Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Oil for Dogs and Cats
Whole plant hemp oil for dogs and cats is revolutionizing the world of pet care. This incredibly beneficial resource is derived from the cannabis plant and can supply the bodies of mammals with a host of natural compounds that support a healthy body and relieve normal mental distress. In light of ongoing research into the supportive benefits of this renewable resource, more and more veterinary experts are recommending cannabis oil products to pet parents.
At Canna Companion, we take pride in manufacturing the most balanced and affordable cannabis pet products in the industry. To help you determine whether our high-quality cannabis oil is the best choice for your pet, we’re going to discuss some of the positive effects that it can have on animals. But before we hop in, let’s take some time to learn more about different types of cannabis oil for dogs and cats.
What Exactly Is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil is essentially a liquid that is extracted from cannabis plants. It’s a form of cannabis concentrate with two primary variants: high-THC and high-CBD. As you might guess, each variant contains more of a specific type of compound, called a cannabinoid.
A cannabinoid is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant that interacts with receptors in the bodies of animals to produce a multitude of effects. Here’s a quick rundown of both cannabis oil variants and the primary cannabinoids that they contain.
High-THC Cannabis Oil
High-THC cannabis oil contains large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is one of more than 113 cannabinoids that we’ve discovered in the plant so far. THC is very widely known because of its psychoactive effects. In humans, this specific cannabinoid can cause powerful short-term feelings of euphoria, elation and relaxation—but in pets it often causes significant distress.
Although products with high levels of THC can produce fantastic results for people, they aren’t ideal for companion animals, whose small bodies can become heavily intoxicated with very small amounts of THC. Products containing a significant amount of tetrahydrocannabinol can cause many adverse side effects in dogs and cats, including low blood pressure, increased anxiety, aggressive behavior, extreme lethargy, and urinary incontinence. High-THC products can also make it difficult for pets to walk straight. Put simply, when choosing cannabis oil for dogs or cats, it’s much safer to choose one that doesn’t contain large doses of THC.
High-CBD Cannabis Oil
High-CBD cannabis oil contains large amounts of cannabinol (CBD), another cannabinoid that affects the body. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause the feeling of “highness.” Researchers have been studying this chemical compound in preclinical trials for several years, and they’ve found that CBD has the potential to be very effective as a supportive supplement in the right quantities.
Since high-CBD cannabis oil contains significantly lower amounts of THC, it’s much safer for dogs and cats to ingest. Regardless, high-CBD medical and recreational marijuana products can still contain too much CBD or THC for pets to safely consume and may cause them to accidentally overdose. That’s why it’s imperative to purchase cannabis oil that’s specifically designed for companion animals.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Cannabis Oil for Pets
When cannabis oil that contains an ideal dosage of THC and CBD is administered, pets can experience phenomenal benefits that support and maintain their quality of life. That’s because cannabinoids in cannabis oil interact with receptors in the bodies of animals to provide supportive benefits, and it doesn’t take a lot of compounds to provide those benefits. CBD oil for senior pets is particularly useful for our pets nearing the later stages of life, as it can help reduce normal age-related joint discomfort, allowing them to remain healthier and happier well into their final years.
What Can Cannabis Oil Do for Cats and Dogs?
High-quality cannabis oil formulated just for pets can convey a variety of supportive benefits. A whole plant formula makes use of the entourage effect, which is the synergistic relationship between major phytocannabinoids and other components. Single-compound CBD products can unbalance the endocannabinoid system, leading to less effective support for your pet. Regularly administered, whole plant CBD oil can balance the endocannabinoid system.
That balancing effect results in support for the following:
- GI tract
- Joints and mobility
- Neurology
- Demeanor
- Immune system
- Comfort and care
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Cannabis Oil?
Regrettably, there are a few key drawbacks to using some forms of cannabis oil. Once again, giving your cat or dog cannabis oil that isn’t created for them can result in overdoses. Life-threatening overdoses are incredibly rare, but many animals that ingest too much THC or CBD will struggle with walking and eating properly until the effects fade.
Moreover, possession of cannabis oil that contains more than 0.3% THC is still illegal in many parts of the country, meaning that purchasing certain high-THC products for your pet could subject you to severe legal consequences. Above all, make sure that you purchase CBD oil for cats and dogs from reputable, pet-friendly sources.
Ultimately, pet parents should be careful to avoid exposing their furry friends to marijuana products, which can lack dosage information and contain unregulated levels of cannabinoids. Hemp-based products like certain dog and cat CBD oils contain carefully balanced ratios of cannabinoids and can allow your pet to enjoy the benefits of cannabis while minimizing the adverse effects of marijuana.
CBD Oil for Dogs
Let’s dive a little deeper into the benefits of CBD oil for dogs. Unlike flashy supplements and other products that are primarily fads, CBD has been studied for decades—it’s not going anywhere. We’re constantly learning more about the wealth of supportive health benefits that this resource has to offer, and we’re eager to share it with pet owners near and far.
Why Use Cannabis Oil for Dogs?
Is cannabis oil right for your dog? It depends on his or her needs. If your canine companion is suffering from a serious injury or other medical emergency, you should head to your veterinarian as quickly as possible. But if you’re looking for ways to support health, calm the mind, and improve overall comfort, CBD oil formulated for dogs is an excellent option for keeping your pet happy and comfortable. It’s also ideal for dogs struggling with situational anxiety, behavioral problems, or sleep loss.
As a dog owner, you’re probably aware that people aren’t the only ones who may suffer from anxiety. If you’ve noticed your dog showing signs of nervousness like panting, pacing, vocalizing, and destructive behavior, you’ll want to isolate the reason for this behavior as soon as possible. If the root cause is situational, such as loud noises, car rides, or routine changes, there are steps you can take to minimize your dog’s exposure to these stressors.
But all canines need to go to the vet regularly, and you can’t exactly ask people to stop shooting off fireworks on the Fourth of July. Fortunately, situational anxiety can also be addressed with the right cannabis oil for dogs. Hemp-based CBD oil can calm the mind and soothe the body, making your dog far more comfortable in the face of those situational stressors.
Maybe your dog is the calmest pup around, but you’ve noticed that regular daily activity is leaving her fatigued and sore. This is fairly common for older canines, but that doesn’t mean you need to resign yourself to your dog’s discomfort. CBD oil for dogs also supports normal joint health and regular neurological function, which could be just what your canine companion needs to continue enjoying life by your side.
CBD Oil for Cats
What about CBD oil for cats? When can your feline benefit from a hemp-based supplement? For the most part, healthy kittens and young adult cats aren’t in need of additional support for their endocannabinoid system—but there are some situations in which they could use a little extra help.
Why Use Cannabis Oil for Cats?
Physical stress caused by events like spaying, neutering, or injury can leave even the healthiest feline feeling miserable. CBD oil for cats helps provide relief in the form of a calmer demeanor and a soothed body, leaving your pet more comfortable during the recovery process.
Additionally, CBD oil for cats can be used to address situational anxiety—the same way it can be used for dogs. If your cat is experiencing stress and anxiety as a result of car rides, loud noises, separation from you, or even the addition of another human to the household, you may want to try reducing this temporary anxiety with the help of a high-quality cannabis oil for cats.
Mature and senior cats can also enjoy the benefits of CBD. Whether they’re having trouble adjusting to a new home or are suffering from joint discomfort in their old age, cannabis oil for cats can help keep your feline friend calm and comfortable.
Because cats are thought of as fairly solitary and have been known to hide their injuries or discomfort, you may not be able to tell when your pet is hurt or sick. Be sure to stay on the lookout for any changes in their behavior, no matter how slight. When in doubt, visit your veterinarian to discuss your cat’s discomfort and the possible benefits of a hemp-based supplement.
Cannabis Oil vs. CBD Capsules
If you’ve consulted your vet and decided to try a CBD supplement for your pet, you may be wondering whether you should go with a high-quality capsule or cannabis oil for cats and dogs. Cannabis oil is ideal for cats and dogs who require more immediate support to the endocannabinoid system, as the liquid will absorb more quickly than a capsule. You may also find CBD oil for cats and dogs a helpful solution for pets that don’t pill well.
In the end, your decision should come down to the unique needs of your pet. To better determine whether to go with a capsule or CBD oil for cats or dogs, take some time to evaluate your furry friend’s well-being, daily activity, and disposition. You may also want to reach out to a veterinary professional for further insight.
Canna Companion’s Cannabis Oil
Canna Companion offers a whole plant-based CBD hemp oil that’s derived from a unique blend of Cannabis sativa strains, frequently referred to as hemp, with the right ratio between THC and CBD. Our cannabis oil for pets is designed to enhance the benefits of the cannabis plant while negating the “high-inducing” capacity of THC.
All of our products are developed by licensed veterinarians, and these animal experts maintain strict quality control on our cannabis oil to ensure that your cat or dog receives a safe and effective dosage. Most importantly, all Canna Companion hemp products are completely legal to purchase and possess in any part of the United States.
Our Whole Plant Hemp Oil is cold pressed and CO2 extracted, and contains natural-occurring CBD. The special whole plant formula taps into the power of the entourage effect, supporting your pet’s optimal health and well-being.
Our cannabis oil products are ideal for:
- Pets that require joint flexibility and mobility support from daily activities
- Pets that suffer from temporary stress or situational anxieties
- Pets that need immune system and neurological support.
Administering CBD Oil to Cats and Dogs
To minimize the risk of GI tract upset and ensure the highest rate of absorption, you should administer our Whole Plant Hemp Oil during or after a meal. Cats and dogs typically need 0.1mLs for every 10 lbs., two to three times daily, but exact dosage will vary based on the size, breed, and unique response of your pet’s endocannabinoid system.
Consult your veterinarian before introducing CBD oil into your pet’s routine. We’re also happy to schedule a complimentary consultation with a licensed veterinary professional who can answer questions about cannabis science and the effects of hemp on your pet.
Order Cannabis Oil for Your Pet Today
Be sure to visit our online shop to see our full selection of hemp supplements for dogs and cats. We offer a variety of products to meet your pet’s specific needs, including Extra Strength formulations (with heightened CBD:THC ratios) for even more pronounced results and end of life comfort. Last but not least, remember to call or message us today if you have any questions about our products or want to learn more about how cannabis can help keep your pet in peak condition for many years to come.
