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CBD For Your Fur-Babies

You know that feeling of leaving your house and turning back one last time to wish your pup farewell? You finally go to lift a foot to leave and it feels like there could be cinder blocks attached to the soles of your shoes. It’s almost the hardest thing in the world to leave them behind as they stare at you with a cocked head and teary-looking eyes. They start to panic as you reach for the doorknob. You worry about them being lonely, their stress-levels, any mischief they may get into due to anxiety, and any ailments that may go uncared for even if it's just for a short while. What if there’s something that could give both you and your fur-baby some peace of mind?

Can Your Pets Really Take CBD?

The short answer is yes (with guidance vet from your of course). As many of us know by now, CBD products are not yet FDA-approved. This makes it slightly trickier to find the perfect product for you or your pet. However, compelling research points to many benefits of CBD for both humans and animals such as treatment of anxiety, pain, cancer, osteoarthritis and the list goes on. CBD in pet products has been marketed as a natural alternative to treatments for the previously mentioned ailments in pets, most commonly dogs. 

Can your Veterinarian Help?

As with most things, it’s always best to check with your doctor, or in this case, your veterinarian. With that said, keep in mind that some vets aren’t willing to discuss it based on the limited research on the effects of CBD on dogs or other pets. In some states, recommending CBD products for pets can result in penalties or license suspensions for vets. However, the laws around this are slowly shifting to accommodate the ever-changing view of CBD products. In the meantime, don’t expect your vet to outright recommend CBD products (although many will), but always attempt to have a conversation about them. While some states allow medical use of cannabis products for humans, this is not yet the same when it comes to pets. Sadly, veterinarians do not have the power to administer any cannabis products as of now. There is however tons of research to be found online, and most studies suggest many benefits of CBD in pets, when given in the appropriate dosage.

Conditions that CBD Can Help Treat in Dogs

A study done in 2018 set out to test CBD for pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties in dogs with osteoarthritis. The test subjects were administered 2-8 milligrams for every kilogram of body weight. Results showed that 80% of dogs showed improvement in pain and mobility based on canine brief pain inventory and the Hudson activity scale. A 2019 study also found that epileptic dogs experienced fewer seizures when given seizure medication and a CBD oil when compared to dogs given seizure medication and a placebo. 

Along with these conditions, studies have pointed to CBD interacting with animals' endocannabinoid system in a similar way that it does in humans. When the body releases cannabinoids, or is supplemented with them, they connect with the receptors that stimulate  serotonin-a mood stabilizer. This is essentially what can help soothe anxiety and stress in both humans and pets. So the next time you leave your fur baby home alone, you can rest assured that they will be chock full of serotonin and ready to take on the day anxiety free. 

Dosing and Administration of CBD to your Pet

When looking for a CBD product for your pet, it is always smart to look for third-party testing associated with the product. Another indicator of a good product is a “certificate of analysis” which should be available on the company’s website. Better Condition’s products are always third-party tested and certificates of analysis are readily available on the site, so you can rest easy. Once you have narrowed it down to a few solid products, you can always consult your vet just to get their final say. It is also a good idea to double check that the CBD product is free from THC; There may be little research on CBD for pets, but there is even less on THC’s effects on animals. Which is why at Better Conditions, you can rest easy knowing that all of our products are THC-free, including are highly-anticipated Bacon Beef Dog Chews - Coming Soon! 

As with humans, dogs have many options to take CBD. Dogs can take CBD orally with CBD oil, capsules or CBD dog treats, or topically with creams. However, it is thought that CBD taken orally is the most effective choice for dogs. As for dosage, it is important to start slow. It is thought that a good marker for dosage of CBD for pets is 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. However, always start lower and work your way up to this to ensure there aren’t any adverse reactions. Luckily for you, our Bacon Beef Dog Chews contain 2mg per chew, so there will be no confusion involved in dosing. 

Again, it is important to watch your pet closely for the first week or so to make sure they are okay with the product. If your pet seems more mobile or less anxious, it is likely that CBD is a good fit for them. Negative reactions may include dizziness or loss of balance, vomiting, excessive fatigue or panting, etc. It is important to look out for any of these symptoms, as they may point to overconsumption of the products and could be dangerous. 

Takeaway

We know how important your fur-babies are to you and want only the best for them. With that said, it is important to remember that some CBD products could pose a threat to your pet if they are labeled inaccurately or used irresponsibly. Always do the research (check for third-party lab testing that show zero traces of THC), ensure the products you choose are intended for pets (do not give your pets the same CBD that you take), and look out for any red flags. It is always a good idea to talk to your vet before usage; however, remember that they will not always recommend CBD products based on state laws. Start with a low dose and monitor your pet closely for the first week or so. From there, it may be okay to increase dosage if you don't feel that the effects are being felt. 

At Better Conditions, your family is our family. We will always strive to provide the best information for all of our friends, fur-babies included. 

 

Ashlee @ Better Conditions

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