In recent years, cannabidiol, or CBD, has taken the world by storm. With increased interest concerning the non-recreational uses of marijuana, its unique cousin the hemp plant has been getting its share of the limelight.
But did you know CBD can help your pets, too? With proper veterinary supervision, CBD can provide a plethora of wellness benefits for dogs and even cats. Here are some of the more surprising facts about using CBD oil for dogs.
CBD can come in a variety of forms
If you’re looking to boost your dog’s appetite and offer them pure CBD, pet treats are able to offer the soothing benefits of CBD in a tasty treat form such as chewable bones, jerky sticks, or other tasty snacks. If your veterinarian has given you the go-ahead to start your dog on CBD, don’t be surprised when they get their taste for treats back as well! Even if they’re not fans of edible CBD, tinctures and sprays are additional options available to help your pet get their daily measure of CBD.
CBD can assist with a dog’s stress levels
Dogs are just like people in that they can suffer from stress and nervousness. The trouble is, it can be difficult to help dogs when they’re feeling this way. After all, humans can talk about their problems and even pursue therapy, whereas dogs cannot. Life would be so much easier if you could just explain to your little Fido that things like thunderstorms and fireworks are completely harmless, wouldn’t it?
Most dogs are sensitive to noise to some degree, and close to half of all domestic dogs suffer from noise-based stress at least some of the time. For years, people have been giving medication to their pets in anticipation of predicted thunderstorms and celebrations like the Fourth of July. More recently, however, many individuals are turning to CBD oil for dogs as it appears to actually ease their stress rather than just mask it.
But remember that CBD is not a cure-all, and it will depend on your pet’s physical needs and makeup. You should be consulting your veterinarian before you consider giving them CBD when dealing with the stress caused by loud noises.
You can get THC-Free CBD for your Dog
Many pet owners are wary of CBD products, given the lack of regulation in the Industry and the unfortunate presence of some unscrupulous manufacturers. There is a fear of THC being given to pets, as THC, the primary cannabinoid in marijuana, can be extremely dangerous to pets who eat it, or even just breathe in secondhand marijuana smoke from their owners. Because CBD can be sourced from either hemp or marijuana, it is vital that the CBD products given to dogs or cats be sourced exclusively from legally-produced hemp. Additionally, all CBD products bought should include a third-party lab-test report detailing the purity of that product. Look for broad spectrum or isolate CBD products, as these often have a smaller chance of having THC in them as well.
Consult your Veterinarian
This cannot be stressed enough. If you are interested in using CBD to help your furry friend, be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian and use only the CBD products that they explicitly recommend. Ordering a random brand of CBD online or purchasing from a human dispensary without veterinary consultation could harm your pet as some labels can be unclear or deceiving. Only administer CBD that your veterinarian has okayed.
Please don’t attempt to diagnose anxiety issues with your pet by yourself. If you suspect your dog is hurting or overly anxious be sure you have them examined by your veterinarian before beginning a CBD regimen. Your veterinarian may have a different course of action they wish for you to follow.
For more information on the many benefits of CBD and how your pets can take advantage of it, visit SunStateHemp.com.