We love our pets. And it’s difficult to watch them suffer, whether it’s due to stress and anxiety, aches and pains, inflammation, or some other malady. Some are turning to CBD as a way to treat various conditions that can afflict dogs and cats. Let’s take a look at what CBD is, how CBD affects the body of your pet, and what are some of the potential benefits of using CBD oil on your dog or cat.
Animals, CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
All vertebrates (including your dog or cat!) have an internal regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system. The ECS helps to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in many of the body’s other systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. The body produces neurotransmitters, called endocannabinoids, which bind to receptors in the brain and nervous system, which then signal to the body and assist in functions, including sleep, mood, memory, pain, stress, inflammation, appetite, motor control, and more.
While endocannabinoids are produced by the body itself, there are also plant-based cannabinoids, called phytocannabinoids. These are produced by the cannabis plant. When introduced to the body of a dog, cat, human, or other vertebrate, these cannabinoids act very similarly to the body’s own endocannabinoids. They signal to the same receptors and set them to working on the body’s various systems, just as if they were endocannabinoids.
While various cannabinoids affect different bodily functions in different ways, CBD (or cannabidiol) has a broad reach, helping the body to maintain homeostasis in many different areas. This is why it has become such a popular wellness product for humans. People take CBD for calming, focus, sleep, pain, general wellness, and a variety of other issues. So, it makes sense — given the fact that dogs and cats also have an endocannabinoid system — that CBD is being used on pets, too.
Will CBD Get My Pet High?
I’m guessing the second some of you read the word “cannabis,” a red flag went up. And for good reason, THC is actually toxic for pets. And THC is the sort of flagship cannabinoid of marijuana. It’s the one that gets you high. But the CBD oil used in CBD pet products (and most CBD products, in general) actually comes from the hemp plant. Hemp refers to cannabis plants with low, non-intoxicating levels of THC (less that 0.3%, by law). Marijuana refers to cannabis with higher levels of THC.
The CBD used in CBDfx pet products is broad spectrum CBD, which means even those low, non-intoxicating traces of THC have been filtered out. So there is no chance whatsoever that the CBD oil used in your pet product will get your dog or cat high.
Can CBD Be Used Medicinally for Pets?
This is a great time for us to pause and set our expectations. Because research into the potential medical applications of CBD is relatively recent and ongoing, the FDA has not yet approved it for medical use — for humans or pets. And so, we cannot make any medical claims whatsoever about CBD. We can’t medically recommend CBD for any conditions. That’s the law, for now. When more research has been done, things could likely change. But for now, that’s where we’re at.
So, we can only tell you what some research findings have been, how people have been using CBD for pets, and what their experience has been, based on anecdotal evidence. With all of that said, let’s take a look at some of the ways CBD has been used for dogs and cats.
The Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats
Here are some of the conditions, for which people are turning to CBD to help their pets. You’ll notice how closely they correspond with some of the functions regulated by the endocannabinoid system.
CBD for Pain in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats, particularly older pets, suffer from the same types of muscle and joint pain that we do. This can affect their mobility and their overall quality of life. Some people are turning to CBD to help manage their pets’ pain. They might use a simple CBD tincture that highlights the rich cannabinoid profile of broad spectrum CBD, or look for a product specially formulated for pain.
CBD Joint and Mobility Pet Treats combine organic broad spectrum CBD with antioxidants, like blueberry, spinach and parsley, and other nutrients, like turmeric, that foster joint health. These CBD treats also have a natural sweet potato flavor, so your dog won’t turn its nose up at eating them.
CBD for Anxiety and Stress in Pets
Dogs and cats can get stressed out over a variety of things, from separation anxiety to nervous car rides to unfamiliar people or animals invading their space. Many people turn to calming CBD to help relax their dog pal or cat buddy and relieve their stress. Again, a good CBD tincture is always worth trying. CBDfx has CBD oil tinctures formulated in strength for cats and dogs, with dog formulas ranging from small breeds to medium, large and extra large dogs. And with natural bacon flavor, these organic, vegan CBD oils are a hit with pets.
There are pet treats, as well, that have special formulations for stress and anxiety. CBD Stress and Anxiety Pet Treats combine broad spectrum CBD with calming extracts of chamomile, passion flower and valerian root, as well as mood-boosting L-tryptophan and GABA, for a tail-wagging stress reliever.
CBD for Inflammation and Skin Conditions
CBD is often used in topical products to both relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints, and to soothe dry, irritated and inflamed skin. Studies have shown that CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which work well in topical creams and balms.
Cats and dogs have particular sensitivities on their paw pads and noses. Many people use CBD Pet Balm on dogs suffering from various skin irritations. It not only has calming CBD (with those aforementioned anti-inflammatory properties), but also rich, moisturizing shea butter, odorless Alaskan salmon oil, and soothing essential oils. This pet balm not only soothes the pain that accompanies dry and cracked skin, but also moisturizes, smoothes and protects the skin so that it can heal.
Using CBD Oil for Your Pet
Always make sure to consult your veterinarian when your pet has a condition that requires treatment. And if you determine that CBD is your best course of action, make sure that you choose a brand that uses pure, organic ingredients. The best CBD brands always supply a third-party lab report, so that you know your product is delivering all the active ingredients it’s promising, free of pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents and other potentially harmful chemicals. You want to make sure your dog or cat is getting the best CBD product you can give them.
We hope this article has been helpful for you. Our pets mean everything to us, and it’s our hope that your furry friends live long, happy, healthy lives.
Ready to check out our CBD for Pets? See the entire collection here!
