More and more stores selling hemp-based products are beginning to offer ranges for pets. So, is it safe for your four-legged friends? What are the benefits? How should they be administered? We answer all your questions about CBD for pets.
How does CBD affect animals?
If you've already read our blog posts, you'll know that humans have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which naturally produces cannabinoids and activates certain physical and psychological functions. Animals also have an ECS - as do all living beings with a backbone.
The endocannabinoid system is extremely complex and still poorly studied in both humans and animals, but we do know that it is made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and enzymes. The latter activates receptors in the animal's brain and body, giving rise to positive physical and psychological responses.
What are the potential benefits of CBD on animals?
As with humans, studies of the benefits of CBD on animals are still ongoing. However, results are already proving promising and the benefits that cannabidiol could have on our diverse and varied companions. As well as helping to improve general well-being and acting as an anti-stress agent, CBD for animals could be the perfect complement for those undergoing heavy treatments such as chemotherapy, animals suffering from autoimmune diseases or neurological disorders.
So we're hearing about the benefits of CBD for animals against stress and anxiety, whether chronic or transient. Cannabidiol is also showing encouraging results in the fight against pain and osteoarthritis. The substance is said to fight inflammation, helping to reduce all types of pain that our fur balls may feel, but don't necessarily show. Whether it's due to cancer treatment or any other ailment, CBD is said to help stimulate animals' appetites. It is also said to be a beneficial wellness supplement to relieve the discomforts of heavy veterinary treatment. Finally, studies are increasingly looking to CBD to help epilepsy sufferers. The molecule could reduce both the frequency and intensity of seizures.
Which animals can be receptive to CBD?
As mentioned earlier in this article, all animals with a backbone have an endocannabinoid system. They are therefore receptive to CBD. This means you can administer cannabidiol to your dogs and cats, but also to your rabbits, for example. More unexpectedly, farm animals are also receptive to CBD. You can give CBD to horses, cows, goats or sheep. If you're hesitant about giving a hemp-based product to an animal, check whether it has a backbone, and if so, the molecule will be active with its organism.
How do you give your pets CBD?
There are pet products on the market already dosed with CBD, such as dog and cat treats. In this form, CBD is relatively easy to administer to animals, in addition to already being dosed. Alternatively, CBD can be given to animals in oil form. Simply add the desired quantity to their food bowl and let them eat.
Don't forget that CBD can take up to several hours to be digested, so give the substance time to take effect and avoid giving it to your pets again within minutes. We'll talk about precautions for use later in this article.
What vets say about CBD
Veterinarians still find it difficult to give a clear opinion on CBD, due to a lack of experience with the substance. However, many are in favor of administering CBD to animals to promote their well-being, or to support medication. However, all practitioners stress that CBD is not a substitute for any treatment they may have prescribed themselves.
The use of CBD for animals therefore remains in the realm of well-being, and cannabidiol is therefore akin to a dietary supplement, for our four-legged friends too.
Precautions to take before giving CBD to your pets
First of all, CBD is not addictive. Studies also suggest that it is impossible to overdose on the substance, but a few precautions should be taken before giving CBD to your pets. To date, there have been no reports of undesirable side effects from CBD, but it is advisable to start by administering a trial dose to your four-legged companions. Once you're sure your pet tolerates the molecule well, you can increase the dose until you reach the desired quantity. And don't forget that CBD takes up to 3 hours to be digested and thus show its first positive effects.
Discover our CBD oils for cats and dogs
At CBDSol, we've developed a range ofCBD oils for cats andCBD oils for dogs specially designed for their bodies. At 5%, our oils are made from organic hemp and flavored with beef or salmon. We guarantee you the best quality CBD for your pets, legal in the UK and at the best price available on the market.
