CBD products have now become a must in the routine of many, in line with the trend of using natural remedies for one’s health. What many people don’t know, however, is that our animal friends can also serenely benefit from them.

Recently, many manufacturers in the cannabis light world have in fact focused on producing lines of CBD-based oils and foods for dogs and cats to solve physical or psychological problems due to its properties.

These products are very similar to those specifically for humans, but with a slightly different formulation, as they are free of THC and terpenes that could be harmful to four-legged friends. They are also enriched with special flavourings that mask the bitter taste of the plant, make the intake more pleasant and prevent rejection.

The administration of these products is very simple, if certain precautions are taken, and in general no particular side effects for the animal’s health need to be feared, because it is a 100% natural substance.

If your dog or cat is going through a complex time and you would like to help him or her with a natural solution, here is a guide on the benefits of CBD for pets, possible side effects and what you need to know about dosage.

What CBD can do for pets

How can cannabidiol also have an effect on dogs and cats?

The benefits of CBD on pets are a natural consequence of the action of this active ingredient on the body, just like for humans.

Cannabinoids, such as CBD, are already present in the bodies of many mammals and operate in the endocannabinoid system, a biological communication network connected to the central and peripheral nervous systems and the immune system, to keep them in balance. This balance (homeostasis) is the basis for the proper performance of vital functions such as movement and good mood, but when it is compromised, pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety, nervousness and insomnia can occur. Thus, taking cannabinoids from the outside can restore the regularity of the system and solve the problem.

Even our animal friends can go through a difficult time, perhaps as a result of surgery, a change of environment or a loss, or simply due to an allergy, a disease or the first symptoms of arthritis in old age. Administering CBD products to them can be an excellent idea to restore their good mood, liveliness and energy without having to resort to traditional medicines.

CBD products are able to:

• significantly alleviate pain and inflammation;
• improve mood;
• regularising the appetite;
• provide a relaxing and soothing effect;
• conciliate sleep;
• soothe nausea and intestinal pain;
• strengthen the immune system;
• calming nervousness and aggression.

Are there any side effects of CBD for dogs and cats?

CBD is nothing more than a substance extracted from the cannabis plant that becomes part of the formulation of various products to be ingested, smoked, inhaled or applied to the skin.  It is therefore a totally natural and organic essence that forms the basis of so-called ‘light cannabis’, which has no serious side effects like some medicines, and does not generate euphoria, addiction or dependence, unlike THC (the plant’s druggable active ingredient), which is present to a very small extent in products for humans and absent in those for animals.

If you want to give the benefits of CBD to your pet, in short, you won’t have to worry that he or she will feel ill as a result of the administration.

However, as is the case with all natural substances, some precautions are necessary, because particularly delicate or debilitated subjects may experience some short-term discomfort, such as nausea, diarrhoea, exhaustion or dry mouth. In cases like these, it is useful to give your little friend time to get used to the substance or, if the problem persists, the product may not be right for him.

Overdose or interference with an ongoing drug therapy may also give rise to contraindications – although we repeat, always of short duration. Desist if the animal has a history of allergies behind it or has suffered from kidney and liver problems.

Of course, if you want to be sure that everything goes well, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian before starting treatment.

What do vets say about CBD? 

The benefits of CBD on pets are now known even to insiders, and in fact, many veterinary experts have conducted tests and published studies on the administration of this substance to animals that have not experienced improvements as a result of traditional therapies. The first veterinary surgeon to use cannabis on animals was the American Douglas Kramer, who tried to alleviate the pain of his husky Nikita with cannabis-based palliative treatments and later subjected many other dogs that had not benefited from the drugs to such therapies: a real revolution in the world of animal medicine that could generate important innovations in the coming years.

Research in the veterinary field, however, is still ongoing and therefore it is not certain that all doctors are willing or in agreement to recommend a substance that is not yet considered incontrovertibly effective.

With this in mind, the Federation of European Veterinary Doctors has spoken out and recommended caution and prudence when administering CBD-based products to dogs and cats; European legislation, moreover, does not yet authorise any type of veterinary medicine with cannabinoids, but only homeopathic medicines and animal feed.

In the UK, this line tends to be maintained and practitioners are still very cautious on the subject, but there are many who are more proactive and open to experimentation.

What CBD products are there for pets?

Although there are various types, the most accessible, simple and effective methods for pets to experience the benefits of CBD are edible oils and kibble.

• CBD oil, which is available for both dogs and cats, is a compound with low concentrations of active ingredient (generally 5%), which does not contain the full spectrum of the hemp plant, and thus THC and terpenes. It is a product to be administered pure or in addition to food, enriched with flavourings that may be pleasant for the animal. Feeding is done in a very simple way, thanks to a handy dropper that allows you to keep track of the quantity.
• CBD kibbles are delicious, versatile snacks that can be added to the daily routine of dogs and cats of all ages and species. Designed for the animal’s well-being, they have healthy and balanced ingredients to which cannabidiol and possibly other nutrients (such as Omega 3 or Omega 6) are naturally added. They have special flavours that make them appetising for the animal.

How to administer CBD to dogs and cats? 

Using oil or kibble, administering CBD to dogs and cats will actually be an easy task, as long as one pays attention to dosage.

One must first take into account the age and weight of the animal, as well as the extent of the disorder to be treated, in order to avoid too little, and therefore ineffective, or too much, and therefore harmful, product.

There is no general rule for quantities, but the reference, as far as dogs are concerned, is that for every 10 kg of weight, 4 drops of CBD oil correspond, and that for cats one should aim for 0.5 mg CBD per kg a couple of times a day.

The oil is specially designed to be poured directly into the animal’s mouth with the dropper, but, if necessary, it can be added to its food: the  aromas of meat and fish will mask the substance with the rest.

It goes without saying that for kibble the problem does not arise: it will be a perfect snack for your little friend, but remember to limit it to a couple of times a day.

Being a natural substance, the benefits of CBD on pets will not be visible until 2-3 weeks or at the earliest within 3 months after starting therapy.

What happens if I give too much CBD to my animal?

It is important to remember that if it is the first time you are administering CBD to your dog or cat, you should start with a minimum dose and eventually, depending on the extent of his or her problem and degree of tolerability, increase it.

What if you were to make a mistake and give your pet too much CBD? In such a case, it would be easy to notice, because the animal would tend to engage in unusual behaviour. You would see him tired, sluggish and nervous, he would isolate himself, have nausea or intestinal problems and complain often.

Don’t panic: stop the treatment and consult your vet to explain the situation, but know that these are, as we have already explained, transient effects. However, it is always a good idea to check the details in the product sheets and to consult your doctor before and during the cycle.

Choose the best products for your dog or cat

In conclusion, using cannabidiol in your dog’s or cat’s wellness routine can be an excellent idea to alleviate or even easily resolve a number of physical or psychological discomforts.

If you are a connoisseur of natural remedies and would also like to administer them to your little friend, choose a serious and competent dealer who provides you with certified, quality products without THC and without terpenes: with Maria CBD Oil products you can immediately experience the benefits of CBD on your pet and be sure that you are giving him only the best.

Visit the website to learn about the pet line: the 5% Beef-flavoured dog oil, the 5% Salmon-flavoured cat oil and the Beef and Pork or Chicken and Turkey-flavoured dog treats.