Those of us who are pet owners care tremendously about
the wellbeing of our four-legged companions, and therefore it’s not surprising
that so many of us have decided that it’s time to explore giving our cats and
dogs CBD. Cannabidiol is a dominant
compound in the hemp plant. It’s been
studied widely for its various effects over the past few years, and nowadays, veterinarians are starting to recommend it to our
furry friends.
We know that kittens/puppies, young pets, adult pets,
and senior pets all have different needs, which is why we’ll be covering each
age group to help you come up with the most suitable cannabidiol regimen.
The Endocannabinoid System and Your Pet
One thing that’s important to keep in mind is that
generally speaking, all pets can use CBD, as long as its usage is approved by
your veterinarian. CBD belongs to a
class of compounds found in the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the only compounds that
directly interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
All mammals have an endocannabinoid
system. This system
has the job of keeping the body in a state of homeostasis, which refers to an
equilibrium throughout the bodily systems that allows for a general, heightened
sense of wellbeing. The endocannabinoid
system consists of cannabinoid receptors found in every area of the body, with
each receptor regulating a bodily task, whether it relate to digestion,
inflammation, mood, etc. When
cannabinoids are administered, they bind with individual cannabinoid receptors,
which allows these regulatory effects to occur.
This means that the same properties of cannabidiol
that can be beneficial to us may be useful to pets as well. But their endocannabinoid systems are
different from ours in that they don’t require the same amounts of cannabinoids
that we do in order to be properly supported.
Types of CBD Products for Pets
Let’s quickly go over the most popular types of CBD products for pets. Each type absorbs into the body in a unique
manner, so choosing the best delivery method based on their needs and
preferences is important.
CBD Oil
Consists of pure hemp extract that’s diluted in a
carrier oil considered safe for pets to ingest.
It can be administered as a tincture or added to their food, with the
first method offering effects within 15 to 45 minutes and lasting for a couple
of hours, and the latter method taking longer to activate in the body but
providing several hours of activation in their bodies. Many CBD oils are flavored, and they come in
a variety of strengths.
CBD Treats
Areundoubtedly the easiest way to administer
CBD to your cat or dog, because the CBD comes in a form that pets already
love. As edibles, they take up to an
hour or so to become active and may provide effects for several hours.
CBD Topicals
Made for problem areas of the body such as pain and
skin issues. Available in sprays, balms,
and other formulas, they target the particular area of the body rather than
spreading cannabinoids throughout the various bodily systems.
Choosing High-Quality Products
When shopping for CBD for your precious companion,
it’s important to opt for high quality.
Look for a company that offers third-party lab reports on their website,
as this shows that the hemp is tested by an unbiased party for quality as well
as purity. And, always read the
ingredients to make sure that they are safe for your particular pet.
Talking to You Veterinarian
You should never start your pet on a CBD routine until
you’ve talked it over with your vet.
Only they can offer medical advice regarding your pet’s health. Your veterinarian should be able to help you
develop a routine with cannabidiol based on your pet’s unique health-related
needs as well as any medications that they may be taking. Make sure that you follow your vet’s
instructions and keep them updated on your pet’s progress as you introduce hemp
into their daily regimen.
Factoring in Weight
Besides age, weight must be considered when choosing
the right amount of cannabidiol to give them daily. There seems to be a direct correlation
between weight and the amount of cannabinoids that should be administered
daily.
Luckily, companies that offer CBD products for pets
typically offer some type of guide that tells you how much to give them
according to their weight. This guide
will tell you how many milligrams of hemp they should be given each day. The milligram strength reflects the potency
level of a product, determining how many milligrams of pure hemp are in a
single dose.
Puppy/Kitten
Puppies and kittens can do with lower amounts of CBD
because their weight is so low, and because they are less likely to have
chronic conditions that may require higher doses. Choose a CBD product with a milligram strength
that reflects their weight and give them a single dose a day.
Young
Young cats and dogs generally are in better health
than older pets, but they may still have unique needs that CBD may be able to
address. One example is epilepsy,
which is a condition that can develop once a pet reaches one or two years of
age. Studies have found that cannabidiol
may play a role in managing seizures by regulating neurological functions in
the brain.
The key to using hemp successfully for a young pet is
finding the right milligram strength for their weight and giving them their
dose on a daily basis in a consistent manner.
Middle-Aged
Middle-aged pets could be more prone to certain issues
such as dental problems or digestive ailments.
They may be a bit less active than they were when they were
younger. Because cannabidiol supports
the endocannabinoid system, it may help support and regulate many of the
functions they require daily, including mood regulation, pain regulation and
digestive health. In fact, research has uncovered that CBD may
regulate energy levels, which could help a pet who is
becoming less active as they get older.
When coming up with a routine for a middle-aged pet,
select a CBD milligram strength based on their weight, and give hemp to them
daily.
Senior
Without a doubt, CBD is most commonly given to senior
pets, as aging cats and dogs are more prone to issues that owners and vets
alike hope to address with hemp, including arthritis
and issues with appetite. Again, weight is a big factor when it comes
to how much cannabidiol they should consume per day.
Another thing to bear in mind is that as senior cats
and dogs tend to have weaker teeth, if you choose a CBD treat, opt for one that
is soft and chewable. As senior pets are
more prone to ailments in general, you should regularly communicate with your
vet as to how their CBD regimen is going, and whether or not you notice any
types of side effects.
Our Precious Pets Deserve Good Health at Every Age
If you want to support them with the help of mother
nature, CBD may be a great choice for their daily routine. Giving them cannabinoids daily supports their
endocannabinoid system, which in turn can help them maintain homeostasis
whether they’re under a year old or a senior.
If you wish to start them on a hemp regimen, speak to your veterinarian
to come up with a routine that works for their needs.
Leave a Reply