What are the risks of treating my pet with CBD? Leave a comment
What are the risks of treating my pet with CBD? The side effects of using CBD in animals are very similar to those experienced by humans. The most common issues include changes to appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. Typically, the higher the CBD dose you give to your pet, the more likely they will have side effects.
In most cases, it is not necessary to treat these reactions, as they are generally pretty mild or get better with time. If these side effects don’t get any better or become more severe, you should contact your pet’s veterinarian and keep a close eye on your pet to make sure they don’t hurt themselves.
Can CBD cause my pet to get high?
As mentioned earlier, CBD does not cause a “high” or euphoric feeling. Some people, however, do say it seems their pets are a little out of sorts when they take CBD. If your pet looks like they could be “high” after their dose, there is a reason why this might be happening.
Before purchasing any CBD product, carefully read the label for specific information about its contents. If the product is described as “full spectrum,” this means the product may have up to 0.3% THC in the product — the legal limit according to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. This seemingly small amount could be enough to cause this side effect in your pet, especially if they are extra sensitive to it.
What forms of CBD are available for pets?
If your veterinarian recommends CBD for your pet, there are a range of CBD pet products available, including oils, treats, topical products (lotions, gels, creams), and more. It is often given by mouth or under the tongue. Bottled oils with droppers may be preferable when you first start giving CBD to your pet as it is easier to increase the dose slowly rather than being limited to a fixed amount in a tablet, capsule, or treat.
Are human CBD products safe for pets, or do I need CBD products specifically intended for pets?
Products meant for humans have the same CBD that would be found in products designed for pets. So, human CBD might be OK to give to your pet, but you’ll want to follow any recommendations from your vet. If the product is not made specifically for pets, it is important to read the label to double-check for ingredients that could be toxic to pets like chocolate, certain essential oils, and artificial sweeteners.
Besides being made without these harmful ingredients, pet-specific oral CBD products are usually also flavored with your furry friend in mind — chicken and fish chews, for instance. Be aware that some CBD products have a grassy taste that can make it more difficult to give to your pet. If you find your dog or cat turning their nose up at the product you’ve chosen, try disguising it in a spoonful of peanut butter or your pet’s treat of choice.
