If you’re enjoying hemp-derived CBD for yourself, you might wonder if it might benefit your furry friends, too. Luckily, plenty of research has been conducted to determine whether or not CBD is safe for pets. Below we’re breaking down a few potential benefits of CBD for pets and how to safely offer it to your pet with vet supervision.
How does CBD help pets?
Dogs and cats, like people, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for modulating a few natural processes in the body, like pain and inflammation responses, immune system function, body temperature, sleeping and waking cycle, and appetite. Evidence suggests that your ECS works hard to keep these natural processes balanced and regular.
Research suggests that CBD may uniquely interact with the ECS and work with it in ways that help the ECS promote homeostasis. Evidence suggests that CBD works with your pet’s ECS the same way it works with yours, meaning that many of the potential benefits of CBD you might experience may also be experienced by your pet.
Benefits of CBD for pets
CBD shares many of the same potential benefits for pets and humans. Because of how CBD interacts with your pet’s ECS, it may help with anxiety, pain and inflammation, appetite and digestion, and overall mood and wellness. Below we’re breaking down a few studies. But keep in mind that CBD research is still very limited. CBD can’t prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, or cure any serious disease in you or your pet, and you should always talk to a veterinarian before giving your pet CBD.
Anxiety and Mood
Some studies suggest that CBD might have an anti-anxiety effect on dogs, which may be helpful for things like separation anxiety when pet parents have to go to work. While CBD isn’t beneficial for acute stress in situations like fireworks or thunderstorms, it may help level out your pet’s mood when taken daily. Your pet may experience improved energy levels and an overall better mood.
Pain and mobility
One of the main benefits of CBD is its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Older dogs who suffer from arthritis or limited mobility from stiff, achy joints may find relief from CBD, according to some studies. By limiting inflammatory responses from the body, CBD may be able to help with your pet’s chronic pain and boost their mobility.
Appetite and digestion
Some evidence suggests that CBD may have a balancing effect on your pet’s digestive system. Like people, CBD may balance out their appetite, making them more or less hungry during the day. CBD may also help with digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
Healthy Skin
Some studies suggest that CBD may help promote healthy skin in dogs. CBD may help balance out natural oils in the skin, allowing for a shiny, healthy coat and less dry, itchy, or irritated skin caused by inflammatory responses to their environment. Some CBD treats or tinctures may also be formulated with omega-3 oils, which research suggests might help promote healthy skin and coat and improve mobility.
Is CBD safe for pets?
A recent study found that CBD was safe for healthy dogs and posed little to no side effects. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this study hasn’t been replicated or peer-reviewed, so always err on the side of caution. Vets recommend no more than 5mg CBD per 10lbs of body weight in a single serving, but much like the way CBD might work in people, the main concern is sleepiness.
How to give CBD to your pet
Giving your pet CBD is easy. Start with a serving of 1mg CBD per 10 lbs of body weight. You can provide your pet anywhere from 1-5mg of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight, depending on how they react to a small serving first. You can increase the serving size depending on the severity of your pet’s symptoms.
To administer CBD to your pet, you can feed them CBD-infused pet treats. You can also use flavored CBD pet tinctures for your pet and add them to their breakfast or water bowl. If they’re finicky, you can squirt a serving directly into their mouth or allow them to lick it from the palm of your hand.
CBD for Pets at The Hemptender
CBD treats and tinctures are a tasty way to help your pet find balance. Luckily, you can find them at The Hemptender! Each CBD pet treat is specially formulated with nourishing ingredients that support your pet’s overall health and include functional ingredients like fish oils. Best of all, they come in a variety of delicious flavors that are sure to have your pet’s mouth watering. Shop CBD Pet Treats at The Hemptender.