The rapid growth of Cannabidiol (CBD) has led to the development of countless infused household products, from capsules and tinctures to topicals and edibles. Of course, what is good for us we often like to share with our animal companions, so it’s no surprise that people have taken an interest in pet CBD products.
To understand more about CBD and how it can be used for pets, it’s important to first understand the basics of CBD and how it interacts with all mammals. This guide will introduce you to the core concepts around CBD, as well as answer questions like “is CBD safe for pets?” and “how can I give my pets CBD?” By the end, you’ll be well-informed about all things related to pet CBD products.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the most famous cannabinoids out there, perhaps second only to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the infamous compound that produces the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis consumption. CBD, however, is non-intoxicating; it is even thought to mitigate the intoxicating effects of THC when the compounds are present together.
Cannabinoids are unique compounds found only in cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana. In nature, cannabinoids serve to encourage pollinators, boost plants’ “immunity” against disease, and discourage predators. However, when cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids have an altogether different influence. They work in the body by interacting with a series of receptors found throughout the brains and bodies of all mammals, known collectively as the endogenous cannabinoid system, which is also called the endocannabinoid system or also the ECS.
What is the endogenous cannabinoid system?
The endogenous cannabinoid system, known as the endocannabinoid system for short, is a series of two types of receptors found through the central nervous system and immune system of all mammals. The receptors – known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors – interact with compounds created by the body, known as “endocannabinoids,” to help maintain homeostasis throughout multiple systems in the body.
“Phytocannabinoids” – that is, cannabinoids from the cannabis plant – are similar in structure and to endocannabinoids. They also bind to these endocannabinoid receptors. Researchers are still investigating the precise nature of these interactions and how they might be beneficial for health and wellness. While scientific consensus is still being established, anecdotal evidence regarding the potential of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system appears to be immense. Already, personal testimony and experience suggests the effects of CBD and other cannabinoids could be significant.
How does CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system?
How CBD, specifically, interacts with the endocannabinoid system is unique. Unlike many other cannabinoids, CBD does not directly bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors. Beyond that, researchers are still looking into exactly how CBD works alongside the endocannabinoid system. Some think it works by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids, which could boost the effects of the phytocannabinoids. Others have suggested that CBD binds to some other receptor that has not yet been identified. Despite the remaining mysteries about how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, research suggests that it could possibly offer myriad benefits, including for pain, nausea, anxiety, and more.
Because the endocannabinoid system is present in all mammals, it hasn’t just become a go-to product for humans. CBD oil pet spray, for example, have become a popular way for people to give their furry friends a dose of cannabinoids as well. It’s part of a unique segment of the quickly expanding CBD market: CBD for pets.
Is CBD safe for pets?
While the market for CBD for pets has rapidly emerged as a niche market in the wider hemp and CBD industry, it’s worthwhile to pause and ask: is CBD safe for pets? While researchers are still examining the details of how the endocannabinoid system interacts with phytocannabinoids like CBD, the initial results are promising.
A 2017 report by the World Health Organization found that CBD in its pure state appears to be safe for animals. However, a subsequent study performed in 2018 found an increase in canine liver enzymes. The author of that study, veterinarian Stephanie McGrath, said she would advise caution when giving CBD to a dog with known liver issues or that takes medication metabolized by the liver.
Otherwise, so long as you confirm that the CBD pet products you are giving your dog, cat, or other animal companion are responsibly sourced and manufactured using best practices, it should generally be considered safe for pets.
What CBD pet products are available on the market?
CBD for pets is an emerging market, but a few popular items have stood out from the crowd already. These are some common CBD pet products you might encounter on the market today:
- Pet CBD oil spray: Pet CBD oil spray offers one of the easiest and most versatile ways to give your pet CBD. You can spray it directly in their mouth, of course, which is easier than using a dropper from a sublingual tincture. However, many pet owners prefer to use a CBD oil pet spray in a more subtle way, such as spraying it on a treat, in the pet’s food, or even in the pet’s water.
When it comes to Core Roots CBD’s pet spray, the product is guaranteed to be organic and human grade every time. Our pet CBD oil spray is manufactured using Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, which guarantee quality and potency with each batch made. After you spray a bit on your pet’s treat or directly into their mouths, you could even take some yourself. The only two ingredients are organic, full spectrum CBD and organic coconut oil.
- CBD pet treats: Some brands have used CBD oil to infuse pet treats. Just like the edibles makers who bake CBD infused brownies for humans, there are numerous pet chefs cropping up who are infusing their delectable pet treats with CBD. If your pet is very food-motivated, CBD pet treats offer them an easy way to take CBD without even noticing it. Keep in mind, though, that the boiling point of CBD is between 320- and 356-degrees Fahrenheit. Treats cooked at a temperature higher than this range may be detrimental to the CBD content of the treat.
- CBD pet topicals: Some brands carry CBD topicals for pets, such as paw balms or hot spot relief. These CBD pet products are not ingested but instead applied locally to the pet’s problem area by the owner. At Core Roots For Life, our pet CBD oil spray can be sprayed topically on your dog or cat, as well as ingested.
While these CBD pet products are widely available from many different brands, it’s important to recognize that not all CBD pet products are created equal. It is up to you to determine the quality of a product before giving it to your pet; a reputable brand will make that easy for you by availing to you all the necessary information about the ingredients in its product and how they are sourced. All information about Core Roots For Life products can be reviewed on our website, including third party lab testing results completed on each batch of manufactured product.
How to choose a CBD product for your pet
You want to give your pet the very best, so it’s important to choose the right CBD product for them. This means checking off several important boxes related to product quality and efficacy. Here are some of the key criteria you should keep in mind when examining a CBD pet product for the first time:
- Organic: Organic hemp-derived CBD pet products come from naturally grown hemp plants without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. It also means no added chemicals were introduced during the manufacturing process of the final CBD product. Look for organic CBD pet products.
- Lab results: Don’t just take the brand’s word for what is in your pet’s CBD product. Reputable brands make their third-party lab testing results available upon request. Some, like Core Roots CBD, even post their third-party lab test results publicly so you know what’s in the product before you buy it.
- Potency: Understand what dosage works for your pet and buy products accordingly. If your pet requires 5mg of CBD per day, for example, be sure you purchase treats that are 5mg or less. You should consistently give your pet the same dosage of CBD over time; if you are considering increasing your pet’s dosage of CBD, consult your veterinarian first.
- Sourcing: The CBD product is only as good as the hemp from which it is made. A trusted CBD brand will gladly tell you where and how the hemp used in its products is grown. If possible, ensure that CBD products are made from organic hemp, and that products are finished with Good Manufacturing Practices.
- Administration: It’s not always easy to give your pet CBD. Oils can be messy, and an uncooperative animal may refuse the dropper or spill the product. Innovative packaging solutions, including pet CBD oil spray, can help make it easier for pet owners to give CBD to their furry friends.
Finally, it is important to ensure you are purchasing only hemp-derived CBD pet products that contain less than 0.3% THC. Higher levels of THC could be intoxicating to animals. There have been reported instances of the following side effects in animals that ingest excessive amounts of THC:
- Low blood pressure: Ingesting too much THC could result in a drop in blood pressure that causes your pet to feel lightheaded or dizzy.
- Drowsiness: Your pet might become drowsy or lethargic, opting to lay down and take a nap. Their reaction time and responsiveness may become similarly muted.
- Dry mouth: Your pet might get “cottonmouth,” the dry mouth associated with the reduced saliva production.
Do your homework and guarantee that your pet is getting high quality CBD. If you keep these considerations top of mind when researching brands, you can rest assured knowing you’re giving them the best you can get.
How to give your pet CBD
Actually giving your pet CBD can vary in difficulty depending on the type of product you purchase, as well as your pet’s personality and tastes. Administering a CBD oil for pets will often be difficult, as animals don’t generally like to hold still for a tincture. To improve your chances of giving your pet a CBD tincture you can follow the steps below:
- Remove the dropper from the bottle of CBD oil.
- Secure your pets head gently, while holding the dropper in your free hand.
- Dispense about 1mg of CBD for every 2 pounds of your animal’s weight.
- If your animal does not want to accept the dropper, try dispensing the proper dosage onto a spoon and offering it to your pet.
- If your pet still refuses the CBD oil, consider adding the drops to your pet’s favorite treats or food.
- Praise your pet and give them a pat on the head for being so well behaved!
That’s quite a process though, so pet CBD oil sprays were developed to make it far easier. Simply spray the proper dosage of CBD onto your animal’s food or in their water before it’s feeding time. Core Roots For Life pet CBD oil spray contains approximately 3 milligrams of CBD per spray; follow dosing guidelines provided by your veterinarian to calculate the proper number of sprays according to your animal’s weight. The spray topper makes administering the proper dose of CBD to your pet a quick and painless process for both of you. Likewise, CBD pet treats work wonders (so long as your pet likes the taste).
Your pets will thank you for Core Roots CBD
Core Roots CBD keeps quality and efficacy at the core of everything we do. But don’t take our word for it, check out our third-party lab test results, as well as testimonials from satisfied customers. Whether for you or your furry friends, Core Roots CBD delivers effective organic hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD products in every bottle. Have no doubt, your pet will thank you for Core Roots CBD.