Is CBD Good For Pets? Can It Help My Pet?

Our pets are precious – too precious for this world, quite honestly. No one likes to see their furry or four-legged friend in pain or distress. When a pet struggles with stress and health issues similar to humans, it’s natural to wonder if our own solutions can help them, too. But that raises an important question: is CBD good for pets? Is it dangerous? If you do choose to give your pet CBD, how can you do so safely? 

Let’s explore some of the top reasons that more and more pet owners are considering CBD for their loyal companions.

Is CBD Good for Pets? 

CBD can be good for pets in some situations due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and calming properties. Many pet owners rely on CBD to help them keep their animals relaxed, comfortable, and pain-free. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, it’s now even possible for vets to recommend CBD oil to clients under some circumstances.

In general, there is still a great deal to discover how CBD can help both pets and humans. However, there’s no denying that there has been exponential growth in the CBD market for pet products. 

While there may be more options for pet owners than ever, veterinary experts still warn against using CBD without consulting a professional. There are some concerns about using CBD for pets that might mean it’s not the best choice for all animals.

For example, some research has found signs of contamination from heavy metals in CBD pet products or falsely advertised amounts of CBD. Other studies have found that CBD can sometimes affect liver enzymes, which means that it can interfere with many prescription medications. 

So, what’s the verdict? Is CBD good for pets? If your pet has a health problem that could be treated with CBD and doesn’t take any medications that could interact with cannabinoids, CBD might help them. Otherwise, you may need to work with your veterinarian to see if there are other ways you can take advantage of the benefits of hemp plants or different natural health solutions.

How Does CBD for Pets Work?

CBD works for pets the same way that it does for humans, in stride with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Dogs, cats, and other pets have endocannabinoid systems that operate very similarly to humans. As is true for humans, CBD is metabolized in an animal’s liver. CBD adds more cannabinoids into the ECS, maintaining a balance of the ECS to keep the nervous system, immune system, and organs functioning normally. Ultimately, when this system is balanced, symptoms and conditions can be better managed.

Top Benefits of CBD for Pets

There are many reasons why pet owners consider giving CBD to their pets. Let’s address some of the most popular examples:

Anxiety Prevention

Anxiety in pets is more common than you may think. What may seem like just a scare from fireworks or a thunderstorm can be a serious, chronic condition. Anxiety seems to be an especially prevalent concern among dog owners, though it can affect nearly any animal.

Some potential signs of anxiety in pets include:

• Excessive barking, meowing, etc.
• Heavy breathing or panting
• Pacing or seeming restless
• Trembling or shaking
• Excessive licking
• Hiding
• Drooling
• Irritability and aggression

At the end of the day, you know your pup and will often know if they are experiencing anxiety. It could be from moving into a new home, a loud thunderstorm, a visit to the vet, and more. 

This will be where CBD comes in. CBD works with the ECS to help manage the symptoms of anxiety. It’s known for helping users feel relaxed, stress-free, and sometimes even sleepy.

Relief From Inflammation & Joint Pain

Just like humans, many pets (specifically larger dogs) experience inflammation and pain. Additionally, many older pets also suffer from arthritis. CBD is a known anti-inflammatory, which is a natural solution to reduce any pain that comes from inflammation. 

Cannabinoids enter the ECS system and work to balance the system, so any inflammation or irritation will be relieved. A study conducted by Cornell University in 2018 found that as little as 2 mg/kg of CBD given twice daily may increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Seizure Prevention

Many pets suffer from epilepsy and experience seizures. This neurological disorder also affects humans, and researchers are actively exploring ways to use CBD to treat epilepsy and seizure symptoms.

The first FDA-approved cannabis-based medication, Epidiolex, uses CBD to reduce the frequency of seizures. Likewise, a 2023 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that a daily dose of 9 mg/kg of CBD resulted in a 24.1% decrease in seizure days for dogs with drug-resistant idiopathic epilepsy.

General Health & Wellness

CBD is often worked into a daily routine for both humans and pets alike. Some reasons that dogs may benefit from CBD include stress management, eating habits, sleep, and any other type of chronic pain. By helping to keep your pet’s ECS on track, CBD makes it simple to manage any health challenges in their daily life.

Will CBD Make My Pet High? 

If you’ve ever wondered if your pet could get high from CBD, the answer is no. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It’s not the same thing as THC (another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant).

To ensure you don’t expose your pet to THC, which can be toxic for animals, it’s important to shop for products designed for pets. Avoid full-spectrum CBD oil if you’d like to steer clear of THC entirely, as these products can have trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. 

What Are the Side Effects of CBD For Pets?

At this time, there are no proven side effects of CBD for pets – some pets experience unwanted symptoms, and others don’t. When they do pop up, side effects may be compared to human side effects. This includes mild drowsiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure. 

However, it’s critical to ensure that when picking out a CBD product for your pet from a credible brand, you know exactly what you are giving to your four-legged friend. 

Additionally, your pet must take an amount of CBD that’s suited to their size and weight. And, once again, if your pet has pre-existing conditions – like liver issues – it’s good to be cautious and ask your veterinarian before giving your pet CBD.

Best CBD Product For Pets: Our Favorites

The most common way for pets to ingest CBD is through an oil. Many vets agree that the best way to administer CBD is via an oil or tincture. This way, you can adjust your pet’s dose drop by drop. 

Many CBD companies have also created edible treats for pets, which are another great alternative. These can include daily chews or even CBD-infused peanut butter or coconut oil! You know your pet and will be able to recognize what method may work best for them.

Is CBD Safe for Pets?

We talked about the potential limited side effects that come from CBD, but the most important thing in regard to safety is ensuring that your pets are taking high-quality products. 

Here at The Green Dragon CBD, we make sure to only carry brands that offer safe, high-quality products for both pet owners and pets. These are a few of the qualities that you should look out for to ensure that a CBD product is safe for your pet:

1. THC-Free – THC is known to be toxic and can cause poisoning for a pet that can lead to a multitude of symptoms. This is why it’s important to always confirm that the CBD product contains 0% THC.
2. Organic – Most pet products are made to be organic because it is important to avoid any potentially harmful chemicals for your pet. Ingredients to avoid include any solvents, pesticides, or fungicides. 
3. Buy for Quality – Make sure that you are buying products that have the highest quality, even if they are more expensive. You’re getting what you pay for, and it’s important to have the best for your pet. 

Final Thoughts: Is CBD Good for Pets?

So, is CBD good for pets? The truth is that it depends. In many cases, CBD can help pet owners target concerns like pain, inflammation, anxiety, and even seizures. But there are some circumstances under which using CBD for pets might not be the best idea. The only way to know if CBD is good for your pet is to reach out to your veterinarian. 

Here at The Green Dragon CBD, we offer several high-quality CBD products for pets. Before making your purchase, chat with us! Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have about our trusted brands and products.