Is your pet going through anxiety or suffering from arthritis? If you answered yes, you’re probably considering CBD or hemp oil to relieve them from their physical or mental anguish. Pet parents have heaped praises on these oils as they’ve shown to alleviate anxiety and reduce stress.
But are these oils worth the hype?
Keep reading because we’re about to answer important questions related to CBD and hemp oil to help you decide if they’re the best option for your ailing dog or cat.
Let’s start with laying out the differences between these oils.
CBD vs. hemp oil: what’s the difference?
Both CBD and hemp oil are derived from different parts of the hemp plant (which belongs to the Cannabis family). Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant whereas CBD oil is extracted from its leaves, stalks, and flowers. CBD oil contains a compound called ‘cannabidiol’ which interacts with the nerve signaling system in the human body to produce soothing effects.
Hemp, on the other hand, is a rich source of Omega-6 and Omega-3 oils and doesn’t contain any cannabidiol.
Do these oils make my pet ‘high’?
Neither hemp or CBD will get your pet high as they don’t contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound present in marijuana that’s responsible for inducing a psychoactive state. Both marijuana and hemp are plants from the Cannabis family. Hemp of good quality will ideally contain zero THC and CBD should contain less than .3%, which is safe and considered beneficial for pets.
What’s better, CBD or Hemp Oil?
CBD oil and hemp oil offer different kinds of health benefits for your pets.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil naturally soothes your pet as the Omega-3 and Omega-6 present in it improves their health by reducing inflammation, enabling them to sleep better, and mitigating discomfort and nervousness. In addition to reducing joint aches and anxiety, hemp oil also boosts your pet’s immune system and adds to the sheen of their coats and skin.
Here are other potential significant benefits of administering hemp oil for your pets:
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Helps control seizures and epilepsy
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Improves mobility
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Helps fight cancer
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Boosts heart health by reducing blood vessel damage
CBD Oil
CBD oil provides relief from pain by reacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is a vast network of receptors and cells within our bodies. CBD oil has gained much traction for treating issues like pain management, inflammation, anxiety, and stress in pets.
Here are other notable benefits of using CBD oil for your dog:
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Helps curb the symptoms of seasonal allergies in pets.
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It aids bone and joint health and keeps away arthritic pain
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Calms your pet and helps them relax if they’re hyperactive.
Hemp and CBD oils do have side effects
For all their benefits, CBD and hemp oils tend to have side effects which can include drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness among others. CBD can induce dry mouth by interfering with saliva production. It can also cause a small drop in blood pressure. Most of these cases go away on their own as soon as you stop giving them CBD or hemp oil.
So, should you turn towards CBD and hemp oil to make your pet feel better?
In a 2018 survey by the Veterinary Information Network 75% of participants concluded that CBD oil was helpful in reducing anxiety and stress.
However, when picking the right product for your pet, it’s always best to consult your vet, do your own extensive research and testing to find out if CBD or hemp oil would work. Vets will also recommend the right dose appropriate to your pet’s age and other factors.
If you do decide to try out CBD and hemp oil on your pet, use only reputable brands and always stick to the dosage.
For the most part, CBD and hemp oils appear to be harmless and beneficial to dogs and cats. Do your due diligence, choose organic products which don’t contain pesticides or other additives and, most importantly, talk to your vet. This will decide the best course of action to give your fur baby a good quality life.
