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CBD oil for pets and other CBD products like chew treats for dogs are rapidly growing in popularity amongst pet owners across the world. Why you might ask? Well, CBD is a natural form of food supplement that shows potential results in research studies for the regulation of various health conditions. It must be noted however that such trials are small in scale and preliminary in nature with much more evidence needed.
Not only are researchers discovering the various potential effects on both body and mind, but ordinary men and women are too…and their pets. A host of anecdotal evidence in the form of testimonials is now available through a simple google search. People who have chosen to add CBD oil to their diet, and pet owners who add it to the diet of their pets are sharing stories of their CBD supplement use online with others.
Despite claims relating to relief of anxiety and stress, and ongoing clinical trial research into the chemical compound that is CBD, governments and leaders alike are hesitant to stamp this supplement with a medicinal status. That is because more large scale research trials are needed to confirm the claims of body benefits made CBD supplement users.
The former means that brands selling CBD oils and other CBD products cannot market their Cannabidiol as having medicinal benefits or healing properties. CBD, therefore, is to be sold as a food supplement only, according to laws in many European countries.
Some countries have gone the extra mile and now recognise the cannabis plant terpenes as a natural treatment option for those with epilepsy or who experience seizures for example but this depends on the place and requires a special prescription. Forum groups online are actively talking about the use of full-spectrum CBD products for pets in a variety of ways like anxious responses to stress.
This leaves CBD in a grey area of the law, but it doesn’t mean that men, women, and pets can’t benefit from this plant compound. CBD sold and bought as a food supplement is perfectly legal in most countries across Europe and could possibly be an asset to your pet. Let’s now look at what CBD is and how to add it to your dog, cat or even horse’s diet.
What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol, the full term for CBD, is one of over a hundred compounds found in the cannabis plant family. These compounds are also called cannabinoids and occur in different amounts from plant to plant. For example, the hemp plant one member of the cannabis plant group and contains primarily CBD cannabinoids. The marijuana plant is another member of this plant family but contains large amounts of the cannabinoid THC, which is well known for making people ‘high’.
Both plants, hemp and marijuana contain CBD, THC and others like CBG but there is a difference between the content of each. CBD oils and CBD products are made using CBD cannabinoids which are extracted from the hemp plant only, because it is plentiful in hemp while THC or tetrahydrocannabinol only occurs in a small amount. High levels of CBD or Cannabidiol make it perfect for CBD extraction.
When CBD is extracted for the purpose of CBD product production, other cannabinoids are also extracted like THC and CBG. However, they are small in number and so occur only in trace amounts in the finished product. In such small levels these cannabinoids work in a supportive way rather than having any profound individual effect on the user. That is why CBD oil cannot make you ‘high’.
How does CBD work in the body?
You may be surprised to learn that humans and animals can potentially benefit from a CBD food supplement. CBD works in conjunction with particular system which scientists have proven exists in humans and animals. This system, called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) works to create a state of balance or homeostasis within the body. It controls and regulates the function of various areas of the body (and mind) like metabolism, sleep patterns, stress responses and appetite among others.
Can dogs and cats take CBD oil?
As animals have this system too CBD can work for them as a dietary supplement just as much as it can for a pet owner. Let me explain further. If your pet has a bodily function that is out of whack or needs regulation to work more effectively then the body naturally produces neurotransmitters called Endocannabinoids. These bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain to send signals around the body to regulate and reinstate balance. Whether your pet, dog or cat, takes CBD or not this system is at work within them.
If your animal has CBD oil or CBD treats added to its diet, the cannabis cannabinoids present work the same as Endocannabinoids. They bind to receptors in the brain and send messages to work on regulating areas that need help. Salmon oil is often added as a carrier oil for the CBD content in Cannabidiol for pets as it makes the supplement more appealing and masks the taste of hemp in the animal’s mouth. Salmon oil also benefits the condition of your animal’s coat.
Customers of CBD oils and treats for pets should make sure to research a company before purchasing from them. Look for reviews from other customers and quality ingredients plus information on dosage and the range of product options available for your animal.
MORE READING: CBD FISH OIL FOR DOGS
What is Full-Spectrum oil?
Full Spectrum CBD oil means that the oil you are purchasing is making use of all parts of the hemp plant. Extraction processes can be used to only extract pure CBD for the purpose of adding this to food supplements however many users believe that CBD as a compound works better in conjunction with other cannabinoids present in the plant.
Full-spectrum products include all cannabinoids in the hemp plant to allow users to experience the entourage effect. This way cannabinoids can work synergistically together in the finished product.
Should You Give Full–Spectrum CBD to Pets?
It is perfectly fine to give your pet, dog or cat, a full-spectrum CBD oil as a food supplement. All this means is that there are more cannabinoids present, including THC in trace amounts, than other oils for pets which may be more restricted in terms of ingredients.
THC in trace amounts is not enough to cause any adverse side effects to your pet. Instead, it can work in synergy with CBD and other cannabinoids present to affect the work of the body’s Endocannabinoid system.
How to Use Full-Spectrum Products for Dogs & Cats?
You may be wondering how to use CBD products for your dog or cat? Well, it is relatively simple. CBD drops can be added each day to your pet’s main meal by dropping the desired dose into their food and mixing. If you dog or cat is particularly fussy and senses the change then you can try breaking a biscuit treat in half and dropping the doses into the centre of it. Allow it time to soak before handing your pet the treat.
Some pet owners manage to drop the CBD oil dose into their pet’s mouth under the tongue where it will undergo faster absorption into the bloodstream, but it can’t be guaranteed that the animal won’t immediately swallow the oil. If so that’s fine but it will have to go through the digestive system too.
The key to using Full–Spectrum CBD Products for cats and dogs is to be consistent with each dose. Try not to skip a day for the first three weeks to allow the oil build up in the animal’s body. Over time you can cut back if you feel the effects are present but it can certainly be maintained on a daily basis as a natural addition of nutrients to a pet owners feeding routine.
