CBD and Your Pets

Most Americans have, or at least have had, pets. A 2017-2018 survey by American Pet Products Association (APPA) showed that 68% of US households have at least one pet. That makes millions of people with animals, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re cute, they always know how to make your day better, and you know you always have a friend. So, it’s natural that we want to treat them like family and make their lives the best we can.

The worst part about owning a pet, as many already know, is that their lives are usually so much shorter than ours. We have veterinarians to help protect and heal our critters, keeping them happy and healthy as long as we can, but sometimes even modern medical science can’t completely ease discomforts in their lives. Just like humans, animals can suffer from problems like anxiety and arthritis. And just like humans, CBD might offer them some relief.

There’s no way for sure to say CBD is good for pets because they can’t come up and tell you in words that they feel better. But just because Angel can’t tell you she isn’t so nervous when you leave anymore doesn’t mean you should see coming home to the couch not chewed up when you get home from work as a coincidence. Max doesn’t have the words to say his hip pain is better, but he’s able to make jumps he hasn’t attempted in six years.

What we do know is that all mammals, including your dog or cat, has an endocannabinoid system in their brains. This is the same system that gets people high if they smoke a THC-containing product, but in the case of CBD, it’s all health benefits with none of the buzz. A CBD product might help you with anxiety, inflammation, nausea, or pain, and the same is true of Fluffernut.

We’ve also heard years now of testimonies from pet owners saying their pet is doing better. Tucker the Aussie is now over 16, and still kicking with his daily drops. Orion the kitty is rolling on the floor with his brother, which he hasn’t done in years. Ares the Border Collie is able to sit still on a car ride and not panic and chew the seats.

There’s still quite some way’s to go with research for CBD use in animals. Only the state of California allows vets to discuss using hemp or cannabis to help their animals with their health problems.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you use CBD for your pets:

• Check their other medications. CBD is not known to be dangerous in high doses, but it can interact with or potentiate other medications. Do your own research to make sure the drugs can mix.
• Start small. Dogs and cats are much more sensitive to cannabidiol than humans. 2mg might not make you feel anything at all, but might be more than your cat wants. The worst that will happen is your critter will act sleepy or stoned, but you want to maximize the positive effects, not put your dog out.
• Don’t expect a miracle. CBD is supportive, not a cure-all. It might give your pet a better quality of life, but it won’t make them live forever. CBD is also more effective the longer it is used, so your pet will likely benefit more from long-term use than a single dose.

We all want our pets to live happy, healthy lives. Silver Owl loves animals, and hopes our products will help yours live their best!