Last modified on November 4th, 2020 at 6:47 am

How To Find The Best Quality CBD Oil For Dogs And Cats?

If you spend time surfing blogs and reading up about pet health, you’ve probably heard of CBD as it’s a huge topic right now for both humans and pets. The trouble is, CBD is not an FDA-regulated treatment, and it can be challenging to differentiate the good from the bad, the safe from the unsafe. 

Just like not all CBD products will work for all people, not all CBD products are intended for cats or dogs. Visiting the healthy petables company website is a great way to browse several high-quality pet CBD products, but it can be hard to choose with such a wide array of options.

Here are some essential tips for finding the best quality CBD oil for Fido or Felix!

What Is CBD?

You’re probably most familiar with CBD in its tincture form, though you may not know what it is exactly. Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is basically a naturally occurring compound from the plant known to all as cannabis. CBD, when compared with THC, doesn’t induce any effect of the psychoactive kind.

In humans and other animals, CBD interacts with the biological system called endocannabinoid that helps regulate the body’s natural rhythms and immune response. CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC, also known as broad-spectrum CBD oil, are federally legal, though adherence to this may differ on the local level. 

In humans, CBD is used by some people to help manage the following conditions: 

  • Anxiety
  • Appetite loss
  • Insomnia
  • Inflammation and autoimmune-related pain
  • Seizures

Can CBD Help Your Pet?

Most animals, including cats and dogs, also have an endocannabinoid system to help their bodies self-regulate. Some studies suggest that CBD could be the key to helping your dog or cat live a healthier life depending on what their needs are. Pet owners use CBD to help their furry friends manage anxiety, fear, or chronic pain. 

CBD can be found in treats or tinctures that can easily be added to your pet’s food. To make sure that CBD is helpful rather than harmful to your pet, check that the product you’re buying is reputable, pet-specific, and of the highest quality. 

Buy Pet-Specific CBD Products

While the CBD in pet and human-specific products is the same, CBD products intended for human consumption may have different dosages or added ingredients that make it inappropriate or even unsafe for your pet. Your pooch may not appreciate mint-flavored CBD, and CBD that contains THC could make him sick. Likewise, CBD products marketed for large dogs may be too strong a dosage for a smaller dog or a cat. To avoid any dangers, only give your pet CBD products intended specifically for them. 

Consult Your Vet

While a fraction of current public opinion supports the beneficial effects of CBD and a limited amount of scientific studies point to its effectiveness, CBD is still a relatively new product. Rather than getting carried away with the substance’s newfound popularity among pet owners, consult your vet to ensure that CBD is the right choice for your dog or cat. 

While vets may not suggest CBD as a first option as it’s still not an FDA-approved treatment for any condition, it’s possible that your vet has experience using CBD for their own pet’s needs, and they may be able to give some tips or recommendations. Similarly, they will know if your pet is taking any medication that might clash with CBD use. 

Choose Only The Highest Quality Products

When shopping for CBD products for your dog or cat, make sure to read the label thoroughly before purchasing. Some CBD products may contain ingredients that could be harmful to your pet’s health. Avoid CBD products extracted using solvents, as there may be harsh chemicals lingering in the final product. 

To find the safest CBD product, look for these signs:

  • CO2 extracted
  • Organic
  • Has a COA, or Certificate of Analysis, meaning it has been tested by a third-party lab to ensure viability.
  • It’s grown in a reputable area. Hemp can absorb toxins from the soil they grow in, and those can end up in the final product.

The Bottom Line

CBD may not be a cure-all for every pet, but it might help certain cats and dogs manage existing conditions such as pain and anxiety. To ensure that you’re giving your furry friend only the best CBD product, check for a few essential qualities before buying anything and mixing it with your pet’s food. If you can find an organic, third-party tested, and pet-specified product, check with your vet to confirm if it’s the best choice.