I’ve talked a lot about how humans benefit from CBD. What about our pets? Because your dog, cat or other furry critter is more family than just an animal when it gets sick, you do everything in your power to help. So, if CBD can help humans, will it do the same for your pet? Let’s find out.
First of all, let me be clear, there is even less research around how CBD and your pooch or kitten may get along than there is about humans and CBD. However, if you’re cautious, you can introduce CBD pretty good results.
Endocannabinoid system in animals
Like humans, your pet has an endocannibinoid system, with CB1 and CB2 receptors. As is also the case, when pets age they show symptoms similar to humans— arthritis, anxiety, cancer, glaucoma, pain, skin problems and others. For humans, studies have been conducted around this issues and CBD has shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms.
It stands to reason that with similar endocannabinoid systems, our furry family member may also benefit from CBD oil. In fact there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to confirm that idea. Plus, like in humans, pets don’t experience the same side effects from CBD that they do from drugs used to combat certain conditions.
How to dose your pet with CBD
CBD is not psychoactive, so it won’t get your pet high. What it will potentially do is relieve symptoms of anxiety, arthritis, seizures, etc. Dosing, however, needs to be done carefully, just as you would for yourself or a human family member. CBD for animals comes in edible and tincture forms. It’s important to note, that CBD has different effects at low doses vs. high doses.
High doses seem to work better for seizures and low doses for anxiety, so take care when dosing your pet. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Consult your vet to make sure any current meds or conditions won’t be affected adversely by CBD.
2. Start with 1 mg of for every 10 pounds of critter one or two times a day.
3. Start with smaller doses and work up over the weeks.
4. Keep a close eye on your pet for an hour or so after dosing to make sure it’s OK and to note its reaction.
Finally, take a look at the infographic to see how your pet may benefit from CBD.