Frequently Asked Questions about Pets and CBD
How Does CBD Affect Dogs?
Recent studies by major universities demonstrate that CBD helps dogs with different conditions. Dogs have an endocannabinoid system equipped with special receptors that interact with CBD. These maintain a healthy balance in many body systems, from mood to immune function. CBD works with these receptors to keep the body in harmony. This is true for humans and pets.
Why Would Pets Need CBD?
The endocannabinoid system can get out of balance through the stressors of modern life. These can lead to systems out of whack, and even to disease. CBD can take the edge off or build up the immune system to fight specific ailments.
Unfortunately, our innocent pet friends fall prey to many of the same diseases that plague humans: from aches to digestive problems to stress. CBD gives a boost to a pet’s body systems to help them recover and heal.
Is it Safe to Give Your Pet CBD?
New clinical studies on dogs have shown no serious side effects of CBD on pets. Cornell University recently did a study that found no significant side effects of CBD on dogs.
Still, pet owners should source their CBD with care. Here are tips on CBD safety from the American Kennel Club. All products sold at CBD Remedies meet these criteria:
- Choose organic. Most U.S. grown hemp is organic. CBD should be free of pesticides or harmful chemicals.
- Go for the good stuff. Higher-quality CBD has greater purity, which costs more to create. The cheap stuff is cheap for a reason- it may contain pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. That is a serious problem for pets, who are smaller than humans and more vulnerable.
- Make sure it’s tested. The manufacturer should provide a certificate that tells you the amount of CBD that is in the product. Many CBD products contain only small amounts of CBD. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
What Dog Health Symptoms Can CBD Oil Relieve?
CBD has been proven in studies focusing on dogs to help conditions such as separation anxiety, joint and muscle pain, cancer, to help aid in speedy recovery from injuries and surgeries, and to help improve overall health and wellness. Cannabidiol (CBD) has many health benefits, including the support of mood, sleep, immune function, and stress levels. It has a broad-based effect on the body’s entire endocannabinoid system. It is great supportive medicine for illnesses including cancer. It helps with mood- calming your dog and keeping them in that smiling, ball-fetching state we all love. It also helps with your pet’s quality of life.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
Cats also have an endocannabinoid system that benefits from CBD. CBD has been shown to have no serious side effects in animal studies so far. Cats do have smaller bodies than many dogs, of course, so you should follow dosage guidelines on your CBD product. At CBD Remedies, we sell convenient, individually-portioned fish-flavored Pet Therapy for Cats by CBD Living. And the fishy flavor beats catnip any day.
Why Does My Pet Need CBD Oil?
Pets are a lifelong commitment. Everything we do to make their lives better improves our own. Just as you support your own health you should also support the health of your beloved pet. After all, they are family members!
How Do I Know if My Product is Organic?
CBD products don’t have an official FDA certification as organic, because they aren’t regulated by the FDA. However, most hemp grown in the U.S. is organic. Hemp farms can be regulated by the USDA and must meet stringent requirements to be considered organic.
To make sure your CBD product is free of pesticides and other chemicals, you can review product testing. At CBD Remedies, we carry only the highest-quality products that are third-party tested for potency and purity. Extracting CBD with high purity is expensive. If the CBD you’re buying is on the cheaper end of the scale, it may contain harmful chemicals, or even mold and heavy metals.
Will it Give My Dog a ‘Buzz?’
Let’s be clear- it’s not safe to give your dog marijuana, which will give your dog a buzz and could lead to dangerous health problems. But CBD isn’t marijuana and contains only trace amounts of THC or none at all. It has no psychoactive effects on dogs and your dog will not “get high” from CBD.
CBD Oil for Dogs Products: Different Brands, Same Benefits?
If you buy heavily processed apple juice made in China, it won’t be the same as a juice made with whole fruit and no sugar. CBD is the same. Cheap CBD may be made in a country without strict pesticide rules.
It may use a cheap extraction process that leaves behind solvents and heavy metals, and it may contain very little or no CBD at all. Going with a quality brand- such as those carried by CBD Remedies- will save you money. You’ll get more bang for your buck, and the CBD will be specially blended for maximum potency. You won’t risk your health, or your pet’s, because of harmful additives.
Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs
There are no known serious side effects of CBD in dogs. Based on use in humans, the American Kennel Club suggests you watch out for: dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and drowsiness as your dog gets used to CBD. Your dog might be extra-thirsty, so make sure they are well hydrated.
A temporary drop in blood pressure, although small, might create a brief period of light-headedness, the AKC writes. This generally happens only with high doses of CBD. As always, it’s best to start with a smaller dose, watch your dog’s reaction and work your way up if needed.
How Is Cannabis Oil Administered to Dogs? How can I Add Cannabis Oil to My Dog’s Diet
If you’re using a CBD oil, your best bet is to use a dropper that shows the exact dose you’re giving your pet. Some products come with a measured-dose dropper so you can carefully control the CBD amount. You should take your pet’s weight into account before giving a dose.
To administer a dose, you can:
- Drizzle it on a pet treat, mix into peanut butter, or mix in your pet’s food.
- Make your own pet treats with CBD oil.
Where Can Pet Owners Get CBD Oil for Their Dogs?
Make sure you go to a trusted source for your CBD- don’t buy it at a gas station. Make sure it’s made in a country that regulates hemp production, like the U.S. and best of all, go to a trusted site with carefully curated, top quality pet CBD products, like CBD Remedies.
Can Humans Take Pet CBD Oil?
There is little difference in the manufacturing process for pet and human CBD products, according to award-winning CBD maker Bluebird Botanicals. The FDA just requires different labeling for humans and pets.
However, your pet’s CBD may be spiked with something tasty to pets- like cod liver oil- that humans may find revolting. Also, if a product states that it is not for human consumption, it’s best to take the manufacturer at their word- don’t use it.
Is Hemp Oil or CBD Oil Better for Dogs?
Hemp oil is not the same thing as CBD oil. CBD is a compound in hemp that must be extracted through a time-consuming and expensive process. This leads to a concentrated product that has major health benefits. Hemp oil is hemp seed oil, made by pressing hemp seeds to extract the oil.
It doesn’t contain much CBD and is not at all similar. It has some health benefits, like Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, but it doesn’t have the same powerful effect on the endocannabinoid system that CBD does.
What CBD Products are Best for Dogs?
We like full-spectrum oils made especially for pets like Bluebird Botanicals Hemp Companion sold here at CBD Remedies. Full-spectrum products contain the highest amount of helpful plant compounds, working together in synergy.
For a full-spectrum hemp tincture bursting with healing botanicals, we sell Farmhouse Hemp Pet tinctures in beef flavor, made in Colorado.
You’ll find other great options in our well-stocked pet section, and if you happen to be a cat lover, it doesn’t get more tempting than our fish-flavored Calming Pet Tincture for Cats by CBD Living.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog for Anxiety?
Top-quality CBD products such as those sold at CBD Remedies have dosing recommendations on the package. Dosing for a specific ailment like anxiety is no different than dosing for other problems- it depends on weight and your dog’s experience with CBD. It’s always better to start out with a smaller dose and see how your pet responds. Then, gradually increase the dose as needed.
Can Dogs Overdose on CBD?
Life-threatening risks for dogs taking CBD are exceedingly rare, according to PetMD, a site written by veterinarians. More often, dogs have toxic reactions to products that contain chocolate, coffee, or raisins. Still, safety comes first. Here are some safety guidelines for CBD by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):
- If you don’t buy a product that has a measured dose, such as those at CBD Remedies, you should consult with a vet about the right dose for your pet. If your pet is taking other medications, consult with a vet to make sure your pet can tolerate a supplement.
- Keep any CBD products out of reach of paws or tail, just like any other supplement.
Can CBD Oil Help with Dog Aggression?
CBD has a calming effect on dogs, and it works with the dog’s nervous system to help soothe. Aggression can be linked to several factors, and CBD may help your pet with this common problem. It isn’t going to eliminate long-term, learned behaviors, but may help your dog to relax and reduce stress.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs with Anxiousness?
CBD is calming and won’t “push your dog over the edge” or have any psychoactive effects. It contains little to no THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It will soothe and calm your dog.
How Long Does it Take for CBD to Work on Dogs?
There are brand-new guidelines on this from the American Veterinary Medical Association. In guidelines for vets, they write about how long it takes for dogs to experience the effects of CBD in the (very rare) event of a toxic reaction.
“The evidence shows your animal will typically experience effects within 1-3 hours of (ingestion),” but those effects can be felt “in as little as 5 minutes or as long as 96 hours.” The AVMA notice emphasizes that most toxic cases have occurred in young puppies.
Most of these involved other toxic substances such as chocolate, raisins, xylitol or wrapping.
How Often Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil for Anxiety?
You should follow standard dosing on the package directions and start small. It can take a week or longer for the full effects of CBD to kick in. Don’t keep “upping” the dose until you have given your dog a chance to adjust to the CBD product. That being said, CBD is most effective when taken regularly.
How Often Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil?
It depends on the weight and condition of your pet, but products sold here at CBD Remedies include dosing recommendations. As with any medication or supplement, start small and gradually increase the dose, observing your pet’s reaction.
Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil for Arthritis?
A new study on dogs by Cornell University found that CBD is very helpful for dogs. During the clinical trial, a very high percentage of dogs who were given CBD had less aches and stress and a better quality of life.
What happens if you give a dog too much CBD?
If your dog has somehow ingested a high amount of CBD and shows signs of toxicity, please contact your vet immediately. In general, normal doses of CBD are well-tolerated. Most incidents of toxicity involve other ingredients known to be harmful to pets, such as chocolate or wrappings.