A CBD Guide for Pet Owners

CBD Products for Pets

One of the hottest topics regarding CBD lately is the regular use of CBD products for pets. The CBD industry meets the needs of dogs, cats, horses, and other animals by producing high-quality CBD products, including CBD pet treats, CBD sprays, and oils. What information do you need to know about CBD and your pet?

There are so many questions about CBD oil for pets in the media right now. In particular, CBD oil for dogs and cats. But what is CBD oil for animals? Is it safe? Is it legal? The short answer is yes, but CBD for pets is very different from the CBD oil that humans use.

CBD Doesn't Get You High

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound, or cannabinoid, found exclusively in cannabis and hemp plants. Not to be confused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the most important cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating properties of cannabis. Most CBD oils do not contain THC, allowing our pets (dogs, cats, and others) to benefit from the therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant without any intoxicating effects in the same way humans do. In short, CBD oil can provide a life-changing treatment without any side effects.

What exactly is CBD Oil for Dogs?

No matter the size or breed, CBD for dogs is a hot topic in the minds of all pet owners. But what is CBD oil for dogs? Is it safe? Is it legal? The short answer is yes, but CBD for dogs is very different from the CBD oil that humans use.

To understand how dogs can benefit from CBD oil, it is important to understand what CBD is and where it comes from. CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. And there are two types of cannabis plants: marijuana and hemp. Each comes with different properties and different levels of cannabinoids. Marijuana is higher in THC, while hemp contains more CBD.

CBD oil for dogs is not the same as CBD oil used by humans, as dogs have smaller endocannabinoid systems.

Furthermore, CBD oil for dogs (and humans) is both safe and legal.

Even with the scale of clinical studies demonstrating the many health benefits of CBD, the most encouraging finding is that cannabidiol appears to be completely safe, even when given in high doses over prolonged periods. Keep in mind that this may decrease the activity of your pet's liver enzymes which are used to metabolize many pharmaceutical prescriptions - so if your dog is taking additional medication you may want to consult your veterinarian before administering any drug CBD to your pet.

Most CBD oil (for pets and humans) is derived from the hemp plant, so it contains virtually no trace of THC (less than 0.3%). This complies with the U.S. Agriculture Act of 2014, which makes hemp-derived CBD oil legal in all 50 states for human and pet products. When you consider CBD oil, find one that is both 100% organic and safe. More and more veterinarians and pet owners are drawn to the therapeutic nature of cannabidiol (CBD).

FACT: All CBD goods for dogs produce no more than.03 percent THC. Pet owners should check the consistency of their pet CBD oil by reviewing the lab reports issued by their supplier.

Indeed, dogs and humans are naturally wired with endocannabinoid systems (ECS). ECS in dogs releases cannabinoids to regulate the same bodily functions as in humans. Cannabinoids regulate things like pain reception and mood. CBD for dogs can even increase the number of natural cannabinoids and relieve things like arthritis and separation anxiety, or even get picky eaters to eat their dinner.

CBD oil for dogs is not the same as CBD oil used by humans, as dogs have smaller endocannabinoid systems.

Humans simply have more cannabinoid receptors, and their SEC is greater than that of a dog. Giving a dog-human CBD oil can overwhelm the ECS and derail a dog's natural regulatory system. Due to this size ratio, CBD for dogs and other pets is specifically designed in lower doses for their smaller systems.

Dogs should never be given CBD oil that has been used in vape pens, edibles, or tinctures intended for human use.

How to Give CBD to Dogs at the Required Dose

CBD for dogs comes from the same plant as CBD for humans, but it's the dosage size that is different. High-quality CBD retailers provide dosage charts with each of their CBD pet oils to help consumers administer CBD to dogs with confidence.

Each dog is unique. Finding a pet CBD oil that works will depend on the content and dosage of each particular CBD product as well as the size and weight of the dog.

Did you know? Topical applications of CBD can begin to relieve symptoms in ten minutes but will only last for an hour or two. CBD dog treats can take up to thirty minutes but have longer-lasting effects - at least four hours!

Pet owners have the choice of administering CBD to dogs topically or orally. Most prefer to give their puppies oral CBD, usually with a CBD dog treat or by adding CBD tinctures to bowls of water several times a day. Either way, a few milligrams can go a long way. Properly dosed CBD pet treats make it easy to give CBD to dogs who need it daily. CBD dog treats give pet owners full control over how much CBD they want to give their dogs.

Because dogs have ECS just like humans, they experience many of the same benefits. CBD for dogs relieves daily aches and pains and can soothe stressed puppies.

CBD Can Support Dogs in What Ways?

Trusted CBD retailers will offer different ways to use CBD for pets, like CBD dog treats or CBD pet sprays, so pet owners can find the best way to help their dogs with health. CBD.

The demand for CBD-infused pet products has exploded in recent years. More and more consumers are beginning to recognize cannabidiol as a viable treatment option not only for themselves but also for their pets.

A compound unique to the cannabis plant, CBD has been scientifically shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions and disorders due to its effect on our endocannabinoid system - which is widely considered to be the most important physiological system, responsible for establishing and maintaining health.

Fun fact: All mammals share a similar endocannabinoid system, which means even a man's best friend can benefit from its worth.

How to Approach a Vet about CBD for Dogs

Starting the conversation about CBD with the vet can be intimidating. CBD is still a relatively new wellness product, and some vets may not be familiar with CBD for dogs. But that doesn't mean the conversation is over. Talking about the differences between CBD and THC and focusing on how CBD for dogs naturally interacts with the endocannabinoid system can motivate vets to explore the different CBD options available to dogs.

To fully understand the extent of CBD's effects on dogs, pet owners should do their research and discuss their options with their vets. The more pet owners understand about this natural medicine, the more their best friend can benefit from CBD for dogs.

CBD and Cats

Cat owners across the country from California to Connecticut are turning to CBD as part of their pet's daily health regimen. There is a lot of buzz about CBD now and with that buzz comes a lot of misinformation. Here are some facts about CBD for cats that will set the record straight.

Talking with a Vet

Pet owners should speak to the vet about CBD. More and more, vets are following the latest research on CBD and many are aware of its health benefits. In general, vets with a more holistic approach will embrace CBD more fully. Be open and honest with your vet about why you want to try CBD for your cat. Is it for a specific disease or is it part of a general wellness routine? Have an exchange of ideas. Pet owners can let the vet know about the articles they've read and ask the vet for any studies they've read as well. Ask the vet to what extent has CBD been incorporated into veterinary practice. Before speaking to a veterinarian, pet owners should be as informed as possible.

How Does CBD Affect Cats?

CBD has the same effect on animals as it does on humans. Cats also have an endocannabinoid system of neurotransmitters and receptors that send chemical signals to each other to keep the body in balance (homeostasis) and function normally. A cat's body produces natural cannabinoids that create calm, relieve pain, and alleviate hunger. Plants also contain cannabinoids; they are called phytocannabinoids and they help the plant stay healthy, ward off predators, and fight disease. CBD is a phytocannabinoid, and the cool part is that CBD works on human and animal receptors as well.

Cats also have an endocannabinoid system of neurotransmitters and receptors that send chemical signals to each other to keep the body in balance (homeostasis) and function normally.

CBD is an effective treatment for cats.

Knowing how to give your cat CBD oil is as important as knowing why. The dosage is very important. Animals metabolize substances differently from humans, so you should never give your cat CBD intended for humans.

Only use CBD specially formulated for cats. The same amount of CBD that a human would need to calm anxieties would be too high a dose for cats. Your vet can help you find the right dose. Most vets recommend starting with a small dose, determining how your cat is responding to it, and then increasing if necessary.

Cats respond to CBD individually. If they take too much, there are no negative side effects other than drowsiness. At higher doses, CBD has a sedative effect, but because it is non-toxic, it is safe for cats in prescribed doses. The effects of CBD oil last 4-6 hours. It's safe for cats of all ages to take CBD, and the best part is that CBD doesn't cause an increased intolerance. CBD pet products are also available as a pet spray.

Contrary to popular belief, CBD will not make your cat “high”. CBD is derived from hemp. Both the hemp plant and the cannabis plant naturally contain CBD, and CBD oil can be derived from either plant. Many companies, including Higher Hemp CBD, extract CBD oil from hemp because hemp plants have been cultivated specifically to have a high concentration of CBD and only traces of THC, the hallucinogenic compound in marijuana is known; THC creates the “high”.

CBD does not provide this effect and is much more therapeutic. Any THC remaining in the oil is removed during the extraction process for a completely THC-free product. Even in small amounts, THC can make a cat very sick, but that's not a problem with Higher Hemp CBD products.

CBD works gradually, not quickly. As the body becomes accustomed to CBD, the effects will start to show in about a week. Cats will return to normal activity and behaviors as the benefits of CBD kick in. Cats with stiff joints become more mobile and anxious cats begin to relax and stop destructive behaviors. Again, this is CBD that brings the body back into balance.

Related Article: Benefits of CBD for Pets

How Should I Administer CBD to My Cat?

Pet CBD comes in many formulations - treats, sprays, and drops - so you're sure to find one that's right for your cat. If your cat allows it, a spray or drops directly into the mouth can be done. Many cat owners add CBD directly to the cat's food or use CBD treats. Just be aware that treats take longer to absorb than oils, but treats generally provide longer relief.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing CBD

Dosage is a very important consideration as stated above therefore clear product labels are very important for pet owners to understand not only the dosage but also the ingredients. Not all CBD oils are created the same. Pet owners should always choose an organic CBD product to ensure the product is free from pesticides, toxins, solvents, and other harmful agents.

Choose a product with independent third-party lab testing. Stringent testing criteria have become the norm for the CBD industry. Many pet owners are concerned about the “hidden” ingredients like THC that are lurking in a CBD supplement. Choose a product line for which the company publishes lab results directly on the website, and choose a product that is consistent and therefore always has the same lab results. Companies that follow these practices for their CBD products ensure transparency for the consumer, who will know the exact CBD content of the product, know the other ingredients, and be assured of a 100% THC-free pet formulation.

Using CBD on All Pets Includes Using the Right Dosage

Just because humans and animals can both benefit from using CBD, they can never use the same CBD. The CBD oils and additives in vape pens or edibles are not intended for animal consumption, and the doses in human products are exactly: humans.

Pet CBD Oil and Pet CBD Products are specially designed for animal and animal size endocannabinoid systems. If a pet owner is using human CBD on an animal, it is important to take them to the vet immediately to make sure there are no negative side effects.

FACT: The negative side effects of CBD oil for pets are rare. The most common symptom is drowsiness and is caused by improper dosage.

Dosing CBD for all pets is as easy as knowing the animal's weight. The same amount of CBD used on a large animal is not the same dose that a bird would take. Balancing the individual pet CBD dose with the size of the animal is the best way to ensure that there are no side effects of drowsiness.

To be safe, pet owners with smaller pets, such as birds or lizards, should start with 0.05 mg of pet CBD per pound. Once they are sure of the effects of CBD, users can increase the dose to 0.125 mg. larger animals can start with 0.25-1 mg per pound and build up from there. It is not recommended that pets be given CBD more than twice a day until owners understand how their pets respond to CBD.

Because every animal is different, CBD will not affect all animals the same. Their endocannabinoid systems will determine how much CBD is needed to notice significant changes in health and behavior. Some animals need more while others can do more with less. Talking with a veterinarian is necessary to determine the best way to use CBD for all animals.

The Value of Third-Party Testing

Independent laboratory test

Of course, just because a label claims to contain certain ingredients does not mean that the label is true. That's why it's important to choose a CBD pet company that has nothing to hide and that performs independent third-party testing of all of its products. Preferably, choose a company that publishes lab results directly on the website for each product.

The goal of third-party quality testing in the CBD industry is to have an impartial party review and assess the content and quality of the product available to prove that CBD products consumed by humans and animals do not contain any harmful additives or THC.

Whether CBD oil is purchased online or in a store, buyers have likely seen “third-party tests” written on labels everywhere. What does it mean? Why is third-party quality testing needed for CBD in animals? Aren't all companies required to test all of their pet products?

Laboratory tests of this nature guarantee several things. First, the test results must ensure that the CBD content matches what the label says. Second, lab tests should confirm a product that is completely THC-free. CBD oils derived from hemp plants mean the plants are designed to have naturally low levels of THC.

Therefore, CBD oils start with very little THC, and the extraction process removes any remaining traces of THC that might remain. If they are not readily available, always ask to see lab test results for any CBD product and avoid CBD companies that will not share the data. Choose a company with transparency in its operations.

FACT: To be legally sold online and offline, CBD oil must contain less than 0.03% THC.

Third-party labs will test for potency and ensure the CBD / THC ratio is well within legal limits. But that's just one dimension of third-party testing. These tests examine all elements of CBD to ensure the quality and safety of each product tested.

What exactly is third-party consistency testing?

First and foremost, the goal of third-party quality testing in the CBD industry is to have an impartial party that reviews and evaluates the content and quality of the product available. In this case, these tests focus on the quality, consumability, and potency of the CBD.

Providing a neutral source for testing CBD is essential for the US CBD industry. As the law currently stands, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the production of CBD or any other hemp-based product because cannabis is still - technically - illegal at the federal level. Of course, the FDA is free to remove and test any CBD product off the shelves, and they have, but it's impossible to track down every CBD retailer in the country. This is where third-party quality testing comes in.

An industry without federal regulation is susceptible to false advertising. Companies that display the results of their third-party tests are one-way consumers who can avoid fakes and scams, especially from online retailers. Lab results also show consumers what's in their CBD. Knowing the potency of a CBD oil or CBD edible is essential to getting the most of its health benefits. Regulating a dose of CBD is much easier when results from third-party labs infer the potency of CBD down to the last drop.

What do these third-party consistency checks aim for?

Third-party lab tests primarily look for two things: potency and contamination. There are many types of quality testing that CBD companies can perform, but the main things consumers are looking for are products with honest potency labels and free from contamination from pesticides or solvents.

Users should only trust pet CBD products from reputable companies that include third-party lab results with their products. Besides potency, the regulations also protect CBD users from contaminants such as pesticides, solvents, and bacteria.

CBD Contamination Monitoring by a Third Party

Besides potency, the regulations also protect CBD users from contaminants such as pesticides, solvents, and bacteria. Different CBD companies have different methods of reducing, removing, or completely stopping these contaminants, but only third-party testing can guarantee that these methods work.

Pesticides are a common contaminant because hemp plants are grown outdoors or in greenhouses. They fall victim to insects, rodents, and even viruses so small they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Most of the pesticides used by CBD growers don't harm humans, but not everyone. Some pests are persistent and require aggressive treatment. Third-party testing ensures that none of these treatments spill over into the CBD made from these hemp plants.

Solvents are another contaminant. They are becoming more and more common as CBD oil continues to gain in popularity. To create CBD oil, it must first be extracted from the hemp plant. Extreme heat is often used to do this, but flames of butane or propane can leave behind unpleasant residues that are harmful to human health.

This residue is called a "solvent," and third-party testing ensures that no solvents are left in the CBD oil or CBD tinctures that people use. The best CBD companies will use extreme pressure extraction or supercritical CO2 extraction because it leaves no solvents, and their lab results will reflect that.

Microbials and bacteria are even more contaminants that plague CBD. While pesticides occur at the start of the growing process and solvents occur at the end, bacteria can strike at any time. Hemp can become infected while growing or be poorly stored when grown. Extractors may use dirty equipment when squeezing the hemp, or hedge trimmers may use dirty tools when tending to the leaves. Because bacteria are a pervasive threat, third-party testing is the only way to protect consumers from tainted CBD.

Remember, third-party testing is not needed!

Users should only trust CBD products from reputable companies that include third-party lab results with their products. Because it is perfectly within the legal limits to sell CBD products of different potencies in the United States, CBD users should be sure to take their doses right every time. Laboratory results can guarantee this.

More importantly, American CBD users should also remember that the FDA does not regulate the hemp or CBD industry in the United States at all. In states with legal marijuana laws, there are state-level regulations that protect users from contaminants. But in states where marijuana is still illegal and there is no state-level marijuana industry, there is no guarantee that every CBD product on the market is regulated or safe to consume.

This is why it is important to pay attention to the results of third-party CBD pet tests. Companies that invest in their products and third-party lab tests want to ensure that their CBD is of the highest quality before it is sold. Including lab results doesn't just boast, it's a promise that the CBD sold is exactly what it promises to be - an incredible health supplement that can reduce stress, improve sleep, and create feelings of general well-being every time it is used.