This article is by Scott Mazza, Co-Founder of Certified Headies and Vitality CBD
Anxiety, problems with sleep, joint pain – our pets suffer from many of the same everyday ailments we do. And just like us, they can benefit from wellness options that make them more comfortable.
CBD oil for pets is quickly growing as one of those options: a natural, plant-derived supplement that more and more owners are adding to the wellness routines of their four-legged friends. But because most of us still associate cannabis with getting high, CBD tends to carry some undeserved baggage.
So let’s take a closer look at both what it is and how to use it responsibly to get the best results.
Why CBD is safe for pets
There are multiple reasons CBD is safe for your pet (as it is for people).
The first thing to understand is that CBD won’t get your pet high. Cannabidiol is one of more than a hundred compounds found in hemp and unlike THC – the compound responsible for cannabis’ intoxicating effects – CBD is non-intoxicating. It works quietly in the background, without altering your pet’s mental state, to deliver therapeutic benefits.
This is due to the endocannabinoid system, a network present in all mammals that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and inflammation. It’s worth mentioning this is the same system CBD interacts with in people, which is part of why the potential benefits appear to translate across species. Emerging research in companion animals points to possible applications for anxiety, joint discomfort, and general calm, and studies to date suggest CBD is well tolerated.
But owners need to be careful with how much they administer. At higher doses, some pets experience mild drowsiness, a drop in blood pressure, or dry mouth. None of these are typically serious but they’re a useful reminder that more isn’t always better.
Getting the dose right
Because a dog or cat weighs a fraction of what we do, owners need a cautious and considered approach to dosing CBD. A sensible starting point is a low dose calibrated to your pet’s weight and adjusted gradually. Give it time, watch how your pet responds, and increase only if necessary.
A few practical habits help. Give CBD with food or at mealtime, which supports absorption and consistency, and keep to a routine rather than dosing sporadically. Also be sure to leave fresh water out, especially the first few times.
Most importantly, loop in your veterinarian. Federal rules make some vets hesitant to raise CBD themselves but the majority are happy to discuss it once you bring it up. Ultimately, they’re best placed to incorporate your pet’s age, weight, and any existing medications or conditions into a plan. If your pet already has low blood pressure or is on other treatments, that conversation matters.
How to choose a product you can trust
However, owners do need to be aware of some market red flags. As I’ve written about previously, CBD is legal but largely unregulated, leading to wide variation in product quality.
Independent testing repeatedly shows that products often contain less CBD than their labels claim. Worse, some return traces of pesticides and heavy metals. In a maturing market like this, the burden falls on the buyer to separate the serious operators from the cowboys.
Thankfully, a few checks do most of the work:
- Insist on third-party lab testing. A reputable brand publishes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch, verifying cannabinoid potency and screening for contaminants. If a company doesn’t have one, walk away
- Look for the USDA organic seal. Certification takes real investment and commitment, and organic hemp is far less likely to carry the contaminants that plague cheaper products. At Vitality CBD, our pet oils are USDA-certified organic and made with just two ingredients – organic CBD oil and organic coconut oil – precisely because pets don’t need the extras
- Choose pet-specific formulas. Ingredients that are harmless to us, such as essential oils, flavorings, and sweeteners, can be toxic to animals. Never assume a human product is safe to share
The importance of due diligence for best results
Don’t let the above scare you. There are some teething pains in the market but the compound from a reputable producer remains ideal for pets. It’s arguably more needed than ever with an estimated four out of five dogs showing signs of fear or anxiety. CBD oil, even just a few drops with food, can make a notable difference in their day-to-day wellbeing.
Therefore, the onus is on owners to integrate it safely by carefully considering the right dose, keeping a vet in the loop, and selecting a well-regarded product with the right certifications. This way, in a market that still struggles with corner-cutting, due diligence lets us minimize the risks and give the animals who count on us a natural way to feel a little better.
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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles.
