CBD For Pets

CBD Pet Products

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabinoid molecule naturally found in cannabis and hemp plants. When ingested, cannabinoids pass through the liver and into the bloodstream, interacting with the endocannabinoid system. 

This system is responsible for regulating and balancing various biological processes, including immune response, memory, metabolism, appetite, and how cells send and receive messages. Endocannabinoid receptors can be found throughout the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. 

Now that you know that humans and animals create cannabinoids of their own to regulate essential bodily functions, would it surprise you that adding a CBD supplement to your pet's regime can help your pet live a longer, happier life?

How Pets React to Cannabinoids

Physiologically, dogs and cats are similar to humans. We process CBD the same way; Once ingested, the product passes through your pet’s digestive system and into their bloodstream. It takes only about 30 minutes for your pet to feel the therapeutic effects of CBD. 

Some common and non-dangerous side effects of CBD in pets (especially in those who have never tried it before) are:

Dry Mouth:CBD can decrease the production of saliva. For your pet, this would manifest as increased thirst.

Lowered Blood Pressure:High doses of CBD cause a temporary drop in blood pressure in cats and dogs. The decline is small, but it may cause your pet to feel light-headed.

Drowsiness: The calming effect of CBD can also cause slight drowsiness, especially when using higher doses.

Pro Tip: If administering CBD oil to your pet for the first time, start with a low dose and gradually work your way up to a standard amount over one week. Doing so will prevent your pet from experiencing any adverse side effects. 

CBD Dog Products

It is crucial that you do not significantly increase the dose of CBD too quickly. We advise against starting a new CBD regime by giving your pet large amounts, even if they are a large animal. You can also combat giving inconsistent doses by using CBD dog treats because the CBD is already measured and baked in, and the product packaging will have instructions for you to follow based on the age and weight of your pet.

The side effects oftoo much CBD in pets are generally vomiting, lethargy or diarrhea. If your pet experiences these symptoms, they will wear off, but it indicates that the dose was too much.

After using CBD long term, you may find that your pet is more relaxed, happy, moves easier, sleeps better, and regularly eats. CBD stays in the body for days after its effects have worn off, so your fur baby will continue to reap the benefits long after they have ingested the product. The consensus is that it takes about one week for CBD to leave your pet’s system. However, please note that this will depend on a few factors:

• Diet
• Activity Level
• Body Weight
• How Often CBD Oil is Taken
• Biochemical Makeup

Signs Your Pet Might Benefit From CBD

If you are new to the world of CBD, you might not be sure that it is right for your best friend. We can assure you that CBD is very safe for dogs and cats and can be taken as a general wellness supplement to improve overall health as it promotes homeostasis. Here are some more severe signs that your pet may benefit from using CBD oil or treats:

Osteoarthritis:  A common inflammatory condition in elderly animals that is notorious for causing joint stiffness, chronic pain, and sometimes loss of mobility. If your pet is lethargic, irritable, and avoidant of playing, running, or jumping, they may be a candidate for CBD. Cannabidiol plays a role in modulating the body's natural inflammatory response, which relieves pain and mobility issues. 

Epilepsy: Common medications used to treat epilepsy can cause serious side effects in pets, and some pets develop a resistance to the prescriptions over time. Thankfully, CBD has anti-seizure properties and has been known to reduce seizures over time with consistent use. Please note that CBD will not stop an attack once it has started. 

Inflammation: Just like humans, dogs experience inflammation in a variety of ways. The most common types are inflammation of the joints, skin, and internal tissues. If your pet seems generally unwell, take them for a vet visit. Suppose it is determined that they are suffering from inflammation. In that case, you’ll be happy to know that CBD reduces inflammation by affecting activity in the body's endocannabinoid receptors and regulating the body’s immune response. 

Pain From an Injury: CBD gained its popularity as an all-natural pain relief supplement. Suppose your pet has been injured either by getting a cut, wound or bite. In that case, a broken nail, torn ligament or muscle, or any other type of physical trauma, administering CBD sublingually via tincture oil or CBD dog treats can help manage the pain until it has healed.

Trouble Sleeping: Does your pet have a hard time sleeping? CBD is excellent for regulating the circadian rhythm and is known to help your pet fall asleep and increase the duration of sleep. Simply give your pet their dose of CBD with dinner and relax together throughout the night. 

Lack of Appetite:If your pet is skipping meals regularly (every so often isn’t anything to be alarmed about), we recommend that you take a visit to your vet first to rule out any serious underlying illness. Unlike its THC counterpart, CBD does not cause the munchies. Instead, it relieves nausea, calms the nervous system, and heals the digestive tract. All of which are likely the reasons for lack of appetite. 

Anxiety (including separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, fear of the groomer/vet):

Concentrated CBD directly activates serotonin receptors when consumed, thereby creating an anti-anxiety effect. If your pet suffers from anxiety or PTSD of any type, they may benefit significantly from using CBD to regulate their stress response.

Cancer: CBD cannot act as a sole treatment for cancer, though it is an excellent addition to cancer treatments. Cannabinoids can help slow tumor growth, reduce tumor invasion, and induce tumor cell death. Using CBD regularly will also help your pet boost the immune system, better sleep, decrease nausea and stimulate appetite (all are common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment). 

Perfectly Healthy: While CBD is excellent for treating disease and managing pain, it doesn’t mean your pet has to be afflicted by the previously mentioned ailments to use it. Even if your pet is the happiest, healthiest, hungriest, and sleepiest pet there is, they are still an ideal candidate for CBD as a preventative supplement to keep your pet young and thriving for many years to come. 

How Do Pets Take CBD?

There are a variety of products available for CBD ingestion.  For pets specifically, we recommend the following products: 

Tincture/Oil:Studies have found that consuming CBD oil with fatty acids can help bypass “first-pass metabolism," which can reduce the actual amount of CBD that reaches the bloodstream. By using CBD tinctures or oils, the bioavailability of the CBD molecule is increased. Tinctures and oils generally come with a dropper to make dosing more comfortable and come in various flavors loved by your pet. 

Treats (hemp treats): Hemp treats are an excellent and efficient option for pet owners who are unsure how to dose with CBD oil. It is very easy to dose inconsistently, and doing so can cause those unpleasant side effects we mentioned earlier. (Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea)

 Hemp treats make for a quick and easy administration and are usually not a foreign concept to pets (what cat or dog doesn't love treats, right?), so they are less likely to react adversely to taking their daily dose CBD for wellness. 

Is CBD Safe for Your Dog and Cat?

When appropriately used, CBD may be safe for your dog and cat. CBD is non-psychoactive, so it won’t get your pet high. Most pets tolerate it very well and see a variety of benefits from using CBD regularly. The great thing about the growing hemp industry is the regulatory aspect.

If you’ve done your "pawrently" duty of researching manufacturers, you will find that there are trustworthy brands who use health-promoting ingredients and certified manufacturing processes plus quality control methods to ensure that your pet receives a premium product. 

When You Should Give CBD To Your Pet (time of day)

Dosage frequencies will vary depending on what you are treating with CBD oil. Dogs suffering from pain should receive their ideal dose every 8 hours or as needed. Those with anxiety or behavioral problems, on the other hand, should take their amount once or twice per day after the initial introductory phase. 

For example, if you work during the day and your pet suffers from separation anxiety, you can administer their dose in the morning to calm their nerves during the day. If your pet has trouble sleeping, you will want to give their dose with their evening meal so that they sleep through the evening. For lack of appetite, you will provide your pet their dose before their first meal. 

Is There Any Difference Between Human CBD and Pet CBD?

Hemp-based CBD is interchangeable between pets and humans. Usually, there is no difference in how the oils are manufactured, and any good manufacturer will produce human-grade. The FDA asks that companies label their tinctures for either human consumption or animal consumption. 

If you happen to live in a state with legal cannabis, it is essential to note that CBD, which contains any THC amount, can have a toxic and psychoactive effect on your pet. All it takes is a small amount of cannabis to feel a dramatic impact. It is best to stick with hemp-based tinctures and treats for the best results. 

Buy Quality CBD Products for Your Pets at Hemper 

At Hemper, we genuinely care about you and your furry companion's experience with hemp-based CBD products. While there isn’t much for preexisting medical research on CBD and animals due to the recent emergence of CBD as medicine, there is plenty of anecdotal research and testimonials from pet owners who have seen substantial positive changes in their pet's lives after using CBD. Whether your pet is healthy or needs relief from health issues, you can count on us to provide you with a no BS approach to CBD and a straightforward approach regarding the benefits and risks of using it.

We source high-quality CBD products from top-rated manufacturers that are guaranteed to give you outstanding results. Wellness is a necessity whether you walk on two feet or four, and we get that. We look forward to serving you!