Any pet owner knows that when it comes to the smallest, furriest members of the family, their health and happiness is top priority!
However, with so much information available online about CBD, it’s hard to decipher what’s true- and what’s not. You might have found yourself wondering if CBD products are safe and effective for your pets- and if they will offer any real benefits.
We’re here to help set the record straight when it comes to giving CBD to your pets.
What is CBD and Does it Work for Pets?
Before we begin diving into the specifics about CBD and pets, it’s important to understand exactly what CBD is, and how it works.
CBD (short for cannabidiol) is one of the major non-psychoactive cannabinoids produced by the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD interacts with different receptors throughout our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) which helps regulate a variety of essential processes within the body.
Specifically, CBD interacts with receptors CB1 and CB2:
• CB1 receptors: mostly found in the brain and are commonly associated with energy levels, appetite, mood, pain, and more.
• CB2 receptors: found in the rest of the body and are commonly associated with skin health and inflammation.
CBD can be purchased in several different forms- but we’re particularly fond of CBD oil because it’s easy to dose, convenient to take on-the-go and has been proven to work faster than other forms of CBD.
Whether your furry family members include dogs, cats (even horses!) CBD can offer a natural solution to many of the problems they might be facing.
But you might be wondering, “is CBD safe for pets?”
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
Great news: CBD is proven safe for both humans and pets! CBD (from pure sources) appears to be safe and well-tolerated by animals- according to a World Health Organization report.
Did you know that CBD works for pets the same way it works for human beings? Our furry friends possess the same naturally-occurring endocannabinoid system that we humans do. This means that CBD also interacts with your pet’s CB1 and CB2 receptors- aiding in the proper function of their little bodies.
Since (thanks to the Farm Bill) CBD products were legalized, there has been a boom in veterinary research-and the initial findings prove that CBD is both safe and effective.
What Does the Research Say About CBD for Pets?
- This article written by Forbes takes a look at the benefits of CBD and Dog Arthritis as researched by Cornell University: https://www.forbes.com/sites/julieweed/2018/12/13/cornell-university-research-could-help-hemp-entrepreneurs-and-make-dogs-feel-better/#2f65985783c2
- This news story covers a study (done by Colorado State University) on how CBD can potentially treat epilepsy in dogs: https://denver.cbslocal.com/2018/07/16/csu-cbd-oil-dogs/
- A clinical trial from 2018 determined the safety and efficacy of using CBD oil for dogs with osteoarthritis (the pet’s in this study showed a significant decrease in pain and increase in activity during CBD treatment): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
What Are the Best Ways to Give Your Pet CBD?
There are several methods that you can use to administer CBD oil to your pet. If you want to give your pet CBD, here are some of the best ways to administer it to your little companion:
Drop the CBD Directly in their Mouth
This method is considered one of the easiest and best ways to give your pet CBD.
If your pet doesn't mind the dropper, drop the CBD directly into their mouth (like Scout prefers in this photo!) To make sure that they thoroughly swallow it all, give your little friend a treat afterwards; this also rewards them for taking their CBD!
Directly dropping the CBD into your pet’s mouth is ideal because it allows them to get the exact amount of the intended dosage- which will be based on a number of factors- like weight, size, and severity of their condition.
Mix the CBD with Food
There’s one thing all pets have in common; their love of food! Our pets would likely eat all day if we let them...
If your pet isn’t fond of the dropper method, you can simply drop the CBD oil onto their food. This method helps ensure that they take the full dose, and usually works best since the taste of CBD is masked by the flavor of their food.
CBD Dosage for Pets
If you’re concerned about how much CBD to give your pet- you’re not alone! CBD is still pretty new to many people- and it’s especially new when it comes to giving it to our animal friends!
Here’s our advice:
If you’re using CBD oil, remember that they come in different concentrations. We recommend starting out with the Original Strength CBD Oil and use 1 drop for every 5 lbs of your pet’s weight, once a day. CBD oil tends to kick-in faster than treats because there are fewer ingredients to break down first.
Closely monitor your pet, and slowly increase the dosage after two weeks.
Be Sure to Give Your Pets the Highest-Quality CBD
One big thing pet owners should be aware of is quality control.
Since the CBD market isn't well regulated yet, some CBD products can potentially contain ingredients that aren't listed on their labels. When it comes to CBD for your pets, it’s important to remember that not all CBD is created equal.
Do your research, and make sure that you’re giving your furry love the best quality CBD available. Look for third-party lab reports provided by the manufacturer, to ensure that there are no harmful additives, pesticides or fillers.
Here at Rosebud, we test each batch of CBD oil for cannabinoid and terpene content, heavy metals, pesticides and solvents, and mold and bacteria. You can be sure that our CBD oil is of the highest quality- made from sun-grown organic hemp, raised on a small farm in Oregon.
Even though CBD has been proven safe and effective for pets, it would still be a good idea to talk to your vet about giving your pet’s CBD. Medical research might still be limited, but what we know from current studies and plenty of anecdotal evidence is that our furry friends can have a better quality of life by taking CBD for a variety of problems.
FDA DISCLOSURE Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of Rosebud CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA only evaluates foods and drugs, not supplements like these products. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Click HERE and HERE to find evidence of a test, analysis, research, or study describing the benefits, performance or efficacy of CBD Oil based on the expertise of relevant professionals. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always check with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program. The Cannabidiol (CBD) in Rosebud CBD is a natural constituent of industrial hemp plant and grown in the United States of America. Rosebud CBD does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US CSA). All products contain less than 0.3% THC. All products are legal in all 50 states.