CBD Topicals For Your Pets

CBD products are all the rage for humans these days, but can they also be used with your favorite furry friends? There is still some debate surrounding the answer to this question. It comes down to what kind of pet you have and what kind of CBD product you are trying to use. Although our pets might start to act a lot like humans, they are not human. There is a lot more that needs to be researched before CBD becomes a common pet prescription. Yet, there are still a lot of CBD products out there specifically marketed for cats or dogs. Are these products safe to use with common house pets? And what should be considered when picking out a CBD product for your pet in need?

Is CBD Safe For Pets?

CBD, formally known as cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring plant compound found in hemp plants. And since it is found in nature, you might assume that it is safe and natural for pets to consume. However, not all pets love all plants, and not all plants are safe for all pets. You should always consult your pet’s veterinarian to see if CBD would be safe to use with your pet before going shopping. Now that we’ve covered all of our bases, there is some anecdotal evidence that we can refer to as well.

Some pet owners have already used CBD oils from the store or homemade oils with their cats and dogs. Pet owners have found that it has provided visible benefits. However, there is some risk involved in giving your pet CBD oil, but they are the same risks that humans are subject to when taking CBD oil. These include experiencing unintended side effects or drug interactions. Some of the unintended side effects can be minor though, with dry mouth, drowsiness, and lowered blood pressure being on the list. However, if CBD was to interact with medication your pet is already taking, then it could cause more severe complications.

It is important to keep in mind that there are little to no published studies done on the way CBD works with dogs, cats, and other common house pets. Although cats and dogs seem to tolerate CBD fairly well, there is no formal evidence to suggest that it is helping or harming them. And since pets are patients that cannot speak, it can be a bit more complicated to understand where your pet stands on their experience with CBD. When it comes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration though, they take the stance of not approving CBD for use in dogs. Be sure to consult your vet with the specific CBD product you want to use and see what dose they might recommend for your pet.

How Does CBD Work For Pets?

CBD products work with our pets in a similar way that they work with humans because we all have endocannabinoid systems within our bodies. When CBD enters the bloodstream it will interact with receptors within the endocannabinoid system. In fact, it is thought that dogs have more receptors in their endocannabinoid systems than humans do, which is why they can have severe reactions to ingesting tetrhyrdocannidiol. That also means that you should be extra careful with the dose you give your pet. Be sure to start with the product’s recommended dose and gradually increase as needed.

Some dog owners have reported CBD oil helping their dogs with pain, seizures, nausea, appetite, and anxiety. When giving a pet CBD oil though, you should be sure that they have plenty of water nearby and a nice place to lay down if they experience dry mouth or drowsiness. But, this is all in relation to CBD oil derived from hemp plants. But what about hemp-derived CBD topicals?

Can a CBD Topical Be Used On Pets?

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it might not be a good idea to apply a CBD topical to your pet. This is simply because a pet runs the risk of licking the CBD topical off of their skin and ingesting it instead. Since the product is not intended for ingestion though, it might cause some unwanted side effects for your pet. This is mainly due to the other compounds found in common topicals, and not necessarily the CBD compounds that could be ingested.

There are specific CBD products that are made and marketed for dogs and cats. It is better to go with one of these products if you are looking to use CBD with your pet. Human CBD products can contain ingredients that could not be safe for pets to ingest, so using pet-specific products is a safer bet. Always ask for a lab analysis of the product from the manufacturer though, so that you know exactly what is included and in what amounts.

Overall, there is no scientific stance on if CBD could benefit our favorite pets. However, there are plenty of products and testimonies that back CBD oil helping cats and dogs with chronic pain and anxiety. But, you should probably keep their paws off the CBD topicals for now and consult your pet’s vet for potential solutions instead and do your own research into CBD's before going ahead.

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