For many of us, our pets are like family. So, when they’re not feeling well, we want to do everything we can to help them feel better. CBD oil has been shown to provide numerous health benefits in humans, so it’s only natural that pet parents wonder if it can help their furry friends, too. The truth is, there is still much unknown about how CBD affects pets. However, the research that has been done is promising and suggests that CBD may be beneficial for treating a variety of conditions in both dogs and cats.
What is CBD?
Cannabis plants contain two main ingredients, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol. THC produces the “high” people experience when they use Cannabis, while CBD does not cause a high but has been shown in studies to have potential health benefits without any psychoactivity or mind-altering properties like those associated with smoked cannabis flowers & leaves, which means it can be taken orally just like traditional medicines are consumed—making them more likely safe for pets too.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Pets
CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant and contains very low levels of THC (the compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use). CBD oil will not make your pet high, but it may provide some of the same benefits it does for humans, such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Some pet parents also use CBD oil to help their pets deal with separation anxiety, fear of fireworks or thunderstorms, and other types of stress.
Another potential benefit of CBD oil is its ability to improve your pet’s appetite. This can be helpful for animals undergoing chemotherapy or with other health conditions that cause them to feel nauseous or have a decreased appetite.
Things to Consider Before Giving Your Pet CBD Oil
Before giving your pet any supplement—including CBD oil—it’s essential to talk to your veterinarian first. They can tell you whether they think CBD oil could be beneficial for your pet and what dosage they recommend. It’s also important to purchase CBD oil from a reputable source that uses independent third-party testing to ensure quality and safety. This is especially important concerning pet products since there is currently no regulation of the CBD industry.
When choosing a CBD product for your pet, look for one specifically designed for animals with only natural ingredients. Avoid products that contain propylene glycol or artificial colors or flavors, as these can be harmful to pets. And always start with a low dose—you can increase it gradually over time as needed—and monitor your pet closely for any side effects such as drowsiness or changes in behavior.
What pet health problems can CBD help manage?
CBD has shown benefits for animals in various conditions, including, but not limited to, inflammatory problems (including arthritis), pain relief, and anxiety. Using CBD as an alternative treatment is based on the body’s endocannabinoid system(ECS). One goal within this natural defense network against disease involves maintaining balance throughout all processes within your furry friend—this is why so many potential benefits exist. Regardless, every pet experiences these systems differently, meaning one could see better results than another, depending on their specific needs.
Conclusion
CBD oil has been shown to provide numerous health benefits in humans, so it’s only natural that pet parents wonder if it can help their furry friends, too. The truth is, there is still much unknown about how CBD affects pets. However, the research that has been done is promising and suggests that CBD may be beneficial for treating a variety of conditions in both dogs and cats. Before giving your pet any supplement—including CBD oil—it’s essential to talk to your veterinarian first. They can tell you whether they think CBD oil could be beneficial for your pet and what dosage they recommend.