Can CBD help your pet? A guide to using cannabinoids in animals

Can CBD have as strong and positive an impact on animal health as it does on human health? It turns out that almost all organisms on Earth, including animals, have an endocannabinoid system that CBD can stimulate in a similar way to the human body.

New scientific research confirms the effectiveness of CBD as a natural treatment for animal health problems, from inflammatory diseases to anxiety. Is it worth using CBD to help your pet? Will this affect his behavior and is it safe? You will find answers to these questions in our article.

Personal experience

I will certainly not discover America by stating that for many of us a pet is an irreplaceable member of the family.

I’m no exception because I’m also crazy about my 11-year-old dog.

This post also includes my personal experience, as I have been giving my dog CBD as a preventive measure for several years. The changes I have noticed are definitely visible. Despite his age, joint problems and diagnosed diabetes, the dog is calm, willing to play and very sociable.

However, before giving CBD to your pet, I recommend consulting with your veterinarian to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your pet’s specific situation. It is also important to choose the appropriate dose and form of CBD administration to ensure optimal results.

In any case, remember that each animal is different, so the effects of CBD may vary. Always monitor your pet’s response to treatment and be aware of potential side effects.

The effect of CBD on animals

CBD can be a natural and effective way to relieve various ailments in animals, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and analgesic effects. Research shows that CBD can help alleviate a variety of ailments in pets, such as pain, anxiety, sleep problems, skin conditions, and digestive problems.

One of the main benefits of using CBD in animals is its anti-inflammatory effect. This compound helps reduce inflammation, which may be especially helpful in animals suffering from rheumatic diseases or skin allergies. Additionally, CBD can also help pets relieve pain, both chronic and acute.

Another advantage of using CBD in animals is its anti-anxiety effect. Many animals can suffer from anxiety for a variety of reasons, such as separation from their owner, noise or a new environment. CBD can help reduce the symptoms of stress and allow pets to function more calmly and comfortably.

Additionally, CBD can also help animals regulate their sleep-wake cycle. Taking cannabidiol regularly can help pets rest and recover better, which has a positive impact on their overall health and well-being.

When can you give CBD to your pet?

  • to alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety (CBD oil can be helpful for pets who are afraid of noise, storms, fireworks, visits to the vet, staying in a dog hotel or in the therapy of dogs after ordeal)
  • depression (e.g. after the death of a caregiver)
  • analgesic
  • improving sleep quality
  • with symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
  • degenerative joint diseases
  • inflammation in the body
  • skin problems (including allergies, atopic dermatitis, scabies)
  • improving appetite and reducing nausea
  • increasing immunity
  • regeneration after exercise
  • hyperactivity, aggression
  • convalescence after injuries, surgeries or treatments
  • epilepsy
  • tumor
  • boleriosis
  • improves mobility in older dogs (provides connective tissue support and may help relieve occasional joint stiffness)
  • support in the process of accustoming the pet to changes (e.g. change of place of residence, the appearance of a child in the family, the visit of more guests)
  • while traveling (relieving stress, reducing nausea)
  • diseases of the endocrine system
  • diseases of the heart, intestines, pancreas
  • imagined pregnancy.

Is CBD oil safe for animals?

CBD oils are completely safe for animals. CBD belongs to the family of cannabinoids, natural compounds found in hemp. Unlike its cousin delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect. CBD is also not addictive.

Be careful if your dog has liver problems. The results of previous studies in this area have not been fully resolved. One study showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a liver enzyme, while another study denied it. As you can see, a full understanding of the secrets of CBD still takes a lot of time and research.

Dosage

There are various forms of CBD on the market, but oil seems to be the most convenient to use. It is best if it is Full Spectrum CBD oil, which is best administered directly to the animal’s gums. This can be done with a pipette or your finger. The CBD oil administered in this way is then absorbed directly through the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, which shortens the start time to 15-20 minutes. However, if your pet does not like this form of administering various preparations and reacts nervously, you can mix the daily portion of the oil with wet food.

The dosage of CBD oil depends on the weight of the animal and the concentration of CBD in the product.

Dosage should start with 1 mg of CBD per kg of body weight per day. For example, if your pet weighs 10 kg, the daily dose is 10 mg. Oil with a concentration of 5% CBD contains approximately 2.5 mg of CBD in one drop, i.e. the dose in this case is 4 drops a day. It is a good idea to divide the dose into 3-4 smaller doses, administered every 6-8 hours, because after this time CBD is broken down in the body.

It is important to introduce the oil into the animal’s diet slowly, starting with 1 drop per day and increasing the dose by one drop every 7 days, gradually reaching the daily dose based on body weight.

Can you overdose on CBD in animals?

An overdose may occur when using preparations that have not been properly purified from THC. However, with appropriate preparations free of this compound, the risk is much lower.

Taking too high doses may cause side effects such as lethargy, drowsiness and, in rare cases, vomiting. Always observe your pet’s behavior to respond appropriately. If any behavior of the animal worries the owner, it is best to stop using the preparation and seek advice from a veterinarian.