CBD for pets seems to be everywhere these days.
But, what is all the buzz about? Is it medicine? Does it get you high? Can you eat it or drink it? Do you smoke it? What can it do? Isn’t it basically just weed?
Most of the public does not really understand what CBD is or what it can do. In recent years, the stigma has been removed from marijuana and cannabis which has opened up doors for research into how CBD affects both people and their furry friends. While questions still exist about the effectiveness of the compound, more is known about CBD with each passing day.
Take a look at our FAQ list about pets and CBD…
What is CBD?
CBD stands for “cannabidiol” – a chemical compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC – the stuff that gets us high – CBD’s not psychoactive. The most popular way of consuming CBD is through oils. What it can really do is still a bit of a mystery because cannabis was illegal for so long. There is just not much reliable and useful scientific evidence out there.
Why is so little known about CBD?
To put it simply, marijuana has been illegal and stigmatized in our culture for decades. This made any credible research about its uses and effectiveness pretty tough. Over the last 10 years or so, more and more information has come out about the miraculous effects of this plant.
What can CBD do for my pet?
The compound is currently being used to treat all kinds of things. In particular, sufferers from seizures and anxiety have seen results.
Why does CBD work for pets?
No one really knows but the basic research we have indicates that humans and some animals have endocannabinoid systems which means that they are uniquely designed to utilize CBD within their bodies. Dogs are one of these creatures. However, it is unclear whether CBD interacts within the canine endocannabinoid system the same way that it does in the human body.
Will my pet get high?
No. See above about the difference between THC and CBD. THC is toxic to animals.
However, there are two possible exceptions to this:
- Your pet may react to CBD differently than expected and seem altered or relaxed. There is evidence that about 5 % of people experience this so animals might to.
- You mustn’t purchase any CBD which has not been third-party-tested because the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD. The danger of purchasing something without quality assurance is that it may be more or less than potent than claimed (or even contain a little bit of THC).
What are the risks of CBD for pets?
Nothing is risk-free and, as with any new health regimen, you should talk to your pet’s vet, but CBD is not considered to be a dangerous substance. The most concerning risk is getting low-quality or mislabeled CBD which is why the need to get third-party tested compounds cannot be emphasized enough.
According to a 2017 World Health Organization report, CBD appears to be safe for animals. However, 2018 canine studies showed an increase in the liver enzyme alkaline phosphatase during CBD treatment. (Because dogs metabolize CBD in their liver, this makes sense. If your pet has liver problems, it is probably best to steer clear.)
How is CBD administered to animals?
CBD pet care products come in a million different forms: chewable treats, oils, and topical creams or balms just to name a few. The options for CBD are endless: However, the most popular way of consuming CBD (for both humans and pets) is through oils.
What is the difference between CBD Isolate and Full-spectrum CBD oil?
CBD isolate is pure CBD with no additives or extra ingredients. It is labor-intensive to make because all other compounds are stripped away. For obvious reasons, this is the best way to make sure that you are getting a pure product. It also used to be considered the best product for medical uses. However, this belief has changed.
A 2005 study in Jerusalem found that subjects given full-spectrum CBD had better results. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains other ingredients that can enhance the effects of the CBD (something called the “entourage effect.”)
CBD is not for everyone or every pet and it is not a cure-all, as it sometimes portrayed BUT it is a useful compound. While there is still so much to learn about this amazing chemical, there is a lot of evidence that it could be a solution for both people and dogs suffering from anxiety, seizures, and more.
