Is CBD Safe for Pets?

Does your pet have any illnesses or conditions? Ever thought about giving them CBD?

While it may seem crazy, it’s actually a question many have been asking. CBD is beginning to develop a reputation as a “miracle drug”, being used to treat a wide swath of medical issues. And as someone whose dog is currently dealing with medical issues, it’s something I have considered myself.

It should be noted that you should NEVER give your pets THC. It can be incredibly dangerous. CBD on the other hand? Now that’s a different story.

Here at Chronic Haze, we’re obviously big fans of cannabis products. And while we mostly carry products that contain THC, we also carry a wide range of stellar CBD products. The benefits of CBD can’t be ignored, and we hope our products are able to remedy whatever issue you’re dealing with. Today we’ll investigate the effects of CBD on pets: the facts, the fiction, and what you should and shouldn’t do. Ready? Let’s get started.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes, and meant to be used as a suggestion. If you’re interested in giving your pets CBD, make sure to speak to a veterinarian first.

How Can CBD Help My Pet?

Here’s something that might surprise you: studies have shown that CBD can help dogs and cats with a wide variety of health issues. Cats and dogs, like other animals, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This means their brains are able to process certain cannabinoids.

However, scientists are still conducting research in this area. As such, we don’t know everything there is to know about the ECS in animals, or even in humans. What we do know is how certain cannabinoids, namely CBD, can benefit humans and other animals.

Similarly to humans, CBD can help your animals with pain and inflammation from certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis. It has been seen to reduce nausea, itchiness, and behavioural issues such as anxiety. Some experts have even claimed CBD can help animals with bone healing, IBS, and shrinking cancer cells!

The one caveat is that CBD has been seen to elevate the levels of a particular liver value, namely alkaline phosphatase. This could indicative of CBD putting stress on an animal’s liver. Additionally, if your animal is already on medication, there remains the chance of drug interaction if they ingest CBD.

It should be re-stated that research in this area is inconclusive so far. However, as long as your product contains no THC, you and your pet won’t have anything to worry about. It seems that CBD is relatively safe for dogs and cats.

What Kinds of Products Can I Give My Pet?

When it comes to the product you choose, there are specific things you need to keep in mind.

First, and most importantly, you DON’T want a product that contains THC. Animals don’t benefit from THC the same way humans do, and the experience can be quite frightening for them. THC is incredibly potent for animals, meaning even a little bit can get them really high. Dogs, for example, are believed to be 4-6 times more prone to THC toxicity than humans.

The effects can last for days, causing them anxiety and affecting their motor skills. Furthermore, it can affect their appetite, sense of balance, and breathing. Sometimes it causes vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, it can even present as psychosis. Needless to say, this isn’t something you want.

Fortunately, the chance that this becomes life-threatening is low. Even so, preventative action is always best. Just don’t give your pets anything that contains THC.

So what should you give your pet? Ideally, something with no THC at all. Many CBD and hemp products for humans contain 0.3% THC, which is the legal limit for non-THC products. While this might seem low, it’s not worth the risk for your furry friend. Make sure to check your product’s lab analysis!

Most studies with CBD and animals have used 2-8 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight. With that in mind, consider the size of your pet, the severity of their symptoms, and what kinds of medication they may be on.

Finally, be sure to speak to your vet before giving your animals CBD. While it is technically safe, it’s better to get an expert’s opinion first.

Wanna Learn More?

If you’re looking for something more suitable for humans, make sure to stop by Chronic Haze. We’ve got a whole batch of cannabis, CBD, and other related products for you to get familiar with. We also do same-day delivery and curbside pickup in a number of Ontario cities.

If you’re looking to buy cannabis or CBD online, make an account with us and check out our selection today!

Also, since we’re on the topic, interested in learning how cannabis can benefit you too? Check out this blog post to learn more about how cannabis relaxes you!