CBD for Pets: What to Know Before You Try It
Have you been hearing about CBD for pets lately? It’s no wonder why: analysts predict the CBD pet care market will be worth $125 million by 2022!
But what exactly is CBD, why are people choosing to give it to their pets, and is it safe? We’ll dive into all of those topics in this blog post, so hold tight and get ready to learn more about CBD for pets.
What is CBD?
According to Health.com:
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s used in products like oils and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm. Unlike its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s not psychoactive.
How is CBD Oil Used for Pets?
When it comes to pets, CBD may be used to help relieve a variety of symptoms, including:
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Symptoms of cancer
- Gastrointestinal
It is worth noting that are not yet many medical studies that explore the benefits/effects of CBD on cats and dogs. However, there is anecdotal evidence from pet owners that CBD can help treat myriad symptoms, and scientists do know that “cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which help to maintain balance in the body and keep it in a normal healthy state.”
CBD for Pets: How to Get Started, If You’re Interested
Talk to a Vet First & Confirm CBD is Legal in Your State
If you are considering trying CBD with your pet, first and foremost, talk to your vet! It’s a great idea to discuss your vet because he/she may provide more information, and adjust your pet’s other medications that may interact with CBD, if necessary.
Please note that at the time this blog post was written (October 2019), CBD is legal in most states, but not all. Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota are the three states where it is illegal.
Buy Responsibly
Once you have received confirmation from your vet, it’s time to find the CBD that works for your pet. CBD pet products are quickly rising in popularity, and there are many ways to deliver the CBD to choose from. Some examples of CBD products are:
- CBD oil, which may be dropped into food at the proper dosage
- CBD treats
- CBD topical treatments
It’s important to note that not all CBD products are the same, and you should confirm the product you are buying is safe and properly made. According to Consumer Reports,
When shopping—whether online, in a retail store, or a dispensary—look for products that claim to follow Good Manufacturing Practices or that have a seal from the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). These labels increase the chance that a product has been made with safe ingredients in a clean, high-quality environment, says Stephen Cital, a veterinary technician, cannabis consultant, and co-founder of the Veterinary Cannabis Academy.
Wondering whether you should give your pet a CBD product meant for humans? While that may be fine, “some human products have other things in them, such as xylitol or grapeseed oil, that could be toxic to the animals,” Cital says.
And be particularly cautious about products that also contain THC. While some veterinarians use it to treat certain conditions in animals, experts don’t recommend pet parents experiment with THC on their own.