You’ve likely heard about how CBD helps pets with a variety of health issues, but what about CBD for healthy pets? In this article, we’ll discuss using CBD for pets with no health issues, what pet CBD is, and the benefits of CBD for pets. 

What is CBD for Pets?

Pet CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which is part of the cannabis family. It is a cousin to marijuana, but when grown by U.S. regulations, it contains a negligible amount (less than 0.3%) of THC. THC is the active chemical compound in marijuana that gives the famous, euphoric high cannabis is known for. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is just one of many active plant compounds found in hemp but is the most well-known. It is the second most prevalent plant chemical in hemp, out of about 80 or so other cannabinoids. You and your dog both have a part of your nervous system called the endocannabinoid system. The cell receptors found in the endocannabinoid system help the nervous system communicate with the body more effectively, and the body with the nervous system, which allows the body to maintain balance or homeostasis. This two-way communication impacts all your dog’s major body systems, like the nervous system, the digestive system, the immune system, and more. Because of the broad scope of CBD, this is why you hear about it helping with so many different health issues, from allergies to skin issues to joint issues. Pet CBD comes in oils, capsules, creams, and “treats” or chews.

Can I Give CBD to My Healthy Pet?

The short answer is absolutely! CBD doesn’t just help with health problems; it also helps to optimize your pet’s best health. And there’s no such thing as too much good health. CBD for pets with no health issues can still be quite beneficial. It has the same effect as when a pet with health issues takes CBD. Your pet’s nervous system will be able to communicate better and more effectively with its whole body. While there is no big imbalance to correct with a healthy pet, their nervous system and their body will be communicating more closely so that health can be maintained and improved. 

For example, if a person is already healthy, they’re not going to stop taking vitamins, eating healthfully, and exercising. All of these things help to maintain and support their health. So, your healthy pet can benefit from CBD. It may help them stay healthier for longer by preventing or lessening any health conditions down the road. Your pet’s body knows how to stay healthy, it just may need the right supplements to keep their health stable, like CBD. 

Benefits of CBD for Pets

By supporting overall wellness, CBD may have a positive impact on many body systems.

  • Nervous system

Your pet’s nervous system impacts their mood and stress levels. CBD has a calming effect on your pet’s nerves and may also enhance its brain function. It helps animals maintain a normal and relaxed disposition, as well as helps your pet to cope with external stressors, such as fireworks or thunderstorms. CBD can promote calmness and help your pet maintain emotional balance. Stress hurts health, so by supporting calmness and relaxation with CBD, there is an overall positive impact on your pet’s health. 

  • Digestive system

CBD may help as a digestive aid and maintain a proper gut flora balance. Your pet’s gut flora is essential for good digestion, as well as healthy immune function. CBD helps support the protective layers of your pet’s bowel or digestive tract. It also helps maintain proper digestion and overall bowel health. In addition, CBD has a beneficial impact on your pet’s digestion pH, supporting its proper levels in the stomach and gut. 

  • Immune system

CBD promotes the body’s innate resistance to pathogens, like bacteria and parasites. It has immune-enhancing effects and helps to support the whole immune system. Part of how it does this is by supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Detoxification creates healthier tissues, which are better able to resist infection. CBD also contains antioxidants that help maintain normal DNA as well as the immune system.

  • Musculoskeletal system

CBD offers support to the connective tissues, like cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It enhances bone and joint health, which is especially helpful for large dogs, to prevent and protect their vulnerable hip joints. CBD also enhances joint fluid viscosity, which helps the joints move more freely. Overall, CBD helps maintain cartilage and other connective tissues that support healthy joints and their function and overall joint mobility. 

  • Skin

CBD helps to maintain healthy skin and supports skin health overall. It can also soothe skin-related issues associated with seasonal allergies. CBD also helps maintain the normal moisture content of the skin and is especially helpful for animals with sensitive skin.

Considerations Before Giving Your Pet CBD

Before you give your pet CBD, there are a few things to consider.

  • What kind of CBD?

Read any product instructions carefully and follow their dosage instructions to start with. You may want to adjust your pet’s dose up or down, depending on your health goals. But, a healthy pet is likely fine with the recommended dosage. There are different ways of giving your pet CBD. 

 

  1. Hemp CBD oils are the most common way to give pets CBD. They are much easier to dose for smaller pets, like tiny dogs or rabbits. Hemp oils are also the most cost-effective way to give your pet CBD. Typically they are administered by dropper into your pet’s mouth. Another method, for dogs or cats, is to drip the oil in their empty food bowl to lick up. Specially formulated oils can be given during mealtime, like Pet Releaf’s Liposome Hemp Oil 100. Regular hemp CBD oil is best given on an empty stomach. 
  2. CBD capsules contain a precise dose of CBD oil and are good for larger pets. You give them the way you give any pill, which is however is most effective for your pet. Hiding the capsule in a treat is always a classic. 
  3. CBD “treats”, or chews, are the easiest way to give CBD to pets. CBD treats aren’t treats, but supplement chews. Make sure you choose a chew made for your pet’s size. Follow the package instructions and give the recommended amount. These are not regular pet treats and should be treated as a beneficial supplement. 
  4. Topicals are lotions or creams that contain CBD and often other skin-healthy ingredients. They are applied directly to the skin and are wonderful for pets with skin issues or sensitive skin. They also make a good alternative if you can’t give your pet hemp oil, capsules, or treats. Apply directly to the skin and rub in thoroughly. Never use it on broken or irritated skin. Pet Releaf offers a  CBD topical for dogs that pet parents can apply to their dog’s skin as-needed.
  • Where did they source their hemp?

Hemp grown in the U.S. is regulated and must contain less than 0.3% THC. This is crucial for pet CBD, since THC is toxic to pets, even in small amounts. Low-quality pet CBD might be made with hemp sourced from outside the U.S. and this hemp may have higher levels of THC, which could be dangerous to pets. Pet CBD made with U.S. grown hemp is safest for pets. 

  • How was the CBD made?

CBD made without heat, chemicals or solvents is going to be the best and safest CBD for your pet. Heat can damage delicate plant compounds, rendering the CBD inactive. Chemicals and solvents can leave trace amounts behind in the finished product, which could be toxic to your pet. 

  • Is it organic?

Choosing organic is generally a good way to be sure of a high-quality CBD product.

  • Is it a full-spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum means that everything extracted from the hemp plant is used. This means you’re getting all of the beneficial compounds found in hemp that work together with CBD, making it more effective. Other CBD oils may not contain all of the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, etc, that full-spectrum does. 

How to Find the Best CBD for your Pet

Visit your friends over at Pet Releaf to find the best pet CBD on the market. They make their CBD with American grown hemp that is farmed using sustainable and regenerative practices. Their manufacturing process uses zero heat, chemicals, or solvents, leaving them with the most effective full-spectrum hemp to make their products. Many of their products are USDA certified organic, including their classic hemp CBD oils and many of their Edibites, which are CBD and functional herb soft chews. Try their fish oil-based Liposome hemp oils, which give your pet a hearty dose of healthy essential fatty acids from sustainably sourced Wild Alaskan Red Pollock. If you want some help deciding what the right CBD product is for your pet, try Pet Releaf’s product finder and take a short, fun quiz about your pet.