CBD has been one of the most discussed topics of the last few years. The introduction of the Farm Bill in 2018 changed the way people viewed hemp-derived products like CBD.
Today, there is a much greater focus on research and understanding the health benefits of CBD. The positive findings of these studies have led to a growing demand for CBD and a range of innovative CBD products entering the market.
But, it isn’t just humans that are benefiting from CBD products. Many pet owners are choosing to work CBD supplements into their pet’s diet, following evidence that pets can benefit from CBD in many of the same ways as humans.
There is an ever-growing range of products for pet owners, including oils, such as CBD oil dogs from PureKana, CBD treats, and more.
But are there safety concerns when using CBD for pets?
Is CBD Safe For Pets?
While there is a lot of positive hype surrounding CBD and how it could benefit our furry companions, there isn’t as much discussion about whether there are any downsides.
Unsurprisingly, the lack of information leaves many pet owners anxious about introducing CBD into their pet’s diet. Nobody wants to give their pet something, thinking it is good for them, only to find out later that it’s unhealthy or unsafe.
Annoyingly for pet owners, the majority of the studies carried out on CBD’s safety profile focus on humans. The consensus from these studies is that CBD is safe for human consumption when used as instructed. But is the same true for pets?
A few studies have examined how CBD affects pets and potential side effects. The results indicate that the potential side effects and risks associated with CBD are similar to those of humans.
In short, the risks associated with taking CBD are low; even when side effects do occur, they tend to be temporary and mild.
The chances of experiencing adverse effects increase the higher the CBD dose consumed. It is thought that a very high dose of CBD is needed before side effects become a real concern.
So, in the rare case that pets experience adverse side effects, what exactly are they?
1. Dry Mouth
One of the main side effects that pets can experience after consuming too much CBD is dry mouth. Just like with humans, the sensation of a dry mouth can be unpleasant, causing the mouth to feel intensely dehydrated.
Unlike humans, pets don’t understand that the effects of dry mouth will wear off within a few hours and that there are ways to minimize the irritation it causes. This makes dry mouth more of a concern in pets as it can cause them to become distressed.
The main sign that a cat or dog is experiencing dry mouth is if they are hanging their mouth open and producing extra saliva. Encourage the animal to drink plenty of water, which can help ease the symptoms.
2. Anxiety
Like humans, pets can become overwhelmed when they take a high dose of CBD. Feelings of dizziness and too much mental stimulation show that too much CBD has been consumed at once.
While humans can understand what is causing them to feel this way, pets are not. It is, therefore, common for pets to experience temporary anxiety.
If this occurs, you should try to keep your furry companion calm by keeping noise and other external stimuli to a minimum. It is also not a good idea to overly fuss as this can further the feeling that something is not quite right.
3. Mild chance of vomiting and diarrhea
One sign that an animal has consumed too much CBD is vomiting or diarrhea. This is the body’s response to being given something that it knows it cannot process or handle, and it, therefore, tries to remove it as quickly as possible.
Stop all CBD supplements immediately if vomiting or diarrhea occurs and discuss the issue with a vet. While vomiting once or twice will not cause long-term damage, it is best to avoid any further episodes and try to pinpoint what has caused the issue.
Is CBD Safe?
While the side effects mentioned above might sound scary, it is important to remember that the chances of them occurring are low. Most side effects only happen when pets are given too much CBD, and their body cannot handle it. Moreover, if side effects do occur, they are usually mild.
Therefore, pet owners shouldn’t be deterred from administering CBD for pets. Evidence suggests that the potential benefits outweigh the risks significantly. However, be sure to speak with your vet if you have any concerns or if your pet has underlying health conditions.
