CBD for Dogs and Cats: Benefits, How It Works, & What the Research Shows

Organic hemp cannabis plant used in Earth Buddy full spectrum CBD for dogs and cats

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from hemp that interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in dogs and cats. Key benefits include stress support, joint comfort, healthy inflammatory response, immune modulation, skin health, and digestive support. Earth Buddy's CBD is grown in Colorado on organic & regenerative hemp farm, extracted via subcritical Co2, and always third-party lab tested. Recommended starting dose: 1-3mg per 10lbs of body weight, but remember every pet is an individual. Give with food for best absorption.

What is CBD and How is it Made?

Cannabidiol (CBD)is the predominant fat molecule that is produced in hemp plants grown on our farm in Colorado.

Cannabis plants, in their seedling stage, are only producing CBGa. (Cannabigerolic Acid). As the hemp begins to flower, they start to produce what is known as the precursor to CBD, called CBDa (cannabidiolic acid). Once harvested, the leaves and flower are trimmed off hemp stalks and stored in a temperature-controlled facility.

Through an extraction process called subcritical CO2 that uses lower temperatures to preserve beneficial hemp compounds, we are able to derive a whole plant concentrate of CBDa from hemp and then we convert the CBDa through a process called decarboxylation (or heating). This process involves heating the CBDa concentrate at low temperatures to convert to CBD. That raw, viscous medicinal oil is now ready to be mixed into CBD products for cats and dogs.

CBD is a non-intoxicating, non-addictive antioxidant for the body that both binds and signals to many different receptors and systems (ECS) within the body.

6 Proven Benefits of CBD for Dogs and Cats

CBD, or cannabidiol, has been a hot topic in the world of pet health in recent years. Many pet owners have turned to CBD for dogs and cats to help with a range of issues, from stress, joint discomfort, and even allergies. If you’re considering giving a product with CBD for pets, it’s important to understand the benefits it can offer.

1. Stress and Calming Support

Just like humans, pets can suffer from stress. Loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, and changes in routine can all trigger stress in pets. Fortunately, CBD has been shown to help ease stress and promote calm in pets. Studies have shown that CBD can help regulate the endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating mood and stress responses.

Additionally, CBD can help modulate levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being and happiness. By balancing serotonin, CBD for pets given daily can start to calm dogs and cats, training them to be more relaxed when common triggers occur.

Supporting our pet’s parasympathetic state and easing everyday stressors defends our pets against long term health issues that occur due to constant stress. Full spectrum CBD can help pets with situational stress for thunderstorms, nail trims, fireworks, car rides, and separation stress. Starting with our full spectrum CBD oil is one of the best pet supplements we can provide them.

2. Joint Comfort and Mobility

Pets can experience a range of discomfort, from joint issues to aches and recovery. CBD has been shown to have powerful soothing properties for achy joints, making it a natural alternative to traditional veterinary therapies. CBD for dogs and cats works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system and engaging receptors, which plays a key role in regulating discomfort perception.

Additionally, CBD promotes a balanced inflammatory response, which can help soothe overall discomfort. In terms of joint health for dogs and cats, a 2020 study on dogs using NSAIDs in conjunction with pet CBD, showed significant improvement in the CBPI scores.

This ensures both the safety of using CBD for pets in combination with traditional veterinary therapy along with efficacy of this multimodal approach. Veterinarians and holistic pet practitioners, in some cases, are able to lower their use of more intense therapies for joint aches as a result.

3. Healthy Inflammatory Response Support

Inflammatory response signals a common underlying factor in many pet health issues, from joint aches to skin conditions and allergies. CBD has been shown to have potential in supporting inflammatory pathways, making it a valuable tool for managing these conditions.

Consistent inflammatory pathway signals in our pets means animals will express systemic problems through a number of ailments. From aging, stress, or even weakened immune function, CBD for dogs and cats can help normalize inflammatory pathways.

4. Immune System Modulation

Full spectrum CBD oil for dogs and cats has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can activate immune cells. This can be especially beneficial for pets with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from autoimmune deficiency.

Due to pets having cannabinoid receptors expressed in almost every immune response, this may indicate that the ECS signaling plays a role in immune function at all levels. By activating the ECS response with full spectrum CBD for pets, we can help support the immune system and improve overall health and wellness.

5. Skin Health and Coat Condition

CBD for pets with topical applications has shown much promise, which can help to soothe cat and dog itchy skin while promoting healthy coats. Due to the many cannabinoid receptors found on pet’s skin, topical CBD for pets can relieve irritation with the use of cat and dog paw balm.

Many pets suffer from dry noses, cracked or dry paw pads, and hot spots. This makes CBD paw balm for dogs and cats a natural remedy for skin conditions.

6. Digestive Health and Gut Support

Full spectrum CBD for dogs and cats has shown to have digestive health benefits with discovery of many CB2 receptors being expressed in the gut. Cat and dog gut health is a primary indicator of their overall longevity. The digestive health of our pets is often displayed through bad breath, shedding or dull coat, and stool quality.

Adding gut health supplements for dogs and cats with CBD can improve the gut microbiome and gut motility. CBD for pets can be particularly useful for pets who suffer from digestive issues such as irritated bowel movements.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs and Cats? What the Research Shows

One of the main reasons why pet owners are turning to CBD for their furry friends is that it is safe and effective. Full spectrum CBD oil is a natural compound that is derived from the cannabis plant, and it is non-intoxicating, meaning that it does not produce a “high” in pets or humans. CBD is also non-toxic, and there have been no reported cases of CBD overdose in pets or humans.

When it comes to giving your dog or cat CBD, it is important to choose a high-quality product that is specifically formulated for pets. Many human products have toxic flavorings or additives, like xylitol. It is also important that the pet CBD product you choose is transparent and willingly shares their COA’s (certificates of analysis) to ensure purity and potency of what is displayed on their labels.

Pet parents beware if a company uses terms like “proprietary” or does not share 3rd-party lab tests, it is clearly a sign that you should look for a new pet CBD. Also, make sure to examine the date on lab tests and when it was completed, as many CBD pet products do not test their products by lot codes.

Earth Buddy offers a range of CBD products for pets including tinctures, powders, treats, and capsules. All of our products are made from high-quality, organic hemp and are rigorously tested to ensure their safety and effectiveness

How to Give Your Dog or Cat CBD: Forms, Timing, and Absorption

If you are considering giving your pet CBD, it is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. This will help your pet to adjust to the effects of CBD and ensure that they do not experience any negative side effects. You can give your cat or dog CBD oil in a variety of ways, including, mixing into food or direct orally.

Earth Buddy offers full spectrum CBD for dogs and cats in numerous forms with water-soluble CBD, powders, capsules, tinctures, and of course, Earth Buddy CBD treats for dogs with limited ingredients. There are number studies that show mixing with a snack or administering CBD to dogs and cats in a fed state improves absorption and CBD stays in the body longer.

Remember that botanicals, like full-spectrum CBD for pets, are an individualized pet supplement. This means that it is best practice, and often optimal results, to use a lower CBD dosage for dogs and cats daily rather than a higher dose. Every cat and dog age and experience life differently. Like people, they come with their own traumas, sensitivities, and predispositions that are completely unique to these amazing creatures souls.

Botanical extracts from the cannabis plant contain a multitude of bioactive compounds in the form of cannabinoids (fat molecules), terpenes (essence or aromatic compounds), and flavonoids (phytochemical compounds). All of these compounds, naturally derived from cannabis, create a synergy or “entourage effect” that single molecule pet CBD (CBD Isolates) cannot achieve in clinical research.

To simplify this idea, instead of the western philosophy of medicine where a loading dose may be required, full-spectrum CBD dosage for pets may require much lower doses and often have more profound and safer effects.

For a more in-depth dive on CBD dosage for dogs and cats, watch this informative discussion with Dr. Casara Andre, DVM here: Cannabis for Pets Convo: A Veterinary Perspective

Frequently Asked Questions

CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in dogs to support calming, joint comfort, healthy inflammatory response, immune function, skin health, and digestive balance. It signals serotonin pathways to help regulate mood, interacts with CB2 receptors in the gut and immune system, and supports a balanced inflammatory response throughout the body. Research shows full spectrum CBD is safe and well-tolerated for daily use in dogs.

CBD oil given directly or mixed with food typically takes 30-60 minutes to take effect in dogs. Absorption improves when given with food - studies show CBD stays in the body longer and reaches higher concentrations when administered in a fed state. For daily wellness support, consistent use over 7-10 days tends to produce the most noticeable results as cannabinoid levels build in the body over time.

Earth Buddy recommends starting with 1-3mg of CBD per 10lbs of body weight as a starting dose. The goal is to find the minimum effective dose - the smallest amount that produces the desired response. Start at the lower end and adjust based on your dog's response over 7-10 days. For severe health conditions, some research supports doses around 1mg per 2.2lbs of body weight, but consult your vet before using higher doses. Download Earth Buddy's free Pet CBD Dosing Guide for a complete reference.

At recommended doses, full spectrum CBD should not cause drowsiness in dogs. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce a sedative effect at standard doses. Some dogs may appear more relaxed - which is the intended calming effect - but this is different from drowsiness or sedation. If your dog seems unusually lethargic after starting CBD, reduce the dose and consult your vet.

Yes. CBD is safe for cats when derived from hemp and containing less than 0.3% THC. Earth Buddy's hemp extracts are formulated for both dogs and cats. Cats are smaller and more sensitive than most dogs, so start with a very low dose and increase gradually. Avoid CBD products formulated for humans, as they may contain additives like xylitol that are toxic to cats. Always consult your vet if your cat has underlying health conditions or is on medication.

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