Hey there, pet-loving pals! Curious if your furry friends can join in on the CBD trend? Well, you're in the right place! In today's blog, we're diving into the question on every pet parent's mind: "Can Pets Take Human CBD Oil?"
The use of CBD oil isn't exclusive to humans. Pets around the world are enjoying the wonderful benefits that CBD offers. However, caution is to be advised because not all human CBD products are okay for pets to take.
We'll break it down in simple terms so you and your four-legged companions can explore the world of CBD together. Let's fetch some knowledge and get started!
How CBD Works In Pets
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. This cannabinoid is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in pets, a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters involved in regulating various functions like mood, pain perception, appetite, and immune response.
Here's how it's believed to work:
- ECS Interaction: CBD interacts with the ECS by influencing the activity of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) found throughout the body. This interaction is thought to help modulate different physiological processes.
- Discomfort Management: CBD may assist with discomfort by affecting pain perception pathways and reducing swelling. CBD is believed to interact with receptors involved in discomfort signaling and may also influence the production of inflammatory molecules.
- Mood Support: CBD's interaction with the ECS may assist in regulating mood. This cannabinoid is thought to influence serotonin receptors, which play a role in mood regulation and may also have calming effects by interacting with other neurotransmitter systems.
- Seizure Control: While research is still ongoing, CBD has shown promise in helping to control seizures in some pets. Scientists believe it influences neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release in the brain.
We feel that it is important to note that research on CBD in pets is still limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects and mechanisms of action. However, many pet owners and veterinarians have reported positive results using CBD for various conditions in pets.
The Differences Between Pet CBD and Human CBD
While both human and pet CBD oils contain cannabidiol (CBD), there are some important distinctions to consider:
CBD Concentration: CBD oil for pets often has lower amounts of CBD concentrations than human products. Pets are generally smaller than humans; a lower dose is typically sufficient.
THC Content: Both human and pet CBD products should contain less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant or marijuana. However, it's crucial to ensure that pet CBD oils are specifically formulated to be THC-free, as even small amounts of THC can be toxic to pets.
Flavorings and Additives: Human CBD oils may contain flavorings or additives that are safe for human consumption but could harm pets. For example, some human CBD products may contain xylitol (an artificial sweetener) or certain essential oils that are toxic to animals. Pet CBD oils are typically formulated with pet-safe flavorings or are unflavored. Some flavorings may include peanut butter or bacon.
Testing and Regulation: Human CBD products are subject to certain regulations and testing standards, while pet CBD products may not be as strictly regulated.
This means pet CBD oils' quality and purity can vary widely. Choosing pet CBD products from reputable brands that conduct third-party testing is essential to ensure the product's safety and quality.
Price: Pet CBD oils are often more expensive than human ones because of the smaller market and specialized formulations. However, it's important to prioritize your pet's safety and choose a high-quality product, even if it costs a bit more.
We asked whether CBD oil made for humans was safe for pets, and the same question can be asked if pet CBD oil is safe for humans. You can reverse engineer the explanation above. Some pet oils may be suitable, but dosage, additives, ingredients, and flavoring may not be recommended for human consumption.
How To Choose The Right CBD For Your Pet
When selecting the right product and dosage for your pet, many factors should be considered. Like people, pets come in all shapes and sizes and have different needs. Here are a few factors to consider when giving your pet CBD: the animal's weight, the CBD's potency, the type of product, etc.
Pet Weight
Let's discuss the first factor: the animal's weight. As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the animal, the less CBD its body needs to absorb to possibly see improvement in its symptoms. For example, a cat will need less CBD than a mid-sized dog because it is significantly smaller.
CBD Oil for Cats dosage chart
CBD oil for Dog dosage chart
CBD Dosage For Pets
CBD products for pets like cats and dogs come in various potencies, typically ranging from 2mg to 20mg of CBD per serving. The appropriate potency for your pet depends largely on their size. Smaller animals require lower doses of CBD, while larger animals need higher doses to potentially experience benefits.
Additionally, some pets may have conditions that necessitate a higher CBD potency for effective relief. Determining the right amount might involve some experimentation (always under the guidance of your veterinarian). Most recommend beginning with a low dose and low potency, gradually increasing until you achieve the desired effect. This cautious approach helps minimize potential side effects and ensures your pet's safety.
Pet Safe CBD Products
The next factor is the type of CBD products. Here is a small list of different products on the market specifically for pets.
- CBD Oil Tinctures
- CBD Pet Treats
- CBD Pet Salve
CBD products for pets come in various forms, often with pet-friendly flavors to increase palatability. With so many options available, you can likely find a product that suits your pet's preferences and needs.
However, it's crucial to avoid giving your pet human CBD products. Many human CBD oils contain additives like certain carrier oils, essential oils, sweeteners, and other ingredients that can be harmful to animals. When choosing a CBD product for your pet, prioritize products with organic ingredients and no added flavorings.
Consider the product type carefully. If you're concerned about your pet choking, avoid CBD products like softgels. CBD edibles are also not recommended for pets because of the difficulty in accurate dosing and the frequent presence of sweeteners.
These are just some factors to consider when selecting a CBD product for your pet. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting your pet on any CBD regimen. They can provide personalized advice based on your pet's health and needs.
Sum It Up!
In summary, while pets could potentially ingest human-grade CBD oil, provided the dosage is carefully adjusted, and the product is free of harmful additives, it is generally not recommended. Although the base CBD oil may be similar, formulations for humans and pets differ significantly in strength, additional ingredients, and flavoring to optimize animal safety and palatability.
This article has provided information for questions like "Can dogs have human CBD?" All questions regarding CBD administration to pets and appropriate product selection can be answered by reading our blog. While CBD may offer potential benefits, it is imperative to consult a veterinarian before administration to ensure proper dosage and suitability for your pet's needs.
Why Buy From GreenIVe?
GreenIVe offers high-quality, hemp-derived CBD products, each rigorously third-party tested. Our product line adheres to specific state regulations where applicable. Our Natural Flavor Broad Spectrum oil is suitable for both pets and humans. Please consult the provided product images or contact our customer service department for dosing recommendations.
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