Best CBD for Pets

Choosing the Best CBD for Pets

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As a pet parent, what would you do to help your pet live a better, fuller life? If you’re like most pet owners, the answer is “a lot.” This is especially true for our furry friends who are suffering from joint pain, skin (including nose and toes) issues, nervousness, or other issues. Yet just as for humans, medications designed to treat these conditions can have serious risks and side effects. Fortunately, there are more and more options to help improve our pets’ lives naturally. One such growing option is the best CBD for pets.

Like humans (and other mammals), dogs and cats have several systems in the body. An important system that’s only recently been discovered (in 1988) and examined is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). We’re only now learning how vital this system is for homeostatic balance for the nervous and immune systems. And it’s opening a new door to help pets with pain, neurological disorders, stress and anxiety, inflammation, and more. 

First, though, what is CBD, and how can it help? 

Photo by Kate Stone Matheson on Unsplash

CBD for Pets:  What Is It?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a component of the cannabis plant. While this plant contains more than 80 cannabinoids, CBD appears to be one of the most beneficial. In addition, it has very different effects than the other well-known cannabinoid, THC. For one, unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects.

CBD is found in much higher amounts in specifically grown industrial hemp, which is different from marijuana (often grown for its higher THC concentration). Industrial hemp has less than 1.3% THC, so it’s cultivated widely in the U.S. Yet it’s also only recently hit the market since it wasn’t made legal until the 2018 Farm Bill.

Now, however, CBD for pets is legal and widely available in most states. What’s more, it won’t make your beloved pet feel “funny,” stoned, or high. 

There are, however, different types of hemp, which can have different characteristics due to their varying ratios of important compounds. For instance, hemp can include over 200 different terpenes and over 100 other compounds that may affect the strain, making one strain more or less effective, depending on the desired effects. 

In other words, not all CBD is the same. And the research on one specific type doesn’t necessarily mean that all hemp or CBD products will produce the same results or have the same level of safety. That’s why it’s important to look at the specific studies for the brand you are considering. And unfortunately, many brands have never had their products tested and thus rely on the research from other companies (like ABSC Organics) or forms of hemp that have different ratios of beneficial compounds.

Benefits of the Best CBD for Pets

The research on CBD for pets is only now beginning, but studies suggest that CBD (cannabidiol) may help pets who are experiencing:

  • Pain, such as in the joints from osteoarthritis or due to age
  • Stress and anxiety, as experienced when pets are left alone, when traveling, due to changes in environment (such as a new home or family member), or because of noises or weather
  • Seizures due to illnesses like epilepsy
  • Neurological issues
  • Inflammation
  • Recovery from illness or injury

Best CBD for Pets

The best CBD for pets is one that avoids using ingredients that can cause issues, such as artificial sweeteners and flavors. It will also be specifically made for your pet—whether that’s a dog, cat, or another animal. It’s also important to ensure pets are provided with the correct amounts (or dosage) for their size and condition.

You’ll also want to find a CBD oil that your pet will actually enjoy. Some of the most popular pet flavors include salmon, chicken, and bacon. Avoid, for example, giving your pet CBD products that have been designed for humans rather than pets as the dosage or concentration may differ.

How to Choose the Best CBD for Pets

To determine the best CBD for pets, you can look at several criteria, such as:

  • Expert opinions from influencers or professional publications 
  • Third-party testing (i.e., a certificate of analysis)
  • Real customer reviews
  • Company transparency (including who’s behind the company)
  • Discussing CBD options with a veterinarian who’s familiar with CBD and its uses
  • Testing the product with your dog or cat to see how they respond as all animals are unique

Perhaps the biggest way to choose the best CBD for pets is to look for one that’s been tested in multiple clinical studies, so you know it’s safe and effective for your type of pet. ABSC Organics Pure CBD Oil™ is one of very few oils that’s been clinically tested at one of (if not the) leading veterinary research institutions: Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. So, you can be confident that you’re getting the gold standard, best CBD for pets.

The Best CBD for Pets: The Bottom Line

Although CBD products for pets are fairly new, many people are curious about trying this natural, non-invasive therapy for pets to help ease anxiety, pain, and other chronic issues. Very few clinical trials have been performed with CBD and pets; however, those done with ABSC Organics CBD oils have shown impressive results, including: 

  • Safety and tolerance in dogs
  • An 89% reduction in seizure frequency
  • Improvements in pets suffering from osteoarthritis (the full results are pending for publication). 

Ready to see how the best CBD for pets—ABSC Organics—can help your pet live a more vibrant, healthy life? Get started here. 

References: 

Silver RJ. The endocannabinoid system of animals. Animals. 2019 Sep 16;9(9):686. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351

Kogan L, Schoenfeld-Tacher R, Hellyer P, Rishniw M. U.S. veterinarians’ knowledge, experience, and perception regarding the use of cannabidiol for canine medical conditions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2019:338. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00338/

How Much CBD for Dog with Anxiety

How Much CBD for Dog with Anxiety

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Pet CBD products have grown in popularity for a number of reasons, including helping reduce joint pain, decrease seizures, and overcome anxiety. Many pet owners have found relief for their dogs from anxiety caused by separation, storms, noise disruptions, travel, and more. A common question is how much CBD for dog with anxiety? After all, you want to provide enough but don’t want to overdo it.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the emotional reaction to a potential threat or perceived danger. It’s a normal and even healthy emotion that alerts us to issues we may need to resolve in our surroundings. In dogs, signs of anxiety can include: 

  • Panting
  • Drooling
  • Pacing
  • Restlessness
  • Growling 
  • Excessive barking
  • Repetitive or compulsive behaviors 
  • Destructive behavior, including potentially harming themselves
  • Urinating or defecating in the house

Anxiety and fear can also lead dogs to act aggressively toward other dogs or people, so it’s important to address anxiety early on and help prevent these issues.

What Causes a Dog to Be Anxious?

The three main causes of anxiety for a dog are fear, separation, and aging. Fear can be caused by loud noises, new people or animals, or unfamiliar objects like hats or umbrellas. Some dogs may be uncomfortable visiting new places like a vet’s office or even going on car rides.

Around 14% of dogs experience some degree of separation anxiety and are unable to comfort themselves when left alone or even when simply separated from their favorite family member. 

Finally, as dogs get older, their ability to learn or remember, as well as their perception and awareness, may decline, especially for dogs with CDS (cognitive dysfunction syndrome). This can lead senior dogs to feel confused and anxious. 

Treatment for Anxious Dogs

The first step may be to talk with a trusted veterinarian who can help you identify the causes or triggers as well as the type of anxiety the dog is experiencing. They can help rule out any medical conditions as well as help you determine a treatment plan.

Training and counterconditioning can also be effective ways to help adjust your dog’s response to stimuli that leads to anxiety. For example, you may be able to train your dog to focus on you, sit or lie down, or go to a safe place (such as their crate). You may also be able to use reward therapy to help reduce anxiety. A professional dog trainer can help you and your dog work together to combat anxiety.

Prevention can often be the best treatment. For example, knowing what leads your dog to feel anxious can help you better treat symptoms before they become more serious. 

Learning to read your dog’s body language can help you better understand when they’re uncomfortable, scared, or anxious, so you can redirect to a more positive experience. Proper socialization—such as introducing your dog to new places, people, animals, and experiences—especially when your dog is young, can help prevent future anxiety issues. 

Positive obedience training is a great way to learn how to communicate more effectively with your dog or puppy and build a trusting relationship. Plus, obedience classes are a fun place to introduce your dog to new people, places, and situations in a more controlled environment. 

In addition, regular exercise, playtime, and stimulation can help your dog better adjust to changing conditions and improve your dog’s confidence and well-being. A well-adjusted dog is less likely to pick up destructive behaviors. Taking care of your dog’s physical and mental needs by exercising regularly and feeding a nutritious diet can help them better deal with tense situations.

Finally, do your best to avoid situations that cause your dog to feel anxious and afraid. If they feel overwhelmed by a large group of dogs at a dog park, avoid dog parks and instead go for walks, potentially with a friend who has a dog your pup enjoys spending time with. 

You can also avoid uncomfortable situations by keeping your dog leashed with a secure harness, or, if your dog has already demonstrated aggression, choose a gentle basket muzzle before entering triggering or dangerous situations to help keep everyone safe.

Does CBD Help Dogs with Anxiety?

Because research on CBD was hindered for decades due to its pending legal status, the research on CBD for dogs with anxiety is limited. Fortunately, now, research on CBD is exploding. This is in response to the skyrocketing interest in the benefits of CBD for humans and companion animals. 

The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the stress response, so quality CBD oils may be one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and anxiety. 

For instance, new research is examining CBD’s effects on managing anxiety 1 as well as improving sleep and anxiety symptoms. 2 CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors have also been examined for potential improvements in anxiety, pain, metabolic regulation, immune function, and more. 3 The new research is also increasing the understanding of the endocannabinoid system and how it relates to stress reduction, anxiety management, neurological functioning, and more. 4, 5 

Depending on your dog, natural therapies like CBD alone can often help your dog stay calm. However, if the dog is more anxious or the triggers more severe, CBD can sometimes be combined with medications used for serious anxiety disorders. Again, discuss the options with a trusted veterinarian familiar with CBD, its effects on anxiety, and how well it works with other medications. 

How Much CBD for Dog with Anxiety?

Providing the proper, effective dose of a quality CBD is important. How much CBD for dog with anxiety depends on the dog’s size and may take a bit of experimentation to find what works best. Not enough as well as too much CBD may make the product less effective. 6 Here’s the recommended dosage to start:

Observe your pet’s response to the CBD and adjust up or down slightly to see what works best for your dog. If you have any questions on dosage, feel free to contact us with questions. We’re here to help!

Ready to see how the best CBD for pets—ABSC Organics—can help your pet live a more vibrant, healthy life? Get started here. 

References: 

1. White CM. A review of human studies assessing cannabidiol’s (CBD) therapeutic actions and potential. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2019 Jul;59(7):923-34. https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcph.1387

2. Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal. 2019;23. https://www.thepermanentejournal.org/doi/10.7812/TPP/18-041

3. Mackie K. Cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2006 Jan 1;46(1):101-22. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.46.120604.141254

4. Silver RJ. The endocannabinoid system of animals. Animals. 2019 Sep 16;9(9):686. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/9/686

5. Di Marzo V. New approaches and challenges to targeting the endocannabinoid system. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. 2018 Sep;17(9):623-39. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrd.2018.115

6. Cindy HJ, Rupasinghe HV. Cannabidiol-based natural health products for companion animals: Recent advances in the management of anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Research in Veterinary Science. 2021 Nov 1;140:38-46. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034528821002538#bb0440