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.