Forbes recently published an insightful research article regarding the rising popularity of CBD products for pets. The report reveals that, over the course of only 21 months, more than $9.4 million in CBD pet product sales were completed at regulated cannabis retailers in Washington, Nevada, Colorado, and California.
Many pet parents, like yourself, are exploring how CBD can improve their cat or dogs mental and physical health. We ate Puure Therapeutics created this article for pet parents to gain more knowledge about how CBD can be beneficial for their pet.
In this article you will learn,
What is CBD Oil for Pets?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is extracted from the leaves, buds, flowers, and stems of mature hemp plants. CBD is an active cannabinoid compound that can provide therapeutic and medical benefits to both people and pets.
Marijuana also comes from cannabis plants but contains the ingredient of THC which causes the psychoactive side effect known as being “high”. In contrast, CBD oil only has a maximum of 0.3%THC, not nearly enough to make someone feel “stoned”. CBD users are strictly focused on the mental and health benefits of the oil.
CBD oil is helpful for people because it positively interacts with the endocannabinoid system which controls a wide variety of bodily functions like memory, mood, sleep, and pain. Dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system that’s similar to humans, so pets are able to safely take CBD oil and get similar beneficial results.
CBD oil is the most popular but there are other forms of CBD for pets available such as treats, capsules, balms, sprays, and gels. The large variety of CBD pet products makes it easier to accommodate your fur baby.
Keep in mind, hemp oil and CBD oil isn’t quite the same thing. The biggest difference is that hemp oil doesn’t have enough CBD to provide substantial medicinal benefits. Hemp oil is mostly used for nutritional reasons such as supplementing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and proteins.
How CBD Can Help Your Pet
VIN News Services recently completed a survey that showed 63% of veterinarians polled received inquiries about CBD oil at least once every month. Pet moms and dads want to know the ways in which natural CBD products can potentially help their cats or dogs.
Benefits of CBD for Pets
Although there isn’t ton of scientific research into the treatment of CBD oil for pets (because of industry regulations), many vets still feel confident in recommending CBD use. That’s because the vast amount of human studies suggest that CBD has a long list of possible benefits.
Use of CBD has been found to help with both chronic and acute conditions like:
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Seizures
- Anxiety and stress
- Arthritis
- Muscle spasms
- Joint pain
- Neurological disorders
- Digestion problems
- Sleep
- Fear of fireworks, thunderstorms, car rides, etc.
As a pet parent, be sure you only give Fido or Fluffy CBD products without preservatives or chemical additives. These can cancel out the potential CBD health benefits for your pet, even if the product is labeled as being grown organically.
This means you’ll also want to stay away from CBD oils that are infused with essential oils (EOs). Even though essential oils like rosemary or frankincense are considered “natural” they can negatively affect animals in a profound way.
Only purchase CBD products with essential oils if it’s recommended by your veterinarian or professional herbalist. Be sure your provider gives you specific dosing recommendations too so you can keep your feline friend or loyal companion safe.
CBD for Pets Side Effects
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) completed a dog parent survey to find out if they noticed any side effects of CBD products. The biggest response by far was that their canine child was very tired or low energy. That’s not too bad, especially if you’re giving CBD oil to alleviate your dog’s anxiety or pain.
Below is a breakdown of the temporary side effects dog owners observed after giving their pet CBD oil, according to AHVMA:
- 76.8% had loss of appetite
- 72.9% had dry or red eyes
- 75.5% had vomiting
- 75.5% had panicked reactions
- 71.4% had dizziness
- 71.2% had impaired mental function
- 68.0% had an overactive appetite
- 65.6% had a lack of energy
- 61.6% had dry mouth/excessive licking
- 48.1% had sedation/tiredness
Besides minor side effects, you may be wondering if your pet can overdose on CBD. To avoid this situation, you must be careful that your cat or dog doesn’t get into the CBD stash. Consuming a large amount of CBD at one time, specifically if it does contain some THC, could cause an overdose.
If Shadow does eat all the CBD treats or Boots drinks the CBD oil, you may notice these common signs of overdose:
- Urinary incontinence
- GI upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
- Lethargy
- Excessive head shaking and licking after oral administration (cats)
- Skin redness, usually from topical CBD products like lotions
Of course, if you suspect your pet overdosed on CBD then you must call your vet ASAP. Treatment can vary, from mild treatment at home to hospitalization requiring IV fluids. By keeping your pets away from the CBD and closely following the dosing protocols, you shouldn’t have to be concerned about an overdose.
Giving Your Pet CBD Products
Your pet can enjoy CBD infused treats, toys, sprays, lotions, balms, and other applications. Yet the easiest (and possibly best) way to give CBD to your animal is by using CBD oil drops. Before giving your pet CBD consider these 6 tips.
How Long Before CBD Oil Takes Effect?
After you give CBD oil to your cat, you’ll be anxious to see the CBD begin taking effect. Besides your pet’s weight and age, the condition you’re using CBD oil for will also determine how long it takes to begin working. The quality of the CBD product will also make a difference in how fast-acting it may be.
For example, stress or anxiety may be alleviated as fast as 30 minutes after administering the CBD oil. In contrast, chronic ailments like arthritis or inflammation may require a few weeks of daily CBD oil before results are noticeable.
10 Best CBD Products for Pets
There are dozens of CBD pet products that can be purchased everywhere, including online, pet stores, grocery markets, animal clinics, shopping malls, farmers markets, and dozens of other locations.
#1 King Kanine CBD Oil
King Kanine: CBD treatments for use inside and outside your dog. The King Kanine product line includes oils, sprays, balms, and treats. CBD oil dosage varies from 75mg (for small dogs and cats) up to 600mg CBD. This CBD product line is tested by an independent lab, sourced from non-GMO and organic hemp plants, pesticide and solvent-free, comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
#2 Green Roads CBD Oil
Green Roads: Green Roads sells CBD products for humans, as well as pets. This company sells three CBD broad spectrum oils for dogs (60mg to 600mg), as well as CBD broad spectrum oil for cats (60mg). Green Roads CBD drops include an MCT oil base for easy digest. Finally, Green Roads earned the Cannabis Business Awards for Best CBD Products 2018 and 2019.
#3 Canna-Pet CBD Dog Treats
Canna-Pet: You can purchase CBD oil and capsules for dogs and cats. Canna-Pet also sells CBD dog treats. Their focus is on creating products that are 10-15x the bio availability of other CBD pet products. CBD capsules come in three varieties ranging from 4mg to 8.5mg to 30.2mg of CBD, while their CBD oil is 680mg.
#4 Hemp My Pet CBD Oil
HempMy Pet: Their hemp infused coconut oils and drops include anywhere from 100mg CBD to 1,000mg CBD. These items can be used for dogs and cats. The company also sells CBD dog treats that are 2mg or 5mg CBD per snack. All of their CBD pet products are organically-grown in Colorado and use certified organic carrier oils like hemp seed oil and coconut oil.
#5 Hempure CBD Pet Chews
Hempure: This company sells CBD items for humans and their furry companions. Hempure keeps it straightforward by selling two CBD pet only, 2mg CBD pet chews and 20mg CBD drops. Either of these products can be used for your dog or your cat. Hempure CBD products have 0.0% THC, are third-party tested by an independent lab, organically grown, and precise dosing.
#6 cbdMD CBD Peanut Butter
cbdMD: Offers affordable CBD products for pet parents and their fur babies. You can select from CBD pet chews, CBD oils, CBD balms, and CBD infused peanut butter. The company sells CBD pet items for both dogs and cats with a range of CBD dosages. The popular CBD oils range from 150mg to 3,000mg.
#7 Honest Paws CBD Oil for Mobility
Honest Paws: This company sells CBD-infused chews, oils, balms, and peanut butter. You can buy CBD oils that are specific to your dog or cat. HonestPaws is known for their proprietary extraction process, including the use of “premium-grade” hemp plants and MCT oil that comes from renewable coconut farms. CBD dosing depends on which product you buy. Their CBD oils range in dosage from 125mg to 500mg per bottle.
#8 MediPets CBD Pet Spray
MediPets: This manufacturer offers CBD pet treats, oils, and sprays. If you want a variety of CBD infused chews, you won’t be disappointed with MediPets selection of a dozen different cat and dogs snacks. MediPets sells affordable items, including CBD oils that range in dosage from 25mg to 550mg per bottle.
#9 Green Gorilla CBD Dog Nibs
Green Gorilla: This company sells CBD oils and balms, as well as freeze dried CBD dog treats. In addition to selling CBD for people, they are focused on selling organic, high quality CBD products for pets too. Dosing varies among the different items but 150mg to 2400mg.
#10 Dr. Jones Ultimate CBD Formula for Pets
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula by NuLeaf Naturals: This is a 100% organic, full spectrum CBD oil for cats and dogs. Dr. Jones is a veterinarian that’s popular on social media platforms, like YouTube, for his common sense advice for pet parents. This NuLeaf CBD oil for dogs and cats offers 300mg of CBD.
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