If you’re one of the 85 million pet owners in America, then you’ve probably heard of the CBD oil trend that’s sweeping the nation.
CBD oil is a growing health trend for treating health conditions in humans and now it’s becoming popular in the world of pet health too.
In this article, we’ll go over what CBD oil is (and what it’s not) as well as the effects and benefits of CBD oil for cats and dogs.
Using cannabis-related products for a medical application is still pretty new in the medical field, regardless of the overwhelmingly positive effects. However, this isn’t slowing the trend down at all. Experts report the CBD market to hit $22 billion by 2022.
Grab your furry friend and let’s find out all about the healing powers behind CBD oil.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a liquid extracted from the cannabis plant, or more commonly known as marijuana. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids, or compounds, found in the plant.
Before we go any further, let’s address what we’re all thinking: CBD oil will NOT make your pet high. It does not contain the psychoactive compound THC.
CBD oil is strictly used for medicinal purposes, not recreational, especially in pets.
Is it Safe?
Most holistic veterinarians agree that CBD oil is safe and effective in both cats and dogs. It’s non-toxic and all natural, making it a great solution to your pet’s ailments and anxiety.
Rarely do vets see adverse side effects from CBD but like any medicine and supplement, the dosage is critical.
CBD oil is often sold in small droppers which allow you to control every single drop that comes out of the bottle. Read on to find out what dosage is right for your cat or dog.
Now that we know it’s safe for your fluffy friend, let’s go over the benefits of CBD oil for cats and dogs.
CBD Oil for Cats
There aren’t any formal scientific studies done on the effects of CBD oil on pets since it’s such a new technology but that doesn’t stop the influx of positive reports coming from pet owners who see positive changes in their furry friends.
CBD for cats works a lot like the way it works for humans. Like us, cats have cannabinoid receptors throughout their body, especially in their nervous system, brain, and immune system.
When your cat consumes CBD oil, it binds to these receptors allowing him or her to reap the benefits.
Benefits of CBD Oil
Vet’s and pet owners have seen a variety of benefits after giving their cat CBD oil. Many report their cat returns to their playful selves.
Let’s look into the specific benefits:
- Reduces nausea and boosts appetite
- Calms stressful and anxious cats
- Improves arthritis and inflammation
- Aids in cancer treatment and pancreatitis
- Decreases neuropathy pain,
- Helps relieve the pain associated with nerve-related problems
- Reduces asthma problems
While CBD oil is beneficial for cats, please note direct consumption of marjuinana plant is toxic.
Dosage for Cats
When dosing CBD oil, less is always more, especially when first introducing it.
It’s common that you won’t see any improvement right away but do not alter the recommended dosage instructed by your veterinarian. You may instead see improvements over of a series of months.
A common rule in dosing CBD oi is to start between 1mg to 5mg as the initial dose then work your way up to 1mg to 5mg for every 10lbs that your cat weighs.
Please consult your vet before using depending on your cat’s medical problems. Adverse side effects are usually only reported after giving a cat a high dosage of CBD.
If you see any adverse effects such as stress, aggression, severe drowsiness, dry mouth, or low blood pressure, reduce the dose or stop using immediately and contact your cat’s doctor.
Does CBD Oil for Dogs
Dogs and cats seem to have similar results when it comes to ingesting accurate doses of CBD oil. Dog owners report a more calming effect on their anxious dogs after regular doses of CBD.
CBD oil is often used to treated seizures in dogs and aid in the relief of neuropathic pain and arthritis. Click here to learn more about the benefits of CBD oil for dogs.
Dosage for Dogs
Just like cats and humans, the dosage of CBD oil given to dogs is very important. Before using CBD oil, it’s best to call your vet and discuss the dosage based on your dog’s weight and ailments.
If your dog experiences any side effects like low blood pressure, extreme drowsiness, or dry mouth reduce the dose immediately or stop using all together and contact your veterinarian.
Choosing the Best CBD Oil
When it comes to choosing the right CBD oil for your pet, always go organic (say no to pesticide). The bottle should come with a manufacturer’s certificate stating the amount of CBD oil in the product.
Avoid purchasing lower-priced products which often means lower quality. Your pet’s health is nothing to mess around with.
Make sure there is no THC in the oil itself. This product is for medicinal purposes and you don’t want to get your pet high.
Purchase your CBD oil as a tincture. This will allow you to know the exact dosage by drop, that you’re giving your pet.
Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy
Convinced that CBD oil for cats is a good choice for your fur baby’s health ailments? It might be just the thing to cure your kitty’s aches and avoid those big vet bills.
We know your cat is more than just a pet to you–they’re family. At Cat Health and Behavior we bring you only the best and newest health information so that your cat can live a long, happy, and healthy life. Head to our website and stay on top of your cat’s health.