What Are The Pros And Cons Of CBD Products For Dogs? (2023)

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Table of Contents: 

  • Opening
  • CBD for Cats and Dogs
  • How It Works – The Endocannabinoid System
  • Is it Safe to Give Your Pet CBD?
  • The Pros of Giving Your Pet CBD
  • The Cons of Giving Your Pet CBD
  • Best CBD Product for Furry Friend

Over 100 separate compounds are present in the cannabis plant, known as cannabinoids and CBD or cannabidiol is one of them. CBD is often extracted and processed into various products, including oils, tinctures, creams, and edibles.

CBD is widely used for its potential health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and pain, improving sleep, and promoting overall wellness, though more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks.

It is important to note that while CBD is derived from a plant called hemp or cannabis, it cannot induce any sort of psychotropic effects commonly associated with marijuana use. This is due to the absence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the element mainly responsible for producing the “high”, in CBD products.

CBD is currently popular in pet care, especially in the case of cats and dogs. If you’re a dog and/or cat parent, it is evident you want the best for your pet. 

If you are thinking of getting your pets a new CBD product, read through this article to make sure by assessing the pros and cons.

CBD For Cats and Dogs 

Pet owners use CBD on their dogs and cats for a variety of reasons including treating them for anxiety, seizures, trauma, and fidgeting, to improve their pets’ socialization skills, osteoarthritis, as an analgesic for GI and cancer pain, etc. Some might even use it to get along better with their pets.

Pets suffering from terminal illnesses can find solace in their ending days by intaking CBD products as it greatly helps keep them calm, and minimize the pain and apprehensive attitude your pet might be showing signs of.

CBD triggers and stimulates the body’s endocannabinoid system and checks and balances the body’s homeostasis. 

How It Works – The Endocannabinoid System 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system that performs a crucial task that involves regulating and maintaining homeostasis in the body. The discovery of the ECS was a result of research into the effects of THC, a compound that can be traced in the Cannabis sativa, on the human body.

The system consists of endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds produced by the body, and their receptors, which are distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. The ECS is involved in regulating a wide range of responses of the physique, which includes pain, taste or craving of food, mental state, sleep, and also remembering things. 

It works by producing endocannabinoids in response to various stimuli, which then bind to cannabinoid receptors to produce the desired effect and help restore balance to the body. It is composed of three types of essential elements – endocannabinoids, receptors, and metabolic enzymes. Endocannabinoids are molecules that are akin to cannabinoids which can be traced in cannabis plants and bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body.

CB1 and CB2 receptors are the two archetypes of cannabinoid receptors; CB1 receptors can be mostly traced in the brain and central nervous system. CBD, a naturally occurring compound found in hemp plants, has been found to interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. Thus, it may bring about positive effects on various functions regulated by the ECS.

Is it safe to give your pet CBD?

Cannabis Sativa is a species of plant that has two distinct varieties: hemp and marijuana. Marijuana plants are bred for their significant levels of THC, the primary compound that causes the “high” experienced by users. Hemp plants, on the other hand, contain very low levels of THC (less than 0.3%) and are instead high in CBD, a non-psychoactive compound with a range of potential health benefits.

The availability of hemp-based CBD products has become increasingly widespread, particularly for use in humans and animals. While further research is needed to understand the effects of CBD, it has been shown to possess a range of potential health benefits for pets, including reducing anxiety, improving joint health, and managing pain.

In the entirety of the USA, products that are made from hemp are only considered legal in case the THC level is below 0.3% Therefore, hemp-based CBD products are a safe and legal way to potentially improve pet health.

human CBD oil


The Pros of Giving Your Pet CBD 

CBD oil has become increasingly popular among pet owners for a variety of reasons. From treating pain and inflammation to promoting joint health and preventing the growth of cancerous cells, CBD oil offers a natural and holistic solution for pet owners looking to improve the health and well-being of their furry friends.

For pain relief, CBD oil can help reduce the inflammation that occurs with conditions such as arthritis and other chronic or benign inflammation and organ swelling. CBD may also have the potential to help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs, which can be caused by stress and anxiety.

CBD oil can also help improve joint health and mobility in dogs, especially those with arthritis and other joint diseases. This can be especially beneficial for older pets, as it can help reduce pain and increase mobility.

In terms of appetite, CBD oil can be a great way to help stimulate appetite in pets, which can be especially beneficial for those who have lost their appetite due to illness or stress.

Finally, CBD oil can help improve the health of your pet’s skin and coat, reducing itching, dryness, and other skin conditions. This, combined with its potential to prevent the growth of cancerous cells, makes CBD oil a great, natural way to improve your pet’s overall health and well-being.

CBD oil has also been discussed to produce anti-tumour effects in pets.

The Cons of Giving your pet CBD 

The use of CBD in pets is a growing trend, and while some pet owners swear by its potential benefits, there are some important factors to consider before using CBD for your furry friend.

One of the most important considerations is the lack of regulation in the CBD industry. This means that the quality and purity of CBD products for pets can vary widely, and some products may contain contaminants or be mislabeled, leading to potential health risks. Additionally, CBD may interact with other medications that pets are taking, leading to unwanted side effects or changes in effectiveness.

Though CBD is generally well-tolerated by pets, some animals may experience side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. Furthermore, while the field of veterinary medicine is beginning to explore the effects of CBD on pets, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.

Another factor to consider is cost; depending on the quality and potency of the product, CBD for pets can be expensive, and pet owners should be prepared to invest in a good-quality product. Additionally, some veterinarians may not be familiar with the use of CBD in pets or may not be able to provide guidance on dosing, administration, and potential interactions with other medications.

Ultimately, if you decide to use CBD for your pet, it is important to do your research and consult with your veterinarian to ensure

Best CBD product for your Furry Friend

Of all the products, the best and the most used ones are typically extracts, which are also known as CBD oil. This can be easily fed using a variety of techniques aside from direct oral administration with the use of a dropper bottle.

It can also be added to the food of your pet or as a special treat. The oil can also be topically administered by rubbing it very gently inside the pet’s ears. It can also be dropped on the animal’s paw as they have the tendency of licking them every now and then. This makes CBD oil an ideal, safe, and easy option for animals of all sizes, including cats and dogs. Try this if you are looking for a reliable source of cannabis for dogs.

The American Kennel (AKC) suggests that the best form of CBD product for your pet is in the texture of oils or tinctures which needs to be suitable for consumption among pets.

Conclusion 

CBD can be an effective supplement for pets, but it’s important to make sure you’re using the right kind. When choosing CBD for your pet, look for a product that is specifically formulated for animals and made with natural, organic ingredients. It should be derived from hemp and contain no THC, and should be third-party tested for purity and potency.

FtopiAdditionally, make sure the product has clear dosing instructions and consult with your veterinarian before giving it to your pet. Doing so will help ensure your pet gets the most effective and safe CBD treatment possible.

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