Pets experience pain and anxiety just as humans do. From frequent barking, panting, to digging, there are many tell-tale signs of a pet in distress. When this happens, what can we, as fur parents, do?
Below is a roundup of everything you need to know about CBD, an increasingly popular ingredient believed to help relieve pain and anxiety in humans and pets. Find out what makes this popular substance worth the hype and decide for yourself whether you should let your “furry friends” give it a try. Read on.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical substance derived from the cannabis plant. It rose into popularity following recent discoveries about its potential to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and generate antidepressant-like effects.
While CBD comes from marijuana, the compound itself does not make you “high” due to its low affinity with the receptors in the body that produce the said sensations. This grants CBD a wide appeal to many consumers who want to take advantage of the substance’s potential therapeutic role in treating many ailments without experiencing altered sensory perceptions or intense paranoia associated with cannabis use.
What are the benefits of CBD oil for pets?
The medical wonders of cannabidiol aren’t limited to humans. Anecdotal evidence and various studies suggest CBD provides many health benefits to animals, too. Among these benefits include:
- Pain relief
In 2018, researchers conducted a clinical trial evaluating the impact of CBD in osteoarthritic dogs. They observed that dogs with OA who received 2 mg/kg of CBD showed a significant decrease in pain and appeared to be more comfortable and active.
Similar findings were reported in a 2020 study where a group of researchers administered either a placebo or CBD to a total of 20 dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The trial lasted for about four weeks. They observed that the dogs who received CBD exhibited significant improvements in their conditions, including reduced pain symptoms and increased mobility.
- Reduced seizures
CBD may also help reduce seizures and convulsions in animals. In 2019, a group of researchers tried to assess the effects of oral cannabidiol administration on dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. They created two groups of dogs and administered a placebo to one group and CBD oil to the other. The results show that dogs in the CBD group demonstrated a significant reduction in seizure frequency compared with those in the placebo group.
- Alleviate anxiety
Many factors can put your pets under great stress, including loud noises, a new environment, and even big groups of people. One popular health claim linked to CBD is its ability to alleviate anxiety in pets. Yet, further research is needed to prove this claim.
In 2020, a group of researchers tried to evaluate the effects of CBD in the behavioral response of dogs to noise exposure. The results only show a decrease in activity among dogs after CBD consumption. Common fearful behaviors were still observed during the trial, such as shaking, panting, etc., but researchers admitted such behaviors occurred too infrequently to allow for statistical analysis.
Still, many pet owners who tried CBD for their pets attest that they observe improved mood and behaviors in their furry companions.
In one particular case, researchers observed that administration of CBD seemed to reduce aggressive behavior in dogs.
Are CBD pet products safe for my pet?
CBD is observed to be “well-tolerated” across numerous trials, but it may still trigger a few side effects in your pets. Among these include:
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy
- Itchiness
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Inhibited Production of Liver Enzymes
To date, there is only one CBD-infused medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration, called Epidiolex. This medicine is used to treat seizures linked with two rare forms of epilepsy. Naturally, veterinarians cannot prescribe CBD-based drugs other than Epidiolex.
However, the Farm Bill already legalized the production of any hemp products containing 0.3 percent of THC or lower at a federal level. This means you can still buy CBD products for your pets as long as they do not contain a THC concentration higher than 0.3 percent. CBD pet products are currently being sold as supplements, so you don’t need a prescription from a vet to have them.
What is the best dosage of CBD oil for my pet?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to CBD oil for pets. The right dosage depends on various factors, such as the weight of your pet and their overall health condition. However, the good rule of thumb is to always start at a low dose, usually 0.2mg of CBD per pound of your pet’s weight.
You may consult your vet about the recommended dosage of CBD supplement to give your pet.
What are examples of CBD products for pets?
The popularity of CBD as a supplement gave rise to various types of CBD pet products. To date, your animals can now enjoy CBD in any of the following forms:
- CBD oil
- CBD edibles
- CBD-infused treats
- CBD-infused creams, balms, and lotions (to be applied on the skin of your pets)
Why should you choose Urbal Activ products for your pets?
Ready to spoil your pets with the right snacks and treats? Be sure to get only products that use high-quality, pure CBD.
All our pet products at Urbal Activ consist of 100% organically sourced cannabinoids (CBD) specially formulated in a cGMP licensed facility to achieve safe, high-quality purity and potency. Our extract tests over 99.5% pure by weight.
You may check out our site to get a list of all the products we offer. We have high-quality CBD snacks, oil extracts, and pet balms.