As you might already know, CBD is the non-psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant that is also found in medicinal (industrial) hemp, a variant of the same plant that has lower levels of THC than marijuana. Perhaps you have heard that some people use CBD (cannabidiol) products to alleviate many different conditions, but did you know that there are products that are specially designed as nutritional supplements for animals?
They work because pets, like other mammals, have an endocannabinoid system and CBD binds to them. No matter what kind of pet you own – a cat, a dog, or even a horse – the reality is that you always want what is best for them. We are sure that you are cautious not to give them anything that might harm them, but the current data that is available, as well as the anecdotal evidence, shows that CBD in particular when used in combination with conventional therapy, can help improve various conditions.
Still, the list is not definitive. They have been found to help the animals with anxiety, mild pain (especially from arthritis), skin irritation, muscle spasms, chemotherapy symptoms, and seizures, but by themselves are not intended to prevent, treat, or cure any ailments or diseases. Reportedly, they improve appetite, boost the immune system, encourage digestion, and promote sleep. Unfortunately, more research is necessary so that we can know more about the effects of this substance, and which conditions can be alleviated by using it.
It is vital to mention that you should not give your pet human CBD as it might lead to toxicity, especially in dogs because they have more cannabinoid receptors than humans. If they are in severe pain or have a more serious health problem, you should take them to the vet, and not rely only on supplements.
When you visit this website or another one that deals with cannabidiol, you will quickly realize that there are many more CBD products than you might have imagined. Sure, all of those are made in rather similar ways, but you will still have to decide which one to buy. Should you go for the oil, the treats, the pills/capsules or some other type of topical cream? The worst part is, that’s not the only decision you will have to make in the process.
In addition to deciding which type of CBD product to get, you will also have to decide where to get it from. There are more than a few manufacturers out there and all of them are ready to sell you their particular CBD merchandise and convince you that it is the best one. You are, however, the one responsible for actually finding the companies that will provide high-quality products.
If you are new to the cannabidiol world, you are bound to be a bit confused and perhaps even worried because of the wide range of products and all the suppliers that you will have to choose from. That’s why we decided to share a few tips with you and help you make your best choice. So, read on to learn how to find the perfect CBD oil products for your pets.
1. Consult your vet
You should always talk to a veterinarian before introducing a new supplement to your pet’s diet, and this should not be an exception. They can help you to come up with a plan on how to introduce this product into their daily regime and at what dose, as they know more about the health issues of your pet. They might be able to recommend some brands that you can trust, too.
2. Research the products
Of course, it goes without saying that you should first ensure the safety of the oils, the infused treats, and any other CBD products that you are considering to get. Ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) which is a document, basically, a laboratory testing report, which proves that the products meet certain requirements and follow guidelines. Also, it should be tested by third-party laboratories.
During this research, make sure to check how the supplements are actually administered. This will both help you determine the dosages and understand how your pet will be most likely to take the supplement without refusing it. Some pets might not be willing to take the drops of oils directly, so you can mix them with their food, while others might not like the treats as they would have a specific smell. Another thing to look for is the effects of CBD products that the particular one promotes, and for which animal it is intended.
3. Check the manufacturer’s reputation
The next thing you should do is related to the manufacturer. As we have already made it clear, there are quite a few different ones, and that you should be careful when choosing the one that you will buy your CBD from. The thing that you should pay the most attention to is, unsurprisingly, reputation. Surely, you don’t want to shop at places that have a poor reputation. Check the internet for some online reviews from current or past users, and read their own experiences with that particular maker or vendor.
4. Look at the label
On the label, you will find the information you need to make a good decision; like the type of extraction – CO2 or solvent extraction, the dose (and make sure that is the same one as on the COA) which can vary and you should choose it according to the animal and its size, whether it is full-spectrum CBD or a simply an isolate which only offers CBD and none of the other cannabinoids. Also, even though your pet wouldn’t enjoy the benefits of THC, the product should contain somewhat less than 0.3% TCH, since if it doesn’t contain any, it means it is an isolate, and you shouldn’t buy it. Always go for the full spectrum hemp extract; an isolate won’t have the other medicinal substances that are found in the hemp, not even in trace amounts.
When it comes to the dose, a Chihuahua would require a much lower dose than a full-grown horse, so it has to be adjusted. You should start with a lower dose and monitor its effects, and if necessary, increase it in the future, after a couple of weeks. If your pet is still hesitant about eating CBD infused food or treats, you can opt for the flavored ones that will mask the grassy flavor of the oil.
5. Compare the prices
When you come to the point of choosing among a few reliable manufacturers and products, you can look into the prices. It is recommended to check the prices at multiple shopping sites to make sure you will get the best one and won’t get ripped off. On the other hand, a drastically lower price might mean that the manufacturer is cutting corners, or that the product is counterfeit. Another thing to pay attention to are the shipping fees, as they can vary, depending on your location. As these products are fairly new to the market, you might be confused about the pricing.
There might even be an option to get organic CBD which will definitely affect the prices, making them higher. Of course, if you want to get ones that are of good quality, you should not compromise too much when it comes to paying for them. Go for the most reasonable price, so that you can get the best value for your money. This means that you will certainly have to check the prices in addition to the effects of CBD products and the reputation of the supplier.
