Products from the cannabis plant are quickly becoming mainstream.
CBD for your dog? But are they really beneficial for your dog (or cat)?
The medicinal use of the cannabis plant is quickly expanding across the United States in all forms including oils, creams, salves/balms and even edibles touting the health benefits of CBD.
Despite its once negative connotation, cannabis products are now common in states like Nevada, Colorado, Washington, California, Vermont, Oregon, Maine and more.
But before you begin experimenting with these potentially therapeutic products for your pets (or even yourself), it’s important to properly understand the facts behind this latest craze.
Cannabis 101
- Hemp is NOT marijuana. Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis plant species that contain negligible or trace amounts of THC. It’s often used for its fiber, oil and edible seeds as a nutritional food and protein source and even a “superfood.”
- THC is the natural chemical compound with psychoactive properties which makes the user “high” with euphoric or psychotropic effects on the brain (often referred to as mind-expanding and/or altering or hallucinatory). THC was first isolated and synthesized in 1964.
- CBD is NOT marijuana. It contains less than .3% THC. Products with less than .3% THC are legal in all 50 American states.
- CBD will not make your pet “high.” (Marijuana will make your pet high; keep it completely out of reach of all pets and children to prevent accidental toxicity.)
CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference?
Click here to learn more at CBD International.
Popularity for CBD has soared as a natural medical alternative for humans and pets alike because of being toxic-free without the harmful side effects that often come from using pharmaceuticals.
CBD: How and Why It Works
Every mammal has a network of receptors called the EndoCannabinoid System (aka ECS). This network is responsible for regulating critical bodily functions, including:
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Temperature
- Mood
- Sleep
- Stress & Anxiety
- Disease
When the active CBD medicinal compound – or cannabidiol – binds to one of the ECS receptors, wellness and natural balance are restored to the corresponding bodily function or process. Interestingly, both the THC and CBD chemical structures mimic natural chemicals already created by the body.
Learn More About the ECS Network of Receptors here at HolistaPet.com.
CBD: How to Purchase It
As such a brand-new industry with little to no regulation, always do your research on any CBD products you are considering buying, for yourself or for your pet.
When purchasing CBD products, always make sure they are:
- Made in the USA
- All-natural and Organic
- 100% Hempseed Oil/Extract and 100% Human-Grade
- Free of all Artificial Flavors and/or Preservatives
CBD: Cautions
Just like their human owners, every dog and cat is different. Always work with your veterinarian when adding CBD (or any new product) to your pet’s health regimen. Things like size, breed, age, traits and overall health must always be considered first. Always start with smaller CBD dosages and monitor your pet’s reaction and actual results and adjust accordingly.
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of this important blog: “How CBD May Help Your Dog and Cat.”
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Additional Reading:
- Cannabis 101: CBD for Your Cat
- Why Hemp?
- CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference?
- What is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)?
- The Endocannabinoid Systems in Dogs & Cats Explained
Image Credits (Shown in Order of Appearance):
- Image by Julia Teichmann from Pixabay
- Image by Susanna Sieg from Pixabay
- Image by cytis from Pixabay
- Image by R+R Medicinals from Pixabay
- Image by Katrinbechtel from Pixabay