CBD (cannabidiol) for pets? What? Is that safe? Are there real benefits? Will it harm my pet? Will my pet get “high”? How do you give CBD to a pet? Why would my pet need CBD? Pet lovers all over the world want the best for their furry best friend. And why would we not do everything in our power to help them live their best lives? As seen above, there are many questions to ask when it comes to the safety of your most beloved dog, cat, or another fluffy friend. Perhaps this solution may be right for you and may change your loyal companions’ life for the better. In this blog post, we’ll address the information we know and understand to assist you in making the best decision for you and your precious pet.
Why?
This is the first question a pet owner needs to ask themselves. Why should I give CBD to my pet? The reasons may be similar or exactly equivalent to the reason that you may be using CBD or have thought about using CBD. This study provides a plethora of information on CBD pet products and views. One very interesting statistic is that out of the 632 consumers that had sampled the product, a mere seven percent of pet owners said they felt that the CBD product for their pet did not work as well compared to regular medications or therapies. The other 93% of pet owners felt that the CBD products worked just as well or even better than the standard medications or supplements. They say that the reviews are “make or break”! If you have an animal that you believe may benefit from CBD, keep reading!
Is this legal?
Yes! CBD is legal in all 50 of the United States since 2018. CBD can be extracted from cannabis or hemp plants. Marijuana, however, is still labeled as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, and you wouldn’t want to give your pet that anyway. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in Marijuana may be harmful to your furry companion. So, let’s stick with the CBD that may help your pet and not harm it. There are no laws that state it is illegal to give your pet CBD in any form.
What is the difference between the THC and CBD compound?
Before going any further, we’ll explain the difference between THC and CBD, so there is no confusion on whether your pet will be flying high or not. In our titled CBD vs. THC article, it states, “You’ve likely heard of THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the most widely known cannabinoid from the Cannabis plant. The less well-known cannabinoid CBD is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis and Hemp. When researchers first discovered CBD during the 1940s, they did not correctly consider CBD’s benefits and used it because it didn’t deliver an inebriating effect. Instead, they were more keen on researching a new kind of cannabinoid, THC, the compound in cannabis that creates the “high.” The article continues to expand and explain that the THC is the component that is psychoactive, whereas the CBD is not. So, in conclusion, CBD will not get your pet high. Read on, worry-free of high kitties or puppies.
How do I give my pet CBD?
There are multiple ways to give CBD to your pet, just like there are multiple ways to give yourself CBD. Humans can attain CBD by using oils, edibles, topicals, etc. Pets can be even pickier than people and may require some fine tuning of their application method. While some less discerning pups will eat a softgel out of their owner’s hand, others will spit it out even after you’ve tried covering it in peanut butter. For picky pups, softgels can also be punctured and the liquid dropped onto food, treats, or even applied directly to the gums if your pup doesn’t mind a little personal contact. Here at Panacea Life, we carry tinctures and softgels for dogs and horses. You can find these products here. As a pet owner, it is important to always ask your veterinarian before giving your pet any type of CBD product. Start with a lower dose and move your way up to a higher dose once you’ve seen the effects it may have on your pet, and if you feel they may need more of an effect.
Woof! CBD for Dogs?
Among the hilarious and relentless videos of our favorite dogs running into things a getting stuck places, the internet is chock-full of information on how to help your active pet live life to the fullest. One of those ways could be assisting them using a holistic method to increase joint health rather than giving prescribed medication. Dogs love treats, right? Right! Our tinctures and soft gels could be added effortlessly to your pup’s favorite wet food, treat or a delicious spoonful of peanut butter. For more information on what type may be best for your dog and what makes a good CBD for dogs, click here.
Movement Disorder Study
Panacea has been conducting an ongoing research study regarding canine health, specifically, age-related movement decreases. Like us, as dogs get older, they tend to have limited joint mobility for a variety of reasons. In the study, we had pet owners provide their animals two doses of CBD a day and take videos of their pets doing the same movement before and after the CBD was administered such as walking, getting up from a sitting position, getting into a car or climbing stairs We chose certain measurements to be tested, and the six out of the ten measurements ended up being at or above 90%. The survey summary shows that 15.5%-34.9% improvement was visible overall.
Meow. CBD for Cats?
What about your pet that greets you with a “meow” rather than an excited wag of a tail? Why would your furry feline friend need CBD? For the same reasons you would! Did you rescue your cat from a shelter? Perhaps you just want to increase your cat’s quality of life. This article gives a list of why your pet cat could use CBD.. There are many options on how to give your kitty CBD just like there are for your puppy. These options may include oil, soft capsules, and treats. Panacea does not currently carry CBD products for cats, but it is coming soon! Don’t worry. We have not forgotten about your purring pets.
Can there be side effects?
There are side effects to almost everything that you put into your body at high enough concentrations, so the same thing happens to your pets! The general side effects of CBD on pets may be dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and drowsiness, according to this article. Dogs may also experience additional negative side effects including, lethargy, vomiting, dribbling urine, and loss of balance at high concentrations, meaning too much has been given to the pet. Keep in mind that every pet will react differently, just like their human owners and medications. It’s important to consult your veterinarian before and during the use of CBD for your pet. And always make sure you start with a low dose and watch your pet closely to see their reaction. If all goes well, increase the dose if you believe your pet needs it. It’s also important to note that these effects are generally not researched but come from the experiences of pet owners. Research that deals with CBD and pets are still quite slim.
Should your pet try CBD? It’s up to you!
So, the question is, should you try CBD for your pet? We have listed many things above for you to consider. Will your pet benefit from CBD? With the information given above, and if your pet sounds similar to the pets above, it may be likely that your pet could benefit from CBD. Will my pet suffer the psychoactive effects? No! Our products do not contain THC, which gives the “high” effect. Are there negative side effects? Possibly, but consult your vet and watch your pet closely. There are more positive reviews of the effects of CBD and pets than negative ones. Is it legal to give my pet CBD? Yes, CBD is legal in all 50 of the United States. What kind of pet can have CBD? Most research (although slim) and reviews of pet owners is CBD being used for dogs and cats. Again, speak to your veterinarian. If CBD sounds like it could be the right fit for your pet, give it a try! Hopefully, your pet can enjoy the fourth of July fireworks instead of hiding out under the bed.
