Every day, more people are discovering – Or learning about the benefits of CBD and CBD products, but did you know that there is also pet releaf CBD oil as well? Asking around communities of cannabis lovers all around the country proves that CBD products for pets can be found in the market. And there are loads of them that you can try out for your dogs or cats. Hemp plants and CBD oil products, including CBD oil tinctures, can benefit your pets as they would with humans. It can relieve their ailments, too, like seizures, arthritis, pain relief, and anxiety. Here is how hemp products such as natural pet hemp calming support can benefit your pets.
This blog post focuses more on dogs rather than cats. There is a subtle truth that states that many pet owners are very invested in making sure their pet dog stays healthy – Even to the point where they take care of their dog’s well-being more than they take care of themselves. Whether most pet owners are like this, it’s a statement that applies to all pet lovers and animal lovers in general. And if you’re a dog owner who’s curious about the advantage of using hemp products or CBD products for your furry friend, then this article will hopefully be able to help you with your choice. We will be discussing the basics of CBD and how it can be beneficial to your pet’s health.
Why Choose Hemp For Your Pets?
Regarding dog wellness trends, CBD (also known as cannabidiol) is the one that leads the pack. Hemp oil, which is more or less similar to CBD, is also surging in popularity for both human and pet usage. Research has shown that the market for CBD or hemp-based pet products will reach a total of $125 million by the end of 2022, thus making it one of the quickest-growing consumers when it comes to CBD products.
The reason why dog owners are turning to hemp and CBD-based products for their pets is that, just like humans, CBD oil can address a whole variety of wellness and health needs that their dogs may have, ranging from physical pain to anxiety. Experts have also claimed that feeding dogs hemp oil is one of the best ways for a pet owner to begin a holistic approach to wellness.
Cannabidiol Basics
CBD might seem like a brand new trend, but it’s been around for a while, and people have known about its benefits for the longest time. But because it was practically unknown and there weren’t enough scientific studies to back up its positive qualities, there was no proof that CBD oils or hemp plants were indeed suitable for a person’s wellness. This lack of solid research, combined with CBD’s source (the marijuana plant), has led to people turning down its use and CBD products becoming controversial.
As mentioned, CBD comes from the marijuana plant and is just one of the many many cannabinoids found inside it. People often assume that CBD products can make a person high, but this is not the case – The cannabinoid that contains psychoactive properties is THC. CBD does not possess any of those properties.
Nowadays, CBD is considered legal in most states. In 2018, the USA Farm Bill (also known as the Agriculture Improvement Act) officially legalized the use of CBD products, as long as they come from hemp plants and not marijuana. And this is the reason why CBD can come in so many products that can be good for one’s health.
How Is Medicinal Hemp Different From Medicinal Marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana are from the same plant, known as cannabis Sativa. Cannabis is unique because it produces a compound known as a cannabinoid. Hemp and marijuana plants contain two major cannabinoids – THC (Delta 9) and CBD (cannabidiol). The big difference between those two lies in the ratio of CBD to THC that is found inside a specific plant. For instance, hemp contains more CBD and a slight trace of THC on a dry-matter basis. Meanwhile, the average marijuana plant includes at least 20 percent THC and lesser amounts of CBD.
Some experts have defined THC as the psychoactive compound and CBD as the non-psychoactive compound. This means that CBD contains the same neuroprotective and psychotropic effects that one would find in marijuana plants, but without the high that THC brings.
Hemp Seed Oil Vs. Hemp Oil – Which One Is Better For Dogs?
Before you can begin shopping for hemp oil for your dogs, you will notice that there are two types of phrases found on the label of most of these products: Hemp seed oil and hemp oil. These oils stem from the hemp plant and are usually created when you press the oil out of the plant matter. But each oil extract comes from different parts of the plant.
- Hemp Oil – Hemp oil is another name for CBD oil. It also goes by full-spectrum hemp oil or broad-spectrum hemp oil. CBD oil is derived from leaves, stalks, and flowers from cannabis Sativa plants. As mentioned, CBD contains plenty of cannabidiols that make up CBD – Also known as the compound that has loads of benefits for both humans and animals.
- Hemp Seed Oil – As its name suggests, this type of oil is extracted from cannabis Sativa’s seeds. Back in the day, it was believed that the seeds of hemp plants did not hold any value when making CBD products, but the latest research shows otherwise. Depending on how these seeds are processed, hemp seed oil includes over 30 types of cannabinoids. You can find lower amounts of CBD levels in hemp seed oil products compared to those made from hemp oil.
Hemp seed oil and hemp oil, however, both have plant compounds, including phenols and terpenes, which provide you and your pet with some fantastic health benefits. But if you’re a pet owner who’s about to give a CBD-based product to their dog for the first time, it is suggested that you use hemp seed oil first, instead of hemp oil, as it also includes plenty of benefits that come from hemp plants.
Why Is CBD Good For Humans?
Despite the advantages of using CBD products, there’s not enough research that shows that CBD products are perfect for you (As true research regarding CBD only began after the 2018 Farm Bill was passed). So it’s always good to talk to a physician or a CBD expert first before you can buy a bottle and incorporate it into your or your pet’s life.
The average human body contains a system known as the ECS, or endocannabinoid system. The ECS is quite critical as it helps you regulate some of the more essential functions of the body, such as your mood, sleep patterns, appetite, pain, digestion, immune system, and memories.
CBD can be ingested in many ways. One of the most popular methods is through CBD tincture oils, which are very versatile – You can rub it onto your skin like a liniment or balm, place a drop or two under your tongue, or add a few drops to your food or drink. And similar to marijuana, you can also smoke CBD using a vape pen. There are also CBD gummies and pills you can take as a supplement. Beauty products with CBD are pretty popular and can also be used topically.
Can Veterinarians Prescribe Hemp Products?
This question will remain unanswered for a while, as it all depends on where the vet works. Prescribing CBD or hemp products for pets has also yet to be included in several state practice acts.
CBD and Animal Consumption
So now that we have seen the benefits of CBD oil on humans, we will discuss the advantages or disadvantages of CBD products on dogs and cats. Just like us, our pets also have an endocannabinoid system in their brains. And this isn’t just limited to cats and dogs, but all mammals as well. Even reptiles, birds, and fish have an endocannabinoid system, and it goes through the same processes as humans do. So when CBD is added to a supplement made for animals, similar to CBD products meant for humans, the cannabinoids also interact with the animal’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various bodily functions.
However, just like with humans, there isn’t enough scientific evidence that greatly supports CBD oil to treat animal ailments. But according to pet owners who have had their pets try CBD for dogs, it relieves the following:
- Nausea
- Controls seizures
- Stimulates appetite
- Removes stress
- Removes or eases anxiety
- Relief from allergies
- Tampers down cancer symptoms
- Relief from gastrointestinal issues
Aside from that, it can also ease your pet’s joint or back pain and promotes heart health.
Benefits of Hemp Oil for Dogs
Plenty of studies has shown that hemp products, such as hemp oil and hemp pills for dogs, can have loads of amazing benefits. Hemp oils with CBD removed epileptic seizures, eased osteoarthritis pain, and removed anxiety for dogs. Pets that ingest hemp oil dog supplements also have a better quality of life and improved mobility. They also became more energetic, despite their advanced age.
How Much Hemp Oil Should My Dog Take?
If you’re using hemp oils for your dog as a way to relieve their osteoarthritis and seizures, it is suggested that you only feed it to them at least once or twice a day. You may also offer these hemp oils as a way to ease any event that triggers a dog’s anxiety, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or any upcoming appointment with a groomer or vet. It would be best to calculate the correct time to feed your pet the CBD oil, so the product will have more time to kick in, and the dog can feel its effects before the anxiety-inducing event happens. It takes at least an hour before the therapeutic effects of CBD oil start kicking in.
But Is Hemp Oil Safe For Dogs?
Yes, hemp oil is entirely safe for dogs. Even though hemp oils for pets contain loads of CBD and just the tiniest amount of THC, the concentrations are very low and won’t be a cause of concern for pet owners. As mentioned, CBD is very different from THC and won’t cause your pet to feel high or have seizures.
When on the lookout for some good hemp products for dogs, be sure to look at the label first so you can check to see if the product includes at least 0.3 percent of THC. Such a low dose of THC in these products is, according to experts, improbable to show even the faintest signs of marijuana toxicity in dogs – Signs such as unsteadiness while standing, whimpering, and feeling dizzy or disoriented.
Meanwhile, several pet owners have reported some rather unusual side effects after their dog has consumed hemp-based products, including lethargy, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. But this is a very rare case, and if it happens, it will not require any veterinary treatment. Hemp is also excellent for curing osteoarthritis.
How Do I Know If CBD Oil Is Right For My Pet?
If your pet suffers from plenty of health conditions and you cannot treat them using diet or regular exercise, then ask your veterinarian if CBD supplements or organic hemp oil dog supplements are the best ones for them. When you use the correct dosage, you will soon learn that CBD supplements don’t pose any harmful side effects to your pets. However, it’s always good to be a bit safe and talk to a professional first, especially if your pet is currently going through therapy for a specific condition.
When taken in the recommended dosage, CBD oils won’t do any harm to your pet’s health. So, all in all, these products are entirely safe, as long as you become a responsible pet owner and be careful with it (Similar to any supplement for pets). Contrary to other controversial pet medications out there, CBD usage will not damage your pet’s kidneys, liver, or gastrointestinal tract.
Keep in mind that any pet – Or even human – Purchases and uses CBD oil from an unreliable source (This includes non-hemp-derived CBD products), then it could consist of more than the legal amounts of THC in it. This product could result in toxicity, especially when taken in higher doses. This is why you need to buy CBD products from some highly reliable sources. THC toxicity results from the animal or person ingesting too much tainted CBD in a much bigger dose than usual.
Side Effects of Consuming Tainted Hemp Products in Dogs
Please note that these side effects are all temporary.
- Dry mouth. CBD consumption could make your pet’s mouth dry due to the lack of salivary production. Signs include your pet drinking more water than usual. In this case, always make sure they have a fresh and clean water bowl nearby.
- Drowsiness. Yes, CBD does help one relax and fall asleep quickly. Still, your pet will appear very sluggish or even immobile when they have ingested CBD in a higher dose – Although CBD is a known treatment for stress or anxiety disorders, even in animals.
- Low blood pressure. There will be a drop in your pet’s blood pressure when they take too much CBD. Signs include your pet lying down and feeling light-headed.
As long as you purchase your hemp-based or CBD pet products from a reliable source (Whether online or not), there is a higher chance that your pet will experience some form of toxicity from consuming something potentially harmful to them, such as coffee or chocolate. Constantly monitor your pet’s reaction closely when you start a brand new treatment and don’t hesitate to call your vet if you have any concerns.
You are always the best judge to see if your pet behaves well. As a pet owner, witnessing the side effects of CBD for cats or dogs when you add it to their healthcare regimen doesn’t matter – Especially when you compare these non-fatal side effects to the positive ones that your pet will experience after taking CBD products for a while. As always, only you and your vet will know what’s best for your furry friend. The two of you can always come to the best decisions on whether your dog should take CBD oil or not.
How Do You Use Hemp Oil On Dogs?
Hemp oil also comes in tinctures, similar to CBD oil – However, there are also available pet gummies or soft chews infused with hemp oil. Sometimes these hemp-based products come with CBD, and some don’t. Hemp oil in tinctures also comes with a dropper which you can use as a measuring tool to ensure your pet is getting the proper dosage of CBD. If your pet is well-trained or you can get them to sit or stand still, you can use the tincture dropper to place a drop of oil beneath their tongue or against their cheek. This is considered to be the gold standard for correct and accurate dosing. And if your dog isn’t too keen on the taste of hemp oil or feels uncomfortable taking the product in this way, then you can give them hemp oil gummies instead or drizzle a few drops of the oil on their food.
Because these hemp oil tinctures come in liquid form, you can have several choices regarding how you can feed them to your dog. Plenty of these extracts come with a very mild flavour or odours, letting you place them in their mouth. But sometimes, you may have to get creative. If you want to add a few drops of hemp oil into your dog’s treats, then make sure that the treat is made from soft and porous material, as they can absorb the oil. But keep in mind that this doesn’t work for larger dogs requiring more hemp oil doses.
Or you can make your own set of no-bake treats and add hemp oil as an ingredient. Fun flavours include peanut butter, chicken, sweet potato, banana, and rolled oats. Do not add hemp oil in treats that require freezing or baking the mixture, as hemp oil always works best at room temperature.
Picking the Best Hemp Oil for Your Dog
Here are three essential steps to choosing the best hemp oil for your pet.
- Review the COA (Certificate of Analysis). Stores that sell hemp-based pet products will always have their COA on display. This lists down the test results of the cannabinoid profiles in their hemp-based products, aside from showing the purity of their products. If there is no COA listed on the website, look for a different one.
- Pick an organic, USA-made product. Hemp plants can soak up the toxins from soil and ground, and this raises the importance of whether this product is organic or not. If the site doesn’t list the product as organic, then move on.
- Always use full-spectrum hemp oil and not just hemp-seed oil. Even though hemp seed oil contains loads of benefits for dogs, it doesn’t have that complete cannabinoid profile that usually comes with full-spectrum hemp oils. Only a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum type hemp oil will provide your pet with the best health benefits. An excellent way to check if you’re purchasing effective and quality products are by checking a seller’s COA.
