Many people use weed because it effectively helps them cope with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and sleeping problems with very few (if any) side effects. But did you know that weed can help your pets, too?

In fact, many pet owners are finding that CBD oil can help reduce anxiety, aggression, depression, and pain in their aging or anxious animals. Read on to learn more about how to use CBD oil for pets with anxiety.

Health Benefits of CBD for Pets

Anyone who has ever spent time around animals knows that they have feelings just like people do. If your pet has been showing signs of anxiety, depression, aggression, or pain, then it might be time to look into CBD oil for pets.

Research shows that CBD can also be used to treat seizures, neoplastic (cancer), and osteoarthritis in pets, including dogs, cats, and even horses.

All mammals have an ECS or endocannabinoid system that is activated by endocannabinoids, such as the phytocannabinoids found in CBD. These plant chemicals function at the same receptors in the ECS, sending therapeutic actions throughout the body.

According to one study, regularly using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may not adequately provide relief for pets with osteoarthritis pain. Additionally, NSAIDs may have side effects, such as kidney and gastrointestinal problems, reducing your pet’s quality of life even further.

CBD oil has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent alternative to NSAIDs for pets that cannot take them or are currently taking them but still experience pain.

Researchers from the above-mentioned study found that dogs with osteoarthritis who took 2 mg/kg of CBD oil twice a day experienced improvements in comfort and activity. Additionally, the pet owners noted that their pets did not experience any side effects with the CBD oil treatment.

Here are some other CBD oil benefits for pets:

• CBD oil can be given to pets who are overly aggressive as weed may have a calming effect on mammals
• CBD oil can be given to pets who experience separation anxiety from their owners (however, it should be noted that you should never give your pet CBD for the first time and then leave them unattended)
• CBD oil can be given to pets who are depressed and grieving the loss of another pet
• CBD can help reduce pain in aging pets or pets who have chronic conditions, such as cancer, hip problems, ulcers, and more
• CBD can reduce inflammation in pets who have inflammatory conditions, such as IBD and allergies
• CBD can be used to help pets sleep, such as pets who have a hard time sleeping due to pain, medications, separation anxiety, and more
• CBD can be given to pets who are anxious due to a recent move or transfer of owners, such as those in foster care

CBD Benefits for Pets: Is It Safe?

Pet owners want to make sure that CBD oil is safe for pets before giving it to their favorite furry friends. The good news is that research shows that CBD appears to be safe to give to healthy dogs and cats. Additional research is beginning to show that CBD is also safe for horses.

According to one study, there are no long-term side effects associated with CBD in pets. Study authors examined healthy cats and dogs 12 weeks after CBD administration and determined that oral supplementation appeared to be safe.

The study authors noted that CBD appears to affect cats and dogs differently. Specifically, cats appear to eliminate or absorb CBD differently than dogs. They show lower serum concentrations and adverse effects - such as excessive licking and head shaking - during oral supplementation.

This is a good thing to keep in mind when giving CBD to your pets. Always check with your pet’s veterinarian if you have questions about how CBD may affect your pet individually as it may vary from animal to animal - just like it varies from person to person.

You may want to check with your animal’s doctor before giving CBD to them if they are currently on medication as there may be some interactions that can negatively affect your pet.

CBD Oil Dosage for Pets

Research shows that CBD can be used in animals other than cats, dogs, and horses, including monkeys and ferrets. However, dosage may vary depending on the size of the animal so keep this in mind when deciding how much CBD to give your pet.

Always consult your veterinarian for proper dosing as they will need to take other factors into consideration, such as your pet’s age, medical history, past reactions to medications, or whether or not they are currently taking medication.

Best CBD Products for Pets

You can sneak some CBD oil into your pet’s food or give it to them directly into their mouth (if they will take it). For dogs, we recommend giving it to them in the form of treats, such as Kirby’s Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits, which contains 500 mg of CBD per serving.

Here are some other CBD oils for pets that you can use:

• Hemp Infused Pet Tincture - Unflavoured
• Animalitos CBD Small Breed Dog Tincture
• Animalitos Cat Tincture
• Animalitos CBD Dog Tincture (300mg)

You can also use CBD oil topically if your pet experiences joint pain. It works as a great skin conditioner and can be used to treat skin conditions as well.