All dog owners want nothing but the very best products and health care solutions for their pets. This can often lead to a bit of a dilemma when deciding on the right course of action. Many will prefer to take a natural approach, avoiding dangerous drugs and chemicals, but also want a veterinarian-approved method? So where does CBD oil fit into this? On the one hand, CBD oil, along with other hemp-based products, is a natural, effective solution. There are also many medical professionals that advocate its use. One the other hand, CBD contains cannabinoids, which immediately makes pet owners think of marijuana – an illegal drug.
So, what is the answer here? Should pet owners have the freedom to use this natural oil for a series of pet healthcare issues? Or, is it actually better to leave this option alone because of the cannabinoid connection? To answer that, we need to take a closer look at what CBD oil, the legality of the situation and some of the benefits and side effects of its use. From there, you should be able to create a more informed opinion on its potential for your own pets.
So What is CBD Oil and How Does it Differ to Marijuana?
The main issue here lies with the three main forms of products here, and the cannabinoids found within. On one side of the scale we have hemp. Hemp is completely safe and legal because it doesn’t contain psychoactive THC compounds. These are the chemicals found in marijuana and cannabis leaves that create the high of the drug. There are some people that state that CBD oil is more like a less potent version of marijuana. Yet, this leads to misconceptions over the psychoactive effects. Instead, there are two forms of cannabis oil – one with THC compounds and one with CBD. Those that are 100% pure CBD are safe. They offer the same benefits as hemp and cannabis, but without the risks.
The confusion and mixed messages surrounding CBD oil for pets means that there are many questions on the mind of concerned pet owners. Let’s go through some of those now to gain a better understanding of these CBD products.
1. Canna-Pet CBD Supplements
Will my dog get high from CBD?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions because of that link between CBD and marijuana. Some guides don’t always make the distinction clear, so there is the fear the CBD oil is merely a lower dosage of marijuana. The best products, with the right compounds, wont contain the chemicals that make marijuana psychoactive. Therefore, there is no risk of pets getting high from this oil. Stories of dogs getting high from cannabinoid treatments are most likely down to some other, irresponsible form of treatment. For example, some owners may decide to administer their medicinal marijuana or offer dogs baked treats.
Is CBD legal for pets?
Again, this all comes down to the form of cannabinoid in the product. Those that do not contain psychoactive THC chemicals are perfectly legal to use. Hemp oils and regulated CBD oils can be bought online, or through other stores, with no risks of repercussions. It is marijuana that is illegal.
Is CBD approved by vets?
The honest answer here is that different vets and medical practitioners will have different views on the use of hemp and CBD for pets. Some will be happy to recommend this natural, holistic approach if they feel there is enough potential. Others may suggest a different approach if they feel that CBD won’t help with a specific ailment.
2. King Kannine CBD
What are the benefits of CBD oil for pets?
On that note, we need to take a closer look at precisely why vets and other professionals may suggest CBD products for pet health. We have to remember that this isn’t some alternative idea from holistic practitioners with niche or questionable results. Instead, there is plenty of scientific basis for the use of CBD and safe cannabinoids in different areas of pet healthcare. Key areas of interest for vets and pet owners include the following.
Pain management
One of most common reasons to add CBD oil to a dog’s diet is to help with pain management, especially around the joints. The fatty acids in CBD oil are effective in providing relief against joint conditions such as arthritis. A little of this substance in a meal could actually prove to be more effective than other treatments, such as fish oils. Regular, considered use can then improve the mobility of pets.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition experienced by dogs as well as humans. In fact, it is said that as much as 5% of dogs suffer from seizures. This can vary depending on the breed. It is commonplace for vets to use drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide to help control the seizures. While effective in some cases, there are side effects, particularly in regard to liver function. That is why many dog owners and holistic specialists are keen to use CBD oil. This is a treatment proven to be successful with humans, and there are hopes for similar results in dogs.
Cancer
There are some interesting studies in relation to the effect of CBD substances and cancer treatments. Some champion the substance as a means of helping to prevent cancer, thanks to the compounds within the oil. Others see this as a great way to help control, and perhaps even cure the disease. There are some great studies that showcase the impact of CBD on the growth rate of cancer cells. Therefore, there is potential when using this substance on cancer patients – even if it simply buys them more time. Dog owners may appreciate this natural option if they are against the idea of more invasive options.
Organ health
Others talk about the potential of CBD and other hemp products on organ health and immunity. There is the sense that regular use of these cannabinoids can help to improve the overall health and well-being of pets in the long run, which could help with other medical conditions. Heart health is a key area of interest. This is another reason why many dog owners are keen to add this to their dog’s supplementation routine.
Skin conditions
Then there is the potential of CBD oil on skin allergies and conditioning issues. Dogs that suffer from skin conditions can also contend with itching, poor fur quality and excessive shedding. Supplementation with CBD oil can help to rectify that by encouraging oil production and soothing the area.
Anxiety
Then there is the issue of anxiety. So far, much of the talk about CBD and pet health has been about their physical health and the effect on their bodies. Here we see the potential of these cannabinoid substances on mental health issues. The idea here is that the relaxing properties of this drug will help pets remain calm during times of stress. Many see this natural, organic solution as a much better alternative to sedatives and other pharmaceutical drugs. A little bit of CBD as a spray or treat could help to ease anxiety during stressful situations such as travel, thunderstorms and firework displays.
3. Purfurred CBD for Dogs
Are there any downsides to using this CBD treatment for dogs?
These are some of the different benefits on offer when using CBD oil on our pets. As you can see, the potential for improved health is impressive when used in a safe, controlled manner. In the best cases, dogs and cats can see great improvements in medical ailments with regular use of this natural substance. However, we also have to consider the potential side effects of using this substance. The good news here is that the side effects experienced don’t appear to be as diverse as those seen in humans. There are reports of drowsiness in some dogs, so keep an eye on pets if they seem a little too relaxed.
One of the primary concerns here is the risk of a pet overdosing on CBD. This goes back to that link between CBD and marijuana. There is still that fear that too much could be harmful. This is true, as it as with any form of supplementation. It is important to stick to the recommended dosage of CBD to avoid illness and side effects. Dosages can vary depending on the issue and the size of your pet, so always seek professional advice before starting a course of CBD oil. Also remember that the dosage can vary depending on the diet of the dog. Those on a diet of fish or poultry may not need as much as those on a diet of red meat.
Another of the concerns about CBD oil and our pets is the effect on their appetite. Part of this again comes from the preconceptions we have about the effects of marijuana use. It is important to note that CBD oil can indeed help to increase the appetite of dogs. It is therefore a potentially helpful aid for those suffering from a loss of appetite. This doesn’t mean that your dog will have an insatiable appetite while taking this substance.
So what can you use to administer CBD oil to your pets?
Now that you know some of the benefits and side effects of using this oil with dogs and cats, we need to discuss some of the methods. The method of choice can depend on the problem experienced. Are you looking to use this oil as a daily supplement to replace fish or flaxseed oil in their diet? Or, are you more interested in the potential of CBD oil for anxiety relief and as an occasional aid?
Oil
Whether you want to bring this oil into daily use for supplementation, or simply want to use it as an infrequent anxiety aid, you need a user-friendly method. The most popular with many vets, holistic specialists and pet owners is an oil with a dropper. The reason for this is the amount of control that it offer over the dosage. Users can be more sure of how much they add to a dog’s meal by counting the drops. This isn’t as certain with the other options below. This means a regular dosage each day to help pets with specific ailments, without risk of overdose.
Treats
CBD dog treats are another great option for those that want to use this as an infrequent aids for issues like anxiety. These treats are little morsels with just enough of the compound to help relax a dog in the right situation. For example, if you know that a thunderstorm is approaching, or it is a little before a big firework display, you can give your dog a little chew that will help with their anxiety. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a product with a great flavor and the right dosage for your dogs.
Spray
Others may opt for a CBD spray for pets. This could be a better choice for pets that are a little more fussy with their food, or those that are dealing with skin and allergy issues. Owners can spray their pets with this topical solution. To help with the skin allergies and conditioning issues mentioned above. Some prefer this idea because they are worried about their pets ingesting the oil and overdosing from the chemical. The downside is that it might not be quite as effective with this method. It is also more difficult to determine a dosage.
4. Diamond CBD for Pets
Finding the best CBD products for your pet
Whatever type of CBD oil product you decide to use, it is important to find a high quality product that you know is reliable. Remember that the higher the purity, the better the chances that it will help your pet with their health problems. This simply means that it is a more potent solution. Some people will worry that this means that the product is more dangerous, with more chemicals. But, the purity has no impact on the types of chemicals. There are still no THC compounds in high quality CBD oil. This might mean having to pay a little more for the oil, but it is worth it in the long run.
The other thing to remember is to make sure that the product you choose is indeed 100% natural and organic. Not only is this essential for holistic approach that you are after, it helps to ensure the quality and safety of the product. The oil you use should be derived from the cannabis plant, with nothing but CBD and no hidden surprises. The added bonus of an organic option is the knowledge that the plants cultivated for their oils were never in contact with any pesticides or fungicides
Let’s go over some of those pros and cons for CBD oil again
On the plus side, there is a lot of potential for pet health. These products can help with a range of conditions from organ health and cancer prevention to pain management and anxiety relief. The best products do so in a user-friendly manner with a range of product choices – drops, sprays and treats. There are also minimal risks when handled correctly. Finally, there is the fact that these CBD and hemp products are perfectly legal. As for the cons, there are still some risks of side effects and illness if pet owners don’t handle the dosages correctly. This can be more difficult with some of the sprays and treats. Then there is the simple fact that some pets will respond differently to others. You can’t assume that this oil will cure a problem and produce the miraculous results mentioned by some vets and pet owners.
In the end, the choice is up to you and you alone. If you believe that CBD oil could be of use in the treatment of your pet, and have the backing of a veterinarian, the next step is to find a suitable solution. This means searching for a reliable, natural formula in a user-friendly method. If you are still unsure about this approach, for whatever reason, ask your veterinarian about alternatives. The health and safety of your pet is always the number one priority.