It’s not long at all until Santa Claus brings us our presents for this Christmas. And if you’re a pet owner, you might be already crossing out the names of your pets on your present list considering they will be getting their own CBD dog treats!
But can humans take pet CBD oil? In this article we’ll cover the differences between human and pet CBD oil formulation, the safety of CBD oil for humans, and also tell you whether can you give your dog/cat CBD oil supplements.
As with many health-related questions online, the answer is not clear cut! Although there are people out there who will claim that they have successfully given CBD oil to their pets, it’s still worth looking into how exactly pet CBD oil is different from our CBD supplements.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil stands for cannabidiol, which is a compound that can be found in the cannabis plant. There has been an increasing number of scientific studies on cannabidiol that reveals some impressive therapeutic effects of it—even better than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive and most famous compound found in cannabis.
Pet CBD Oil vs Human CBD Oil – How are They Different?
It’s up to you to decide whether can humans take pet CBD oil or not, but we’ll make it easier by telling you what exactly is the difference between human and pet CBD oils.
CBD in its original form comes from the extract of hemp, which is a member of the cannabis family.
Cannabis has several types – high-THC or low-THC – but this is not what we are concerned with in regards to CBD supplements. The difference between CBD oil for humans and pets is the process of extraction.
Pet CBD oil is made with hemp that has virtually zero THC, whereas our supplements are made from cannabis plants that have higher levels of the psychoactive compound THC.
So why do they even bother making pet CBD oil?
Well, in some countries, CBD oil is still in a grey area and has not been legalized. That’s why manufacturers use hemp for their CBD products, since it legally falls under the “industrial hemp” umbrella which simply means that the THC levels are so low they will not cause psychoactive effects.
But you know what? Even if pet CBD oil has virtually zero THC, this could still pose a problem. Even the slightest amount of THC for your pet can be dangerous to their well-being. And it’s not just THC – other cannabis compounds such as CBN and CBC also have psychoactive effects on pets.
So while pet-formulated CBD is safe for humans too, it’s definitely not a good idea to give your furry friend human CBD oil supplements!
Hemp vs Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
CBD oil can be made from both hemp and marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are, indeed, two types of cannabis plants that come from the same Cannabis Sativa L. species. However, they differ in their chemical makeup and therefore have different effects on us.
Hemp has a negligible amount of THC, which is responsible for the “high” people feel when they smoke weed. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains a high percentage of THC and relatively small amounts of CBD—the exact opposite composition to what you’ll find in hemp oil.
Trying to pick one over the other is like trying to compare apples and oranges. Some people swear by marijuana-derived CBD oil because it has higher levels of THC, which does produce a high in some users. Others prefer hemp-derived CBD oil since it’s naturally rich in CBD without any psychoactive effects.
Human CBD oil tends to have small traces of THC, while pet CBD oil is virtually THC-free.
CBD products for pets is still a new thing and even though there’s more and more research on it, we still don’t have enough evidence to say if they’re safe or not. This is why we always suggest consulting your vet before giving CBD oil supplements to your pet!
How Does CBD Oil Affect My Pet?
CBD affects pets the same it does with humans. It has a neuroprotectant and antioxidant effects, relieves convulsion, inflammation, anxiety and nausea. It can also act as a stimulant or sedative, depending on the dosage.
Human CBD oil and pet CBD oil differ only in their THC and CBD percentages. The best way to get your pet to take pet CBD oil is by mixing it into their meal or dropping it directly into the mouth. If you’re planning on giving your dog a pill, make sure that you break it apart as they might taste the treat separately.
Pet owners who give their furry friends CBD oil report positive results in treating pain, inflammation and seizures. However, there aren’t enough studies to confirm these claims. The effects of CBD may be different for each pet so it’s best to slowly ease them into the treatment with a low CBD percentage until you reach the desired dosage.
How Much CBD Oil Does My Pet Need?
There is no standard dosage for pets, since every pet reacts differently to CBD. The recommended dosage of CBD oil for dogs, cats and other mammals is 1-5mg per kilo (2.2 pounds) of the animal’s weight taken daily.
Any treatment that you purchase should come with a dosage chart. Make sure you stick to it and don’t make any adjustments without consulting your vet first!
Pet CBD products can be pricey, but you should always aim for quality over quantity. A pure CBD oil product will cost more than one with additives and other ingredients that may not be good for your furry friend!
How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Your Pet
The market is flooded with CBD oil products, which can make it overwhelming to choose one. But you know what? We did all the research for you!
Here are some of our “go-to” brands that offer pet CBD oils at reasonable prices. Some have various formulations so you can choose the one that fits your pet’s needs best.
Do Veterinarians Prescribe CBD?
The legal status of cannabis in many countries prevents veterinarians to prescribe it, but this doesn’t stop them from studying pet CBD oil and other cannabis-based products for pets. In the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association doesn’t have an official stance on marijuana usage in animals. But it’s still a good idea to talk to your vet before giving any medication or supplement to your pet!
CBD has a diverse range of effects that go from improved heart health to improved social behavior.
While we still have a lot of research left to do, the use of CBD oil for pets is becoming more and more popular among pet owners.
How Long Does It Take For CBD To Work On My Pet?
The onset of action for CBD is much quicker than other pet medications. The oil can take effect as soon as 15 minutes after administration, with the optimal result visible in 1-2 hours after the first dose.
CBD oil doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, so you can safely give it to your pet without worrying about getting them high! The oil’s anti-anxiety effect is just as powerful as prescribed medications’. Since CBD oil for pets has no side effects and is natural, you can safely build a treatment plan for your furry friend.
It’s not just CBD oil that you can use to treat your pet with. Since the endocannabinoid system is present in both humans and pets, it makes sense to use other CBD products for pets too. We’re talking about CBD treats, CBD tinctures, even CBD dog and cat food! CBD oil for pets works well to treat a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to physical pains.
Final Thoughts
CBD has proven to be effective for treating both humans and animals. People started using CBD oil for pets to treat anxiety, pain, inflammation and seizures, but today you can find CBD treats that help with even more ailments like arthritis, allergies or skin conditions.
Pets benefit from the same health benefits as humans from using CBD. The most important thing is to start with a low dosage and slowly increase the amount until you reach the desired effect. If your pet reacts badly to any of the ingredients, stop immediately and consult your vet!
Pet CBD oil is available for purchase online or you can easily make it yourself at home if you’d like to save some money. There’s still not enough evidence to say if CBD oil is safe or effective for animals, but people who use it report positive effects!
We hope this article helped you decide if giving CBD oil for pets is right for your furry friend. If you have any more questions, feel free to leave us a comment below or check out our blog articles about CBD! Looking for your next CBD product? Shop our store and find a new favorite today!
