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CBD For Pets | 7 Facts You Need To Know

Interest in CBD is increasing all the time, and many pet owners use hemp-derived CBD to treat their pets for a variety of conditions, such as pain management, stress, and anxiety.

Veterinarians are asked all the time about the use of CBD for pets, and many of them believe it can be helpful.

The market for CBD pet products is expected to reach $1.16 billion in the US this year.

Here are some facts about CBD you need to know if you want to use CBD for your pet. 

CBD For Pets | 7 Facts You Need To Know

1. CBD in pet products can come from cannabis or hemp

CBD (cannabidiol) is the most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis Sativa plant.

There are two varieties of the cannabis plant – one which produces cannabis or marijuana and the other which produces hemp.

Hemp consists of a high amount of CBD and a low amount of THC, the component which creates a “high.”

As they contain 0.3% or less of THC, hemp-derived pet products are suitable for pets. 

Just CBD is a company that uses organically-grown hemp from USA farms in Oregon to make their pet products, such as pet CBD oil with a bacon flavor.

Find out more about their products on LeafReport, where you will find reviews of many of their products, including a Just CBD gummies review

2. A CBD product should have a certificate of analysis (COA)

The hemp plant pulls toxins, heavy metals and molds out of the ground, and these contaminants could make their way into CBD pet products.

This is why it is important to know whether products are tested for contaminants.

Before you purchase any product, you should check and ensure that the company has a certificate of analysis (COA) for the product. This will confirm potency, ingredients and per-dosing unit of products.

If a company is not able to provide an up-to-date COA for its products, it’s best not to purchase them. 

3. CBD has a number of potential medical benefits for pets

Cannabis, when used safely, is believed to be beneficial for a variety of conditions.

Giving your pet CBD before occasions that usually cause anxiety, like going to the vet or going on a long trip, could help to control anxiety.

It could also help with pain relief, seizure control and gastrointestinal issues.

There is not much research-based evidence to prove how CBD can benefit pets, but the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming.

One Cornell University Study showed that taking CBD twice daily improved pain scores of dogs with osteoarthritis.

Further studies are currently taking place on other possible therapeutic uses. 

4. Giving the wrong product or the wrong dosage could backfire

Don’t ever give your pet human edible CBD products as they may contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets.

If you give your pet the wrong CBD product or the wrong dosage, you may not get the effect you’re hoping for.

It is always best to start the dosage low and slow.

Dosage instructions usually come with a product, but every animal is different, so what works for one pet may be too much or not enough for another.

Start with a low amount, observe the effects, and gradually increase the dosage if necessary. 

CBD For Pets | 7 Facts You Need To Know

5. Many forms of CBD are available for pets

Pet products that contain CBD include oils, topical products, treats, and more that can be given by mouth or under the tongue.

With a tincture, you can give your pet a more precise dose than when giving treats by calculating how much CBD is in one drop.

You can also increase the dose slowly rather than being limited to a specific amount in a capsule or a treat.

Pet treats may contain other ingredients and take longer to absorb as they go through the digestive system.

6. Your vet needs to know if you give your pet CBD

If you are considering giving CBD products to your pets, make sure you speak to a vet, especially if they are on medication.

Speak to a vet with some knowledge about CBD and its users, who can give you information about possible risk factors and appropriate dosages.

If your pet is on medication or has any underlying disease, the body may metabolize CBD products differently, and the CBD could increase or decrease the potency of medications. 

7. Side effects are minimal

When giving your pet CBD, it is important to monitor the behavior and check for side effects.

Check whether your pet’s eating habits or stools have changed. Keep notes of how much you give your pet and when you give it as well as any changes.

People who use CBD for pets report that it is safe to use, and the side effects are minimal.

Some pets may experience changes in appetite, a soft stool, and tiredness, but the side effects are usually mild.

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