CBD for Pets: How to Keep Your Furry Friend Happy

No one likes to see their furry best friend in pain of suffering. But thanks to CBD for pets you don’t have to. 

CBD for pets is an all-natural non-toxic and safe treatment for many ailments that your pet may face. It’s recommended by many doctors and veterinarians all over the country. Keep reading to learn more about CBD for pets and how CBD can help your pet. 

1. The Research Is in on CBD

CBD or cannabidiol is a popular cannabinoid that is derived from the cannabis plant, cannabis sativa. Recently this compound has become hugely popular both by humans and pets to treat a variety of different ailments. 

If your pet regularly suffers from bouts of anxiety, pain, or seizures pet CBD may be an effective treatment. There is even some research showing CBD oil can help your pet lose weight. 

Since CBD is derived from the cannabis sativa plant many responsible pet owners are a bit nervous when it comes to dosing their furry friend. However, there is nothing to be afraid of.

CBD pet products can come from the "hemp" variety, meaning they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC; or they can come from "marijuana" variety, meaning they contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. CBD pet products derived from "marijuana" are rare to find, and can only be purchased by a state regulated cannabis dispensary.

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause any psychoactive effects and it is totally safe and non-toxic for pets, especially and specifically when derived from hemp.

There have been many studies done on the effects of CBD and your pet and many are still ongoing. The ASPCA recommends that you talk to your pet’s vet before starting a regime of CBD so he or she can help you keep track of any possible side effects and make you aware of interaction if your pet is currently on medication. 

Although our pets are different from us humans there are still some similarities when it comes to how we both absorb CBD. Keep reading to learn about your pet’s endocannabinoid system. 

2. Your Pet’s Endocannabinoid System

To understand why CBD is such a powerful, all-natural treatment for your pet, first, you must understand the endocannabinoid system of your pet. 

The endocannabinoid system is a connection of endocannabinoid receptors and enzymes located throughout the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system (think your spinal cord and your brain). 

This important system in your pet’s body is responsible for maintaining balance in many important functions. Here are just a few: 

• Memory
• Mood
• Sleep patterns
• Appetite and metabolism
• Bone and muscle growth
• Motor control 
• Seizures
• Energy levels

How does it work? The endocannabinoids bind with receptors in the body and stimulate a response in your pet’s brain and body. CBD uses the mammalian body’s natural cannabinoid receptors to help eliminate ailments and symptoms. 

We’ll give you an example. Let’s say you have an elderly pet who has a touch of arthritis. This arthritis brings with it an uncomfortable pain. 

CBD endocannabinoids work to stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in your pet’s brain that are related to the pain response. They then help the body release pain-relieving endorphins. 

The result is a happy pain-free pet. If your pet suffers from a sleep disorder, CBD can help your pet by binding to the receptors in the body that are associated with sleep patterns. 

There are many, many different ways that CBD can help you pet find balance and live their best life. 

3. CBD for Cats

One of the most common cat CBD uses is to treat anxiety. Unfortunately, cats are not used to our human world and many situations can cause anxiety to our beloved little kitties. 

Moving to a new home, traveling in general, adjusting to new cats or new people, or taking a trip to the vet or groomers can all make even the most laid back cat a bit nervous. CBD can help ease your cat’s worries and is a very effective treatment to minimize your cat’s anxiety. 

CBD also doesn’t have many of the harmful side effects like prescription drugs for anxiety. Product labeling can always be a bit confusing so make sure you shop around the find the best, high-quality CBD oil for your cat.

A great product should clearly have written on the label the amount of CBD it contains. It’s a good idea to make sure it is organic or free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Most manufacturers also have lab test results so you can know the exact strength of the CBD oil you are buying for your cat. 

4. Getting Your Cat to Take CBD

We all know it can be really difficult to get your cat to take anything ti doesn’t want to, so how do you get your cat to take the CBD oil? Luckily there are a few different ways you can get your cat to take their CBD. 

One of the most popular ways to give your cat CBD oil is to use a bottled CBD tincture. Bottled tinctures come with a dropper making it easier to measure out the dosage for your cat.

If your cat isn’t picky, choose a full-spectrum CBD oil that can give your cat many additional beneficial natural compounds from the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum CBD has been clinically proven to make the compounds in CBD oil work better over time. 

However, full-spectrum CBD oil can taste a bit "all natural" and picky cats can find it off-putting. Consider adding the CBD oil to your cat’s favorite food or treat to make it go down a little bit easier. 

Another great way to get your cat to take her CBD is to use Bailey's coconut oil-rich CBD oil as a topical. If your cat just won’t swallow CBD a topical solution might be best. CBD comes prepackaged with coconut oil that can be applied to her skin at the site of the pain. 

Rubbing it on the bare skin behind your cat’s ears or on their shoulder blades is another great spot because then they have a hard time licking it off. This allows the CBD coconut oil to be fully absorbed by the skin. 

5. Dosage for Cats

Unfortunately, CBD oil isn’t one-size-fits-all. You may have to experiment with the dosage to find just the right amount for your cat. Every cat and every situation is different. 

Some cats also respond differently to CBD. Keep a journal of your pet’s dosage and the effects to help you find the perfect dose for your fuzzy feline. 

We typically recommend you start with a dosage of 1-5 mg for a typical 10-pound house cat. If your cat has a sensitive stomach give them a little bit less. While there is no known toxicity level for CBD, it can make your cats stomach upset if you give too much. 

Remember you can always give a little more if you need to but you can’t take it back once you’ve administered it to your cat. CBD can also help your cat with: 

• Poor appetite
• Constant hiding
• Fear of the litterbox
• Eating inappropriate objects
• Crying with no apparent cause
• Grumpiness or aggression

6. CBD for Dogs

Dog owners can also find much-needed relief for their dogs by using CBD. Dog CBD can be used to treat pain, especially neuropathic pain, and help control seizures. 

CBD works really well to help our pets because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-anxiety impact, appetite suppression, and anti-nausea effects. There have also been some suggestions that CBD has possible anti-cancer benefits although the research is still out on that claim. 

The AKC Canine Health Foundation is sponsoring a study with the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to evaluate the use of CBD as a treatment for epilepsy in dogs. This study will broaden our understanding of how CBD helps dogs who suffer from epilepsy. 

There isn’t that much research that has been done on possible CBD side effects in dogs. CBD is safe and non-toxic but if given at too high of a dosage your dog could experience side effects. 

 Always give your pet a proper dosage to minimize the risk of potential side effects. Some side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Lowered blood pressure
• Drowsiness

Remember all medications can cause side effects. Start with a small dosage and work your way up until you find the right amount for your pet. Monitor your pet closely while they are taking CBD and always talk to your veterinarian before starting a CBD regime with your dog. 

7. Choosing the Right Product for Your Dog

If you and your vet decide it is a good idea to start your dog on a CBD oil regime there are a few things you should keep in mind. Not all CBD oils are the same!

Look for high-quality ingredients to increase the chance of CBD working for your dog. Cheaper options are probably not the best solution. 

Choose an organic CBD oil that's free of pesticides and heavy metals. Your dog’s CBD oil should not contain fungicides or other compounds. 

Look for a company that has lab results displayed on its website or on the product label. This is always a sign of a high-quality oil when the company proudly displays their lab results. 

8. Use CBD to Help Your Pet Live Their Best Life

CBD for pets can help your pet live anxiety-free and pain-free. It’s an all-natural method that can help your pet feel its best. 

We all want what’s best for our pets. Check out Bailey’s CBD for a full range of CBD products specifically designed with your cat or dog in mind today.