We know that Cannabidiol (CBD) can help people to treat a variety of issues. From anxiety to inflammation, seizures to cancer – the list of applications is a long one. But can our furry friends stand to benefit from the effects of this helpful cannabinoid as well?

Dogs in particular have a higher number of endocannabinoid receptors in their brain. Some studies suggest that their behavior indicates that they enjoy some of the sedative, anxiety-reducing effects of CBD that we humans also enjoy.

If you’ve thought about trying out CBD yourself, you have likely come across some products for pets. In this article, we will cover some of the basics about CBD and how it relates to pets. 

We will discuss some of the pros and cons of CBD use for pets and cover some products that you just might want to check out. First, for those who aren’t as familiar with the cannabinoid in question:

Cannabidiol is found in the hemp and cannabis plants, and like Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol – more commonly known as THC – is a cannabinoid. Most mammals are equipped with an endocannabinoid system and produce these cannabinoids naturally – even your beloved dogs and cats. 

Cannabinoids like these 2 stimulate this system – but the thing to note is that different cannabinoids have different effects on the brain and the body.

There are about 100-120 cannabinoids present in cannabis. CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive – which is just a fancy way of saying it doesn’t get the user stoned. It does, however, have a host of therapeutic effects and properties that were touched on previously.

It is also important to know that CBD can come isolated or combined with other cannabinoids, including THC. This combination is known as ‘full spectrum’ CBD. Here, the cannabinoids work together as a whole to increase the effectiveness of the CBD. The amount of other cannabinoids present is not enough to create a high – but the effect of the CBD is much more potent. We call this the entourage effect. This is all well and good for humans, but what about the pets?

The answer to this is much the same as the answer is for humans. It’s a hard no. Everybody’s body chemistry varies to one degree or another – whether they be feline, human or canine!

It is always important to start low and to go slow. For cats 2-4 mg per 10 lbs. is a good starting point, and for dogs it’s best to start with 1-2 mg. per 10 lbs. If you expected dogs to need a higher dosage than cats, these numbers might surprise you. But cats don’t have as many endocannabinoid receptors as dogs, hence the higher dose.

Dosage aside, what other considerations should you take into account? That depends on what you are treating. CBD can be helpful for anxiety, pain, noise phobias, nausea or loss of appetite, epilepsy and seizures, as well as inflammation and skin issues, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo the vet. 

Alternatively, if your pet is on other medications for any of these ailments, never give them CBD without clearing it with your vet. For instance, CBD and phenobarbital don’t interact well – and phenobarbital is a drug commonly prescribed to treat seizures.

Assuming your vet gave you the go-ahead, check where the hemp is sourced from and how the CBD is extracted. North American- and European-grown hemp and cannabis are subject to higher standards than in other parts of the world and some extraction processes, like CO2, are considered safer.

The next thing to consider is other ingredients, and this is where it can be safer to go with reputable products that are intended for animals. Some oils and tinctures that are made for humans contain ingredients like grapeseed oil, which are fine for us, but not for our little friends.

That being said you can use oils that are marketed for people as long as you carefully crosscheck all of the ingredients for anything that might be harmful to your critter. Using oils can be a good way to get a pretty accurate dose, but treats that are made in a facility will likely have the most accurate amount of CBD.

Dr. Tim Shu – a medical cannabis expert – formulated the potent tincture known as Vet CBD. This full-spectrum CBD extract is one of only two ingredients in this tincture. The second is extra virgin olive oil! Coming in at 20:1 CBD: THC, this premium product is potent – great for sedation or anxiety relief.

As their website says: “For dogs, cats, horses and people” – In that order? Regardless, this female-owned, California-based cannabis company has made it their mission to offer animals the same benefits that we humans enjoy. They offer one universal, premium formula in 3 sizes as regulations only allow them to market to humans, for now.

My Best Bud offers a huge variety of CBD products that come in different configurations and ratios. On their website, they have a helpful option to help find the right ratio for you or your pet. They triple-test their products throughout the production process because quality is their priority. If the label says 4:1, then you can rest well assured, the product in the bottle is 4:1.

With all of these products and advancements taking place for humans, it is natural that we would want to ensure the same level of comfort and treatment for our pets. With CBD and a little due diligence , we can help make ourselves and our fur-babies that much more comfortable.

La entrada Pets and CBD: A Beginner’s Guide se publicó primero en Ecomeds.