While the scientific community has labeled CBD an alternative medicine, such hasn’t stopped millions of people from using CBD and CBD-infused products. In fact, there is enough evidence to suggest that CBD is effective at reducing pain and managing stress.
You see, most mammals, including dogs and cats, have an endocannabinoid system that’s comprised of neurotransmitters, receptors, and metabolic enzymes. Mammals use their endocannabinoid systems to help maintain homeostasis, i.e. a state of balance. Any disruption to homeostasis could result in diseases like diabetes or heart failure. The endocannabinoid system also helps with pain and inflammation management.
Unfortunately, there’s currently a lot of confusion regarding the use of CBD for dogs and other pets. Pet owners want to know if CBD-infused products are effective, and they want to know what the side effects are of using CBD on pets. Most importantly, they want to know how to choose the best CBD oil for dogs. If you’re planning to buy some CBD for your pet, here are a few things you must consider:
1. CBD Dosage Is Always Important
When giving a pet CBD, you must pay attention to dosage. Also, just because you can give a dog human CBD doesn’t mean you should. It’s been found that dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans.1 You may poison your dog if you give them high-concentrate CBD that’s intended for human use. Always follow dosage instructions when giving pet CBD to dogs. Manufacturers always print dosage instructions, along with warnings and cautions, on the packages CBD comes in. Remember to read everything carefully. If you’re not sure about which dosage to give, speak to your pet’s veterinarian before starting CBD supplements.
A dosage largely depends on four factors: your pet’s size, their weight, the CBD’s potency, and the illness you’re trying to alleviate. Your dog’s activity levels, general health, and the reputation of the CBD manufacturer can also play a part in how much CBD you give to your furry friend. This dosage chart from King Kanine is a good reference, though it may not apply to the products you’re using.
2. Only Buy CBD Oil That Has a COA
The U.S.’s CBD market is relatively new, so there aren’t too many CBD-specific regulations in place to help average buyers understand what they’re buying. When you’re buying CBD products, it’s important to look for safe, premium products that are made using high-quality ingredients. This is where a Certificate of Analysis (COA) comes in!
Every COA includes product information, including the date when the test was conducted, who executed the test, and who requested the test. There’s a Certificate ID associated with every COA, and these are used to identify tests. COAs also include cannabinoid profiles which give insight into: spectrum, potency, presence of non-decarboxylated raw materials, terpene profile, presence of heavy metal, bacteria content, pesticide content, and presence of solvent residue.
3. Stay Away From Low-Quality CBD Oil
The problem with hemp is that it absorbs a lot of impurities from the soil. This is why it’s important to verify where the hemp you’re buying comes from. Industrial hemp, for example, is grown organically in a controlled atmosphere and used to make high-quality CBD oil for pets. It does not include fillers like coconut oil or olive oil; instead, it includes terpenes like hemp oil, krill oil, and/or copaiba oil, all of which contribute in creating the “entourage effect.”
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5109620/