CBD can be used to help your pets stay healthy, active, and happy. It may be beneficial for aiding some diseases and conditions in animals, especially dogs and cats, but also horses and other family animals. CBD isn’t just for humans anymore! Here are nine reasons you may consider CBD for your pets.
It’s All Natural
Natural alternatives have gained more popularity in the U.S. as consumers are looking to take a more holistic approach to medicine, both for themselves and for their animals. CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant, and is all-natural. Just as a person might take CBD to avoid taking medications that come with heavy side effects, you may choose to give CBD to your pet for similar reasons. Consequently, side effects are typically lower, and are usually minor, if experienced.
Naternal’s CBD products are made using other all-natural ingredients, along with natural occurring cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Our production process is meticulous, and our testing is rigorous to ensure the CBD products you get are premium-quality and trustworthy.
It’s Easy to Administer
Anyone who has had to get a pet to take medication knows how hard it can be. The good thing about CBD is that it’s simple to administer, and there are many different types of pet CBD products you can try. CBD oils can be placed on the tongue with a dropper, but if your pet is resistant to that (and we know some are!), it can also be added to their food or on top of their favorite treat. There are also pet treats and chews on the market that some find much easier to get their pets to take - not to mention, they usually come in some of their favorite flavors! At Naternal, our pet tinctures are not flavored, which allows for a more natural, earthy taste; however, our CBD dog chews come in both chicken and bacon and are formulated for specific use-cases.
It May Ease Anxiety
Like people, many pets suffer from anxiety, which has become one of the most popular reasons humans have turned to the use of CBD for their fur babies. We’ve all been around anxious pets - they may be nervous around other people or other animals, they may not like car rides or loud noises, and some even get nervous being left alone at home. The outputs of their induced anxiety is often hiding, barking and whining excessively, shaking and sometimes even destruction of furniture and other items around the house.
People have found CBD to be helpful in aiding their pet’s anxiety for many of the use-cases listed above. Naternal’s Stay CBD Dog Chews are formulated specifically for calming and include other notable ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, and St. John’s Wort. It is important to understand that dosing will vary from pet to pet based on their weight, age and health.
It May Help To Relieve Chronic Pain
No one likes to see an animal suffer from pain, but so many of them do - either due to age or injury - and our options for natural relief are limited. Many prescription pain medications leave pets feeling groggy and can sometimes come with an extensive list of possible side effects. If your pet has a chronic condition like arthritis, or other musculoskeletal problems, CBD may be a great option to talk to your veterinarian about. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, daily incorporation of CBD may help provide some relief to pets that deal with chronic pain.
It Can Be Used Topically
Typically used for skin ailments or injuries, CBD topicals are a great option for pets and they are easy to use! With the presence of fatty acids in hemp extract, these products can be used to calm inflammation caused by skin irritation and can even promote new cell growth, allowing for quicker healing. Topicals are also a natural way to provide some relief to injured areas causing sore muscles and joints. Easily applied directly to problem areas, topicals can be used in combination with oral CBD products or prescription medications, if necessary.
It May Help Avoid Seizures
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs. In 2017, the American Kennel Club partnered with the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in a study titled “Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Treatment of Canine Epilepsy”. The goal of this study was to find definitive proof that CBD can help treat dogs that suffer from seizures due to Epilepsy or other neurological disorders. Additional studies have since begun to continue researching the use of cannabidiol treatment and, according to Dr. Stephanie McGrath, the leading veterinary neurologist on the study, “If CBD is effective for treating epilepsy, it has the potential to save the lives of dogs around the world.”
It May Have Few Side Effects
One of the great things about CBD oil, for both humans and animals, is that side effects are usually limited. According to the American Kennel Club, the most common side effects in dogs are dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and drowsiness. But that’s a short list compared to the side effects that are present in prescription medications, which can be much more serious. With continued CBD use, many pets tend to experience less of those minor side effects.
If you are considering CBD for your pet, it’s always recommended to consult with their veterinarian prior, especially if they are currently taking other medications.
It’s Good For Many Kinds of Animals
When it comes to animals and pets, CBD has most commonly been used for dogs and cats, but ongoing studies suggest that other animals may also benefit from it. Horses have become an area of more extensive research in relation to use for anxiety and pain management, especially in race horses. Other small pets have also made the list for potential benefits from CBD use including rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.
It’s Over The Counter
One of the biggest perks about CBD is that you don’t have to have a prescription from your vet to get it. Easily found online, in speciality hemp stores and even some big-box retailers and pharmacies, CBD is accessible and there are countless options to choose from. With options including tinctures, treats and chews, and topicals, you are able to customize and cater to the best needs of your pet.
However, with so many different brands and products on the market, it is important to do your research to ensure you are purchasing from a quality and trusted brand. Like human products, pet products should also come with a verified Certificate of Analysis that provides third party lab results, going into detail about the purity and potency of the product.
Pets are such a crucial and loved part of the family, and they rely on their humans for their health and wellness needs. If you are considering CBD for your pet(s), we always recommend consulting with your veterinarian to ensure it is a good option for your pet; and always investigate brands prior to making a purchase, to ensure you are getting exactly what you are looking for.
