Cannabidiol — or CBD — can relieve the symptoms of various medical conditions ranging from arthritis to nausea and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, CBD oil has become an integral part of many people’s daily lives.
Can the benefits of CBD oil be extended to your pets though? Although there’s limited experimental evidence supporting the effects of CBD oil in pets, plenty of anecdotal evidence suggests that that is the case. Moreover, if you are wondering whether there are differences in CBD oil for pets vs humans, then the short answer is no. However, there are sensible precautions you should take as a pet owner.
Different Types of CBD
CBD is usually extracted from hemp obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a nonintoxicating compound — in contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol — or THC — the compound that induces the “high” associated with cannabis.
Most manufacturers extract CBD from hemp since it contains a higher concentration of CBD than cannabis does. Because the methods used for CBD extraction vary, the CBD products can have varying CBD and THC concentrations. Accordingly, they can be divided into three types:
- Full-spectrum CBD products — which include all parts of the Cannabis sativa plant and have less than 0.3% THC
- Broad-spectrum CBD products — which include most parts of the plant but only trace amounts of THC
- Isolates — which contain only CBD but no THC or other compounds
CBD is available in a range of forms, most notably oils, gummies, topicals, capsules, pills, sprays, and liquids. In particular, CBD oil is produced by extracting individual CBD compounds and distilling them to remove impurities. They’re subsequently suspended in a carrier oil.
CBD Oil and the ECS
Once ingested or absorbed into the body, CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system — or ECS — which plays a role in regulating your physiological functions such as sleep, mood, and appetite.
As its name suggests, the ECS has been named after the cannabinoid compounds. In fact, it is one of the most important systems involved in physiological regulation.
Cannabinoid receptors are part of the ECS, and they are found throughout the body including not only the brain but also other essential organs and tissues. As key regulators of the immune and nervous systems, they are the bridge between your mind and body. In fact, cannabinoid receptors are present in all vertebrate and invertebrate animals, except for sea sponges.
CBD from CBD oil works with the ECS to maintain homeostasis in the body and thereby maintain a healthy balance between the nervous, circulatory, and other systems. As a result, CBD oil can help regulate medical conditions such as inflammation and epilepsy.
Risks of Using CBD Oil
CBD in any form is not associated with any chemical dependence, and it is easily metabolized by both humans and animals. It’s virtually impossible to overdose on CBD oil, but in some cases, slight drowsiness and mild diarrhea may occur.
You can purchase CBD at a store or online in many forms, including capsules, tinctures, and edibles. However, while experiencing the benefits of CBD oil for yourself, you may have wondered about the differences in CBD oil for pets vs humans.
For practical purposes, pet CBD oil and human CBD oil are interchangeable. Your pets also have ECS receptors just like you, and CBD oil can be just as effective in relieving anxiety, mood swings, and other conditions in them.
With so many unregulated CBD oils available on the market, there’s always a chance that some products may contain more THC than they should. However, most animals have a low THC tolerance.
In your pets, a high THC dose can cause symptoms such as vomiting, increased or diminished heart rate, or reduced mental alertness. In extreme cases, it can result in seizures, coma, or even death. A reputable manufacturer will produce a product that is good enough for you and your pet.
Tips for Using CBD Oil for Pets
Here are some tips you may wish to consider before giving CBD oil to your pet:
Consult Your Vet and Read Customer Reviews
CBD oil is not a medication but a dietary supplement that helps to regulate the symptoms of various conditions in your pets. CBD oils specifically made for pets are available as broad-spectrum CBD oils and isolates.
You may want to consult your vet and read customer reviews to know which CBD oil would be suitable for your pet. Specifically, you may want to check if your pet is allergic to CBD oil ingredients — it should include cannabinoids such as cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabigerol (CBG).
Make Sure That the CBD Oil Is Manufactured Under Strict Guidelines
Organic CBD oils are relatively safe for pets because they are free of any solvents and pesticides. Another thing to look for is a certificate of analysis from a third-party ISO 17025-compliant lab — this certificate should state that it contains less than 0.3% THC and no contaminants such as pesticides.
A product manufactured in a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP)-compliant facility usually meets most FDA standards. Therefore, checking for FDA warnings against a CBD oil manufacturer is a good idea. Specifically, you may want to look for an FDA disclosure on the manufacturer’s website to confirm that they take steps to comply with FDA regulations.
Make Sure You Give Your Pet the Right CBD Oil at the Right Dose
You can purchase CBD oil online directly from retailers or visit a trusted pharmacy.
Even though you can use your pet’s CBD oil and vice versa, certain CBD oils will be marketed specifically for humans or pets. Moreover, the dosage you administer to yourself will differ from your pet, who will typically need a lower dose.
There are no standardized dosing charts for taking CBD oil so you’ll have to play it by ear. Start with a low dose and increase as needed. You can also refer to dosing charts and calculators online. CBD oils made for a pet of a specific size, such as a small dog, will have the ideal dosage written on their packaging — a value in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
Final Considerations
Understanding the use of CBD for pets vs humans can be confusing. Nonetheless, CBD oil carries many health benefits for not only you but also your pets. As with any supplement, you must take precautions and all the advice you can get before purchasing CBD oil for your pet. With a wide range of CBD products, CBD Direct Club is a great source for your pet’s CBD needs. Visit our website today!