What is CBD oil for pets? (Cats, dogs, horses, mice, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, parrots – in fact, all vertebrates).
CBD oil for pets is similar to that given to humans. The difference is that it may have some terpenes removed to leave a neutral taste or certain pet-favourite flavours added. Cats, in particular, are very sensitive to taste and smell and so some CBD oil pet products are specifically designed for them.
The CBD oil products for humans and pets alike can be full spectrum (all photocannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including 0,2% of THC) or broad spectrum (all phytocannabinoids with 0% THC) or just isolates (only pure CBD left with added flavours).
Cannabidiol (CBD) is is already known to possess many extraordinary health benefits that significantly contribute to stimulating the natural self-healing powers of our bodies via the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that all vertebrates posses.
ECS consists of CB1 and CB2 receptors, found throughout the brain and nervous system that are activated by the THC or CBD in the oil. Since our pets have the same ECS system as us, they benefit in exactly the same way from healing powers of ingesting CBD and other cannabinoids.
What is the Entourage effect of CBD?
VETRI HEMP Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Oil 400 mg, 10 ml Designed for CATS (0% THC)
Full-spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil features more beneficial compounds, such as minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Each of these supplementary compounds boosts the effects of CBD and add their own additional benefits. This synergy is known as ‘the entourage effect’ — this is why full-spectrum and broad spectrum CBD is considered much more effective than isolates.
Is CBD oil safe for my pet?
It is very important to understand that CBD is completely safe. It has no capacity to poison or cause any toxicity to your pet as opposed to many traditional drugs that may have significant side effects (resulting in kidney and liver damage). This way, pet owners are able to administer CBD oil to their pets themselves and can establish the optimum dose without the worry of overdosing (unless other traditional drugs are involved – see more info below).
This is the same in case of trace amounts of THC (0,2%) that legitimate full- spectrum CBD products contain.
CBD oil benefits for cats, dogs and other pets
The benefits of CBD oil for pets are numerous and still being discovered since it is a pharmacologically broad-spectrum drug that has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple ailments due to its known anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory anticonvulsant, anti-oxidant, anti-emetic (preventing vomiting) properties.*
- See the research synopsis here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22625422/
Here are 6 reasons why you should give CBD oil to your pet on a weekly basis to achieve the best possible health results.
- It treats stress and anxiety disorders due to its known anxiolytic and antidepressant properties making pets much more relaxed, less aggressive, more sociable and adaptable to any difficult changes (like an arrival of a new baby or another pet, travel anxiety or separation stress, etc.).
- It decreases pain and inflammation from which many diseases stem, like rheumatism, or arthritis/degenerative joint disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, different kind of allergies, etc. Unbeknownst to you, your pet may already suffer from these conditions.
- It has strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, which help prevent viral diseases and infections from developing or actively fighting the already existing infections.
- It has been found to effectively prevent and treat epilepsy and seizures of many sorts with immediate and long lasting effects.
- It treats nausea and stops vomiting that may come from sickness or traditional drug treatment, like vaccinations. It also helps to increase appetite and speeds up recovery from any disease or infection from which your pet has been suffering.
- It assists in building up internal immunity and resistance to diseases, which increases good health and life span of your pet.
How much CBD oil should I give to my pet?
Providing your pet is not already on some kind of traditional medication given by your vet, you can freely experiment with the right and effective dosage. The right amount depends on the age of the pet, its body weight and the nature of the problem. It is generally advisable to start low and slowly increase the dosage to build up the concentration in the body and see what dosage achieves the most desired healing effect. Follow the packaging guidelines to start with before increasing the dose gradually if needed. Recommended product application here.
Can CBD interact with the prescription medicine for my pet?
If your pet takes prescription medicine already, there should be the 2-4 hour gap in-between administering the medicine and CBD oil. Since such medicine affect the same body receptors, it can significantly decrease the healing effect of CBD oil making the recovery a much longer process. Simultaneously, CBD oil can intensify the effect of some traditional medicines and so can cause a risk of overdose of the given prescription drug (if on medicine it says “do not take with grapefruit products”, it will interact with CBD as well). It is therefore, recommended to decrease such medicine by half while taking CBD oil. Please always seek the advice of a vet who is knowledgeable about CBD products and can advise properly on how CBD oil and current medication can interact together. More info here: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/6/1/3
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Is THC harmful to my pet?
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is not harmful to your pet (if your product comes from a legal reputable company and is of pure quality). Quite the opposite – it may be even more effective in treating some serious disease symptoms (like cancer) than CBD and other cannabinoids alone. However, since it is also a psychoactive cannabinoid, it may cause some initial psychoactive effects ranging from different degrees of a “stoned” effect to mild anxiety or even some nausea. However, these symptoms do not tend to stay for long as our pets get used to it with time.
It is important to remember that most of the available CBD products on the market (CBD for both humans and pets) contain either the minimal amount of THC (0,2% in full spectrum CBD oil) or no THC at all (i.e. broad spectrum CBD oil) and so any of the above mentioned symptoms are quite rare.
Moreover, it is considered that THC also contributes to so called ‘entourage’ healing effect working together with CBD and other cannabinoids and so it is much more beneficial to use a full spectrum or broad spectrum of CBD products than isolate products (i.e. containing isolated CBD only with no other accompanying cannabinoids).
Which CBD oil product shall I buy for my pet?
Our pets are much more susceptible to damage caused by pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals than humans, as their bodies are smaller and more delicate. So it is very important to choose organic, high quality reputable company products with proven lab tests and pure CO2 extraction method. It is worth remembering that the additional flavours (e.g. vanilla or fish) that are added to these products should also be of organic quality, otherwise, the product can no longer be considered ‘organic’ and pure.
Recommended CBD concentrations:
Full or broad spectrum 4%-5% (400 mg-500 mg) – a basic concentration for boosting up the immunity system and mild problems like occasional nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety and stress related to travel and new environments. Most CBD pet products are of this basic concentration. They are usually not strong enough to treat a serious health issue when the higher concentrations should be used.
Full spectrum 10% – 15% (1000 mg-1500 mg) – stronger concentration for more serious problems like helping body to fight diseases of any sorts by decreasing associated pain and inflammation present and bringing the body to homeostasis again. It should also be used when a serious anxiety problem needs to be addressed, like any traumas or behavioural issues. These concentrations are usually present in the CBD oils for humans and can be used for your pets as well (for fussy cats it is recommended to mix the single dose with the coconut oil before the application).
How to make the most of CBD oil for my pet?
CBD oil works best if applied very regularly (1-2x a day or even 3x in case of some diseases) to give the body the best chance to build up sufficient concentration to trigger the best self-healing mechanisms and thus achieve a long lasting bodily homeostasis (a balance of all physiological processes).
While some benefits are immediately noticeable, some serious diseases may take a few months (anywhere between 3-6 months) to treat, so long term patience is needed. But the longer CBD oil is applied the better healing and lasting results. This includes much better immunity and resistance to any disease, which gets stronger over time.
When the sickness is gone, it is recommended to give CBD oil 3-4x a week every 2 days for health maintenance.
Recommended product application here
CBD is the best possible gift to your pet!
Not only will CBD oil assure the vigorous health of your furry baby and relieve it of any hidden pain or inflammation but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your pet will stay healthy and happy for many years to come without those expensive vet bills. A little effort of regular application of CBD will go a long, long way for the well being of your furry baby. 🙂