There is some debate concerning pets as to the type of cannabidiol products that pet parents should consider for their faithful friends. Some are of the thought process that animals, dogs especially, should be protected from THC of any level. Most hemp-derived pet CBD products being sold on the market have at least a trace amount.
If the product is an “isolate,” it will contain cannabidiol purely and be devoid of THC or any other possibly beneficial components from the plant. The issue with that is the experts are of the mindset that “full-spectrum” or “whole-plant” extract provides many more benefits than the isolate for both humans and pets for which they’ve coined the term the “entourage effect.”
The reason is CBD, in combination with the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, works cohesively to enhance each individual set of properties, making them more effective. The consensus is that even THC in a trace amount can complement CBD. Swipe this link https://www.seattlemag.com/cbd-treats-relax-both-you-and-your-pet%C2%A0-%C2%A0%C2%A0 to learn how CBD properties and the various components help pets relax.
Full Spectrum CBD For Pets
A hemp product, containing other plant molecules aside from cannabidiol is known as “full-spectrum.” Minimal refining takes place with this CBD oil so that most terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids remain.
Oils deriving from merely a single cannabinoid, or just consisting of CBD, are referred to as “isolate.” For CBD to be placed in the classification of “full-spectrum,” all the therapeutic properties of the plant need to be accounted for in the oil so that they can work together for the user’s greatest health benefit.
Experts concur that this option is superior to an isolate, especially in the instance of inflammatory responses, whether it be for humans or animals.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) And Pets
As mentioned, there is a significant debate over fur babies having any level of THC. However, full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD oil products for pets are as low as 0.3% (or less), with some having none.
Some animals do have incredible sensitivity to tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. The cannabinoid is the psychoactive responsible for the “high” received when consuming marijuana. Dogs are particularly susceptible to sensitivity with the possibility of life-threatening results. There is always a chance that even a slight amount of the cannabinoid can create an adverse reaction. View this for safety details on cannabinoids for pups.
But all products regardless of the THC level should be kept stored out of reach of children and pets so there is no threat to either. If your fur baby reacts negatively when consuming CBD oil, you should contact the vet for instructions. Potential side effects can include:
- Excessive thirst
- Sedation
- Blood pressure changes
- Dizziness
Cannabis is the parent plant for hemp and marijuana. Hemp became legal with the enactment of the farm bill in 2018. It is a CBD-rich species with low to no THC levels.
The pet products available online and in real-time markets are hemp-derived CBD oils/tinctures, topicals, treats, and chews. These are all nontoxic, non-psychoactive, natural, organic items.
When dosing an animal, pet parents are encouraged to follow the adage, “less is more.” There are no indications that CBD has the capacity for overdose or dangerous adverse reactions. The compound boasts properties beneficial for mammals along with fish, birds, and a few reptile’s overall wellness and enhanced quality of life.
Final Thought
If forced to find a potential “danger” for your pet when it comes to hemp-derived CBD, the only discovery thus far is the possibility for a reaction if there were to be any THC in the product. In most cases, there will not be enough THC to register an effect for your animal.
But you must research to find a top-quality product that is lab-tested with a confirmation showing results on a Certificate of Analysis as to the level of THC and CBD.
The legal limit for THC is 0.3% or less for hemp-derived CBD products. Some pets are exceptionally sensitive, especially dogs, even to trace THC. Therefore, you carefully dose, carefully monitor, and speak to a vet before giving the products to your pets. A medical provider who is aware of what a furry companion is taking can act swiftly in an emergency.
