The more we learn about the endocannabinoid system, which processes cannabinoids to regulate tasks throughout the body, the better we understand how CBD and other cannabinoids work, and how to take them so that they can be the most useful to us. We now know that the endocannabinoid system is present in the body of every mammal, and operates in the same manner between species. Hence, why an influx of veterinarians is encouraging the use of CBD for our furry companions.
But, as you might have assumed, giving dog or cat cannabidiol isn’t simply a manner of putting the same hemp product that we take into their food bowl each day. Of course, our four-legged companions have different needs than us, and so we must develop a hemp regimen for them that takes these unique needs into account.
What to Know Before Starting Your Pet on a CBD Routine
Those unique delivery methods for cannabidiol may be particularly useful for them, these things should be considered prior to start your furry friend on a hemp regimen.
Your Veterinarian Should Have the Final Word
First and foremost, it’s always crucial that you have a conversation with your veterinarian before you begin them on a hemp regimen. Your vet may have unique insight and experience with CBD and be capable of guiding you in the right direction. Further, only your vet knows your pet’s unique medical needs and history, and present medications. These factors may play a large role in what type of routine is appropriate for them.
Choose a Trusted Company
When buying a CBD product for your pet, you want to make sure that you purchase from a reputable and highly trusted company in the industry. One way to know that you’re getting the right quality level of hemp is to look for lab reports on the company’s website, which comes from a third-party. Third-party testing is a way for companies to verify the quality and purity of their own hemp extracts, as these tests look for impurities, microbes, and other potentially harmful substances while ensuring that the chemical makeup and potency levels are legitimate and active.
Find a Pet-Specific Formula
It’s very important that you don’t simply give your pet any old CBD product. Companies produce hemp goods made just for pets, which use formulations free of harmful ingredients. Many of the ingredients found in CBD products are benign to humans but potentially toxic to cats and dogs, including a wide variety of essential oils found in many topicals and other hemp goods.
Select the Appropriate Milligram Strength
Any company producing hemp products for pets should offer some kind of guide that breaks down the best milligram strength for each weight range. This way, you’ll know the proper number of milligrams to give your pet according to their weight.
Choose a Delivery Method and Formulation that Your Pet Won’t Mind
Finally, you want to make sure that the CBD product appeals to your pet’s senses because pets can be notoriously picky. Failing to take this into account can result in a CBD product that your pet simply will not take. Consider your pet’s flavor preferences, smell preferences, and even texture preferences to ensure that they don’t mind their daily dose.
Methods for Applying or Administering CBD to Your Pet
Now, let’s look at the different methods for giving your dog or cat cannabidiol, and the best way to go about ensuring that your pet gets its daily dose as easily and effectively as possible.
CBD Treats
CBD treats are ordinary pet treats with one difference – they contain an active concentration of hemp. They come in all different kinds of flavors, textures, and strengths, and understandably tend to be more appealing to cats and dogs. CBD treats are ingested, which means that the effects typically peak in somewhere around an hour, and these effects can last for several hours at a time. Also, treats may produce more widespread effects compared to other methods. All that you need to do is give them the proper number of treats per day, according to the directions on the packaging.
CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are oil-based products containing hemp extract and a carrier oil that is safe for pets. Many CBD tinctures for pets are flavored. There are two ways to administer a tincture to your pet. One way is to add the recommended dose to their food once a day. The other is to administer it directly under their tongue, where it will absorb more quickly into the system and take effect due to the high absorbency of the sublingual tissue.
CBD Supplements
CBD supplements for pets may come in the form of capsules or food additives. Capsules will understandably be trickier to give to your pet, unless your pet happens to be very easygoing, or they are already used to taking capsules regularly. Food additives may be easier, as you can simply disguise the formula in their favorite food. Whichever option you choose, make sure to give them the suggested dosage level on the label of the product.
CBD Balms
CBD balms are wax-based topicals that are geared toward pets with localized issues, such as a skin problem or pain in a particular joint. With CBD balms, you can be more lenient with administration, because the cannabinoids pretty much stay localized to the area of application. Follow the directions on the label to ensure that you are giving them each application according to the manufacturer’s directions.
CBD Creams
CBD creams work just like CBD balms and are thus administered in the same way. The only difference is the consistency of the product and the ingredients in the formula.
CBD Sprays
CBD sprays are another type of topical that allows you to cover more surface area, without having to make sure your pet stays still as you massage the product into their skin. Read the directions to know how many individuals spritzes count as a single dose.
Final Thoughts
Giving your pet CBD each day allows their endocannabinoid system to receive cannabinoids that can be put to good use throughout their body. But keep in mind, you need to carefully choose a product appropriate for them. From there, administer it in a way that’s both beneficial overall, and compatible with their preference for taste, texture, smell, etc.