from any particular disease and you want to use CBD oil to simply improve the quality of his/her life, you can start with the lowest dosage, 1 milligram, and then increase it slowly with time.
How to choose CBD oil for pets
Just like you’re choosy while picking products for your loved ones, we know you want the best for your pets. Due to a lack of regulations, there could be untrustworthy products on the market. Thus, it’s your responsibility to do your research and then select the best product.
Here are a few ways to ensure that you get pure and refined CBD:
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Get full-spectrum oils
There are many types of CBD oils including full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolates. While CBD isolates contain nothing other than CBD, it’s recommended that you go for broad-spectrum oils. Why? Because broad-spectrum oils contain all beneficial terpenes alongside CBD.
It is not recommended that you use an oil containing THC, as THC is mildly toxic to dogs.All broad-spectrum CBD oils contain less than 0.3% THC, so your pet will be fine. Broad-spectrum oils are also good but they don’t contain any THC. Broad-spectrum oil or CBD isolate oil is the best for your pets.
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Take a look at how the oil was made
Most CBD companies will tell you exactly how the oil was extracted. CBD oil can be extracted through many techniques including the use of butane, but residues of butane in the oil can be a major concern. Therefore, choose oils that are made through CO2 extraction. In this process, carbon dioxide or CO2 extracts all the phytochemicals from the plant. While it acts like a solvent itself, it doesn’t possess any of the dangers that are associated with other solvents like butane.
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Don’t look for the cheapest product
While it’s a necessity to bargain and save money while purchasing products, the same cannot be true for CBD products. It takes time and effort to extract CBD. Thus, it can be expensive. Also, you’ll find affordable CBD products available in many stores now, but don't purchase it unless you’re sure that it’s pure CBD.
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Analyze the label
You must do this no matter what product you buy. The label may seem unimportant, but it actually is, especially when you’re buying something like CBD. While most companies offer CBD, THC, other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in their full-spectrum oils, there are other manufacturers that may use artificial corn syrup, vitamin C, and other supplements in the product. You want to buy pure CBD oil with coconut oil or MCT oil as its carrier, if necessary.
Although these extra ingredients don’t really alter the effectiveness of the oil itself, it simply doesn’t make sense to add anything else to your oil. Also, when the label says 100mg, make sure it’s actually 100mg of CBD
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Do not purchase anything without lab reports
As simple as that. If the manufacturer doesn’t provide lab reports, simply walk away! Lab reports should offer the consumer more information, like where the hemp was grown, harvested, or the type of oil used. Make sure that you read the lab report and see if the product is trustworthy for you and your pet.
CBD oil is certainly beneficial for pets, and you will know only once you get them. Even if your pet is healthy, CBD oil will improve the quality of his life, so give it a try and see if it helps!
