While recreational marijuana has been legalised in many US states, it’s still outlawed in the UK.
However, this is not the same for CBD products, which legally contain no more than 0.3% THC and
are therefore safe and legal to use because they do not create a psychoactive response or the ‘high’
that you would expect from using cannabis. But, is it the same for our pets? You might have heard
about pet CBD products that are useful for pain relief or dealing with an animal who is stressed and
anxious. But how safe is it for pets exactly?
What is CBD?
CBD is a part of the cannabinoid family, which is a class of chemical compounds that are found
naturally in the cannabis plant. They interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body.
It has been approved in America by the FDA to treat a range of health conditions and complaints and
is quickly catching on in the UK as a treatment for pain, anxiety, and more in humans. To find out
more, check out Herbal Health CBD.
How is CBD Given to Animals?
CBD for pets is administered in many of the same forms as it is available for humans, including oils
that can be added to their food or placed under the tongue, topical creams and balms that can be
applied to the skin, and chewable treats and capsules. Like the CBD products that are designed for
humans, most CBD products that are designed for animals will have a different effect on the body,
therefore it’s worth looking into the CBD products for pets available to determine which ones are
going to be the most suitable for your pet.
How Does CBD Work in Pets?
It is still not completely clear how CBD works in both animals and humans. Dogs, for example, do
have an endocannabinoid system; however, researchers are still working on discovering whether or
not the CBD will interact with it in the same way that it is assumed to work on the endocannabinoid
system in humans. CBD does appear to be metabolised by the liver in dogs, which is the same as in
humans.
What are the Benefits of Giving Your Pet CBD?
A study from 2018 found that CBD can help to increase the comfort and activity levels of dogs with
osteoarthritis, while the next year, another study involving dogs with epilepsy found that CBD may
help to reduce the number of seizures. However, there are still more studies to be conducted on
pets and how CBD can benefit them. CBD appears to be safe for animals in its pure state, but if you
have a dog or cat that you are considering trying on CBD for any reason, it’s important to make sure
that you purchase a product that is designed to be safe for animals to consume.
CBD is gaining a lot of popularity with humans for its many health and well-being effects, and many
of us are wondering if it’s safe to give to our precious pets. While studies so far show that it is safe for dogs, it is a good idea to approach giving CBD to your pet with caution and to only purchase
animal-safe products.
