As a greater number of people across the UK begin to discover the potential of CBD, the supplement is rocketing in popularity. But what does CBD mean for pets: is the cannabinoid safe for consumption and is it effective?

If you are wondering about CBD and pets, here is everything that you need to know.

CBD: The Fundamentals

Before we look at the specifics, here is a look at the fundamentals of CBD. Feel free to skip over this section if you are already familiar with cannabidiol.

CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids which have been identified in the cannabis plant. It can also be extracted from hemp and it is the subject of intense academic and medical study. Why? The compound has a lot of important medicinal potential, having been linked with the suppression of seizures and mitigation of many aches and pains.

(If you would like more information, be sure to learn more about CBD on our website.)

Can pets use CBD?

The bodies of all mammals are managed by a series of complex organ systems. These sophisticated systems (like the respiratory, digestive and muscle systems) work in harmony to establish and maintain health.

The endocannabinoid system is one such system, but not many people have heard of it. This is because it was only discovered in 1990 by Dr Matsuda LA. The system interacts with cannabinoids and plays an important role in regulating many physiological functions and ensuring that they operate in harmony.

All vertebrates have an endocannabinoid system, meaning that pets and livestock are likely to experience the benefits of CBD much in the same way. In fact, a great number of the clinical trials being conducted with CBD are first tested on animals.

Is there a special type of CBD for pets?

CBD is well tolerated in humans and maintains a good safety profile. The majority of clinical studies to date have used other animals for testing, and this safety profile has been maintained. Some consumers might find that there are specialised products on the market intended only for animals, but these are often simply CBD products with additional supplements.

When should CBD be used for pets?

CBD can help to assist pets in a number of circumstances. If a pet demonstrates symptoms of anxiety, for example, then CBD can certainly be used in a bid to remedy the issue.

Likewise, CBD can be used in those situations where a pet has issues with their appetite. By helping to regulate the digestive system, CBD can help pets in this situation.

There is also a range of academic and anecdotal research that suggests CBD can play an effective role in helping to mitigate the frequency and severity of seizures. This is evidenced by the fact that Epidiolex was approved by the FDA last year, the USA’s first CBD-based medicine.

Perhaps most commonly, CBD can be used to help remedy the joint pains and issues that eventually come to affect most cats and dogs. This can help to improve the quality of life for pets by reducing inflammation and pain.

How is CBD given to pets?

There are a number of methods that can be used to give pets the CBD they need. Sublingual absorption is the most effective and direct method, but this can understandably be difficult.

This is why many pet owners decide to mix CBD oil directly into the pet’s food. This delivers the CBD effectively, albeit with a slight delay: the food will have to pass through the digestive tract and this can take at least 30 minutes.

There are a range products for pets hitting the market, but regular CBD oil is a totally safe and effective way to deliver the CBD that pets need.

How to measure dosage

Dr. Robert J Silver is a licensed and renowned holistic veterinarian operating in the US. A leader in the field, he recommends low amounts of CBD for animals and this can be calculated according to the weight of a pet.

He recommends the following dosages for the following weights:

.05mg per pound for smaller pets
.125mg per pound for medium-sized pets
.25mg per pound for larger pets

These quantities can be adjusted according to the results that are observed. As with humans, it is important to follow the “low and slow” rule. This means that owners should begin with small dosages and slowly increase them until they achieve the desired outcome.

It is important that owners are able to accurately measure the quantity of CBD that is in a given measure. This is just a matter of simple maths and owners can extrapolate the number based on the percentage of CBD and the volume of oil that they have.

How frequently to give CBD to pets

It is recommended that pets are given their dosage of CBD twice a day. This ensures that the CBD is given time to be processed and work effectively. This schedule will ensure that the effects are consistent and work around the clock to keep pets happy and healthy.

Next steps

If you are convinced about the potential of CBD and want to learn more, then you should visit our website for more information.