Just like humans, pets can deal with stress, and physical discomfort. And just like us, they have an endocannabinoid system, which allows them to benefit from CBD. For the most part, there are many pet owners out there who turn to CBD as a way to help their animals with things like stress, joint pain, and even sleep issues.
Now, here’s a great example, if your dog gets anxious when you leave the house (as a lot of them tend to do) or your cat seems stressed out during thunderstorms, CBD might help them stay calm. But on top of that, for pets dealing with mobility issues or other joint discomfort, CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties can offer some much-needed relief.
Plus, CBD may also support older pets by promoting better sleep or even encouraging a better appetite if they’re not eating well.
How to Safely Use CBD for Your Pets
Now, before you introduce CBD into your pet’s routine, there are a few things that you should really know to keep them safe and healthy. So, for starters, you really need to understand that not all CBD products are created equally. Yes, you read that right!
So it’s really important to understand this and choose one that’s designed specifically for your pets. It’s the same for food, medicine, and even toys, they’re specifically designed for a specific animal, so it’s not some one-size-fits-all. So let’s take a closer look at all of this.
Choosing Pet-Specific Products
When shopping for CBD, it’s best to just make sure to select a product that’s formulated for pets. That automatically means that what you use for yourself isn’t safe for your pet. But why? Well, human CBD products can sometimes contain ingredients like sweeteners or flavorings that clearly aren’t safe for animals.
Now, you’re going to want to stick with products made just for them. Look for options that are clearly labeled as CBD for dogs or CBD for cats, and make sure the product is THC-free, as THC can be harmful to pets.
Start with a Low Amount
Just like when introducing anything new to your pet, it’s smart to start with a small amount of CBD and then just work your way up. Now, again, you have to understand that every pet is different, and what works for one might not work the same for another. So, it’s best to just go ahead and start with a small amount since this allows you to see how your pet responds, and then you can adjust as needed without overwhelming them.
Now, you’ll need to begin with a small amount based on your pet's weight, and give them some time to see how they react. You can always gradually increase the amount if need be, but it’s better to just go pretty slow and avoid giving too much at once too.
Monitor for Side Effects
While CBD is generally considered safe for pets, some may experience mild side effects like drowsiness or changes in appetite. So, you really need to keep an eye on how your pet is reacting to the CBD and just make adjustments if needed. If your pet seems overly tired or shows any unusual behavior, then you should consider reducing the amount or discontinuing use and checking in with your vet.
Figuring Out the Right Amount of CBD for Pets
All right, so finding the right amount of CBD for pets is essential to making sure they get the benefits without any downsides. Sure, some math is involved, but you need to understand that the correct amount depends on a few factors, including your pet’s size, weight, and the areas you’re trying to address.
Calculating the Ideal Amount
When determining how much CBD to give your pet, a good starting point is 1 to 2 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Here’s a pretty nice example: if you have a 20-pound dog, a low starting dose would be around 2 to 4 mg of CBD.
You can then increase the amount if needed, but it’s best to begin on the lower end and build up slowly. Again, it was like what was stated earlier: you’ll have to slow and steady, and don’t forget to follow the guidelines provided by the CBD product.
Adjusting the Amount for Different Conditions
The amount might vary depending on what you’re using CBD for. If you’re addressing stress, then a smaller amount will most likely work. But if your pet is dealing with something more challenging, then you’ll most likely need a larger size. Overall, the goal is to give them the amount they need, but not too much, either.
Is CBD the Right Choice for Your Pet?
While CBD may offer several potential benefits for pets, it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet before starting them out on a new supplement– especially if your pet already has an existing health condition or is taking other medications. Overall, you need to keep in mind that every pet is different, and your vet can help you determine whether CBD is a good fit for their specific needs. So, as always, starting low, going slow, and paying attention to how your pet feels is the best approach to finding out what works for them.