June 14, 2022

CBD Oil For Pets

Written by - Mallory Milne

minute read

Since cannabis legalization, its variety of uses has blossomed. And with this newly blooming field, an emerging star is changing lives. CBD, the wonder compound, is touted as a medical marvel.

This is a heavy load to bear for such a newcomer. And now, not only is CBD a game changer for humans, but pets are beginning to reap its benefits as well.

More and more dog, cat, and animal lovers are ditching their traditional medication for a more holistic approach.

Is there good evidence for the switch? Or are they bitten by the popularity bug? 

Today we'll be discussing CBD oil for pets in Canada and why it's gained so much traction, including where you can get pet CBD oil for pets in Canada.

Before we do, let's dive into CBD a bit first and get a better understanding of what it is.

What is CBD?

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CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike THC, the main active compound, CBD does not get you high.

It's the second most abundant cannabinoid, behind THC. And although it's ample and bio-available, medical use is still relatively new. 

CBD oil works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, a chain of receptors in the nervous system and various organs.

The system's job is regulating a multitude of functions. These include insulin levels and immune response. Hence the use of CBD products for inflammation. 

What's interesting about the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is we're not the only ones to have it. All mammals, dogs included, have an ECS.

Unfortunately, it's a complex system, and we're just scratching the surface of its true capabilities. Regardless, what we know now is enough to excite even casual marijuana consumers.

With that said, the health benefits of CBD are numerous. These range from anxiety, depression, potential schizophrenia reduction, and weight loss, to name a few.

Now it seems we share these benefits with our furred colleagues. 

Although studies in regards to CBD oil for dogs is limited, the results are promising and there's a wide range of CBD oil for dogs products that are currently available.

And aside from promising, CBD oil is also completely safe for animals. So, what exactly does it help them with?

What Can CBD Oil for Pets Do?

Anecdotal evidence is a dime a dozen with marijuana, and especially CBD. However, in the handful of clinical studies done on animals, the following ailments have shown to respond well with CBD as a treatment. 

If your pet is suffering from any of these symptoms, try out some CBD oil for pets and you may see a marked improvement! 

CBD for Seizures

Just like humans, animals suffer seizures. Medication used for dogs, cats and horses all fall in the same family as our treatments. Unfortunately, these prescription drugs have unwanted side effects and a lack of efficacy in some cases.

However, findings show CBD reduces the frequency of seizures in most cases. Luckily this translates to animals as well.

Studies are still in the preliminary phase, but a 2018 trial depicts mitigation in seizures. As we conduct more studies soon, we'll have more data to back up the overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence.

CBD for Arthritis

As we age, our joints begin to wear down. This wear and tear, known as arthritis, causes pain and stiffness that can be unbearable at times.

While not everyone may suffer on the higher end of the pain spectrum, we all at some point or another deal with nagging joint issues.

Our pets are no different. Every run we take them on, while great for their health, adds miles to their joints. At the moment, limited medication is available for animals. 

Owners who medicate their dogs with CBD oil report an increase in activity and reduction in visible symptoms.

CBD for Pain

Cannabidiol functions much the same as Ibuprofen, relieving inflammation and pain. But, unlike Ibuprofen, it doesn't harm the liver.

Toxic effects of Ibuprofen limits the potential dosage amount, while CBD has no such issues.

CBD for Anxiety

If you think we're the only ones that suffer from anxiety, think again. Anxiety in animals is prevalent for a multitude of reasons.

Some of the more apparent being while travelling, during fireworks, at veterinary visits, and when introduced to new homes.

CBD relieves the anxiety of these situations, relaxing your pet and easing them of their tension. We suggest anytime flying with a dog or cat to give them a couple of CBD treats. 

As you're undoubtedly aware, animals come in different shapes and sizes. Therefore, their dosages will vary as well.

While over or under-dosing doesn't do any harm, it's best to dial it in. Here's a breakdown of dosage.

Dosing CBD Oil for Pets

Dosing CBD for dogs and cats is easy. For larger animals, please follow directions on the bottle as big animals will typically have dosing explicitly made for them.

Follow this guide for a rough estimate.

  • Extra Small Cats and Dogs (Up to 10lbs) - 1mg per day
  • Small Dog or Large Cat (10-25lbs) - 2 to 3mg per day
  • Medium Dog (25-50lbs) - 3 to 5mg per day
  • Large Dogs (50-75lbs) - 5 to 8mg per day
  • Extra Large Dogs (over 75lbs) - 8 to 10mg per day

 You may need to tinker a little to find the ideal dose for your pet. It's always better to start low and work your way up. But as we've mentioned, there are no ill effects of using a higher dose.

Recapping CBD Oil for Dogs, Cats and Other Pets

The world of CBD is ever-expanding, especially now with the advent of assisting our furry friends.

CBD for dogs, cats, and other animals is only beginning, and we hope to see much more soon.

To quickly recap what we've learned today. 

  • CBD is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis
  • CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system
  • Animals, like humans, have an ECS.
  • CBD helps relieve Arthritis, Anxiety, Seizures and Pain
  • CBD is non-toxic and cannot be overdosed

It's always best to consult a veterinarian before changing or stopping an animal's medication altogether. However, supplementation with medication may be an effective option.

Regardless of the avenue, there's always room for cannabidiol.

Want to know more about how cannabis and cannabinoids work? Check out https://cbdhandle.com/cbd-education/

Have a question? Leave a comment below!

About the author 

Mallory Milne

Mallory is a mom of two, as well as the main content writer and owner of CBD Handle. She has been a consumer advocate and CBD user since 2018, and strives to relay accurate, easy to understand information and to educate others on the health benefits of CBD.


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