Any good pet owner feels some sense of distress when their precious companion is unwell. One of the things that makes treating our pets so difficult is that they can’t tell us what they’re feeling, or how severe their symptoms are. This means that we largely have to guess what they need as well as what’s wrong with them in the first place.
You may be aware by now that a lot of pet owners are giving CBD to their four-legged family members. But many are unsure of whether or not it’s okay to administer a pet CBD when they’re actually ill in some way.
CBD and Your Pet’s Body
First, let’s talk about what goes on in your pet’s body after you give them CBD. As you might know, pets have endocannabinoid systems, just like humans do. This bodily system exists in every mammal and operates in pretty much the same manner.
The endocannabinoid system is in charge of maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to a state in which the body’s processes and systems are operating at their highest level. The endocannabinoid system is made up of cannabinoid receptors that are located in every part of the body, and their job is to bond with cannabinoids. When this bonding process occurs, chemical reactions take place that more or less force bodily processes to become regulated. The endocannabinoid system seems to play a role in the maintenance of the immune system, mood, sleep, inflammation levels and more.
CBD is a cannabinoid, and it’s just one of many that exist in the hemp plant. When you consume hemp products, you’re basically giving the endocannabinoid system what it requires in order to do its job fully. This is the same for pets, and it’s why CBD is often recommended to cats and dogs for a wide range of unique situations.
Another thing to bear in mind is that due to the way in which the endocannabinoid system utilizes and processes cannabinoids, CBD and other hemp products are considered nontoxic to all mammals. This means that there isn’t a toxicity level that can lead to overdose, as is the case with many drugs that are on the market.
If your pet is physically unwell, it’s understandable that you may find that giving them cannabinoids is a good idea, due to what they can do for the body. But, before you go ahead and start them on a CBD routine, you must read the information below.
What to Know
CBD has the potential to give your pet a helpful cannabinoid boost in times of physical distress. However, there are right and wrong ways to go about starting them off on a daily regimen.
Tip #1: Always Talk to Your Veterinarian
One of the most imperative things to do is speak with your vet prior to giving your pet CBD, especially if it’s going to be on a regular basis. Make sure you tell your vet exactly what symptoms your pet is exhibiting so that they can have a better idea of whether or not CBD can help, or even be a good idea in the first place. Your vet may be able to help you come up with a more effective plan for managing their symptoms and helping them find relief.
Tip #2: Be Aware of the Full Picture
Before you begin trying to treat your pet with anything, it’s important to know exactly what’s going on with them, if possible. Take the time to really observe their symptoms and make an appointment to have them checked out so that tests can be done if necessary. The more you know regarding what’s causing them to be unwell, the better you can give them exactly what they need in order to feel better sooner.
Tip #3: Consider Other Treatments You’re Also Giving Them
If they’re on certain medications, you’ll want to talk to your vet about possible interactions. You’ll also want to know if something you’re giving them is actually causing more harm than good.
Tip #4: Start with a Low Dose and Monitor Them Carefully
Once you begin giving your pet CBD, start with a lower dosage level as recommended on the product’s packaging. This allows you to monitor them in order to make sure that they’re responding well to the CBD that you’re giving them. We always suggest that you wait for about two weeks before deciding if you should change their CBD intake in terms of dosage level or concentration level. That’s because it can take about two weeks before the CBD is being properly utilized by the endocannabinoid system.
Tip #5: Pay Attention to Quality
Of course, you want to make sure that you get the highest-quality CBD possible for your pet. Look for online reviews and third-party lab reports provided by the company.
Tip #6: A Pet-Specific Formula is Crucial
It’s absolutely imperative that you give your pet a CBD product that was made for them, rather than humans. Giving them a CBD product intended for human use can give them a dose that’s way too high. Further, some CBD pet products for humans contain ingredients that are toxic to cats and dogs, but safe for human consumption. Find a company that makes pet-specific CBD goods.
Final Thoughts
If you wish to give your pet CBD while they’re physically unwell, it’s important to follow the guide above, especially when it comes to speaking with your veterinarian prior to starting them on a routine. CBD is nontoxic to our furry friends, so theoretically, you can give them CBD if they’re sick. However, if you decide to do so, make sure to monitor their symptoms while they maintain a regular hemp regimen.
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