Why Pet CBD is Becoming So Popular

The pet CBD category grew 946%in 2019, nearly 10 times the growth from the year before. Consumers spent $431 million on pet CBD in 2020.

The numbers don’t lie: CBD for pets is extremely popular. 

While CBD oil for pets is sold both in stores and online, it hasn’t yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This means primary care veterinarians aren’t allowed to recommend CBD.

Why then is pet CBD becoming so popular? 

At Canna Companion, we’ve consulted with thousands of pets and provided them with custom care recommendations. Here are some of the most common reasons we see pet owners turning to CBD supplements:

Pet owners are prioritizing natural pet care 

As consumers begin to value sustainability and natural products for themselves and their pets, ingredients like ​​hemp, CBD, and rosemary and green tea extracts are becoming more popular.

In fact, nearly 70% of Millennials want natural, organic products for their pets. And the majority (more than 60%) of Gen Zers and Millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable pet products.

These preferences are not just generational buyer differences – they’re trends that are here to stay. Using natural pet products reduces your four-legged friend’s exposure to toxic chemicals. As a result of decreased exposure, your pet gets: 

• Longer lifespan
• Enhanced quality of life
• Faster healing during injury
• Decreased probability of developing health issues

Pet CBD provides natural support and quality pet care in a way that resonates with pet parent values. And it’s not just the products. Good pet CBD brands care deeply about those values and how they go beyond the product.

For instance, at Canna Companion, we prioritize clean products and sustainability throughout our processes. From full transparency about our in-house procedures and ingredients, to Certificate of Analyses on all our products, we share the ins and outs of what you’re getting.

We also value diversity and incorporate inclusive practices into our internal and vendor policies. We’re committed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We donate unused or returned products to shelters. 

All our internal and external business practices adhere to the same values we honor in our product lines and consultation services. We’re proud to continue that work alongside our business so you can be proud of who you shop with.

Pet owners want to gently relieve their pets of stress

Environmental changes in the spring. Fireworks in the summer. Unexpected visitors during the holidays. There’s always some form of change happening that can trigger a stress response in your pet. In fact, for many pets, even being around a stressed family member will be enough to affect them, as they can sense when things aren’t quite right.

Stressed pets will show demeanor changes such as: 

• Temporary or situational anxiety
• Unusual soiling activity
• Hiding
• Pacing
• Trembling
• Vocalizing
• Changes in appetite
• Excessive yawning 

Temporary demeanor changes are rarely a call for aggressive intervention. Rather, redirection and distraction can help soothe your pet. Many pet parents turn to CBD for calming effects during these times.

In addition to introducing a hemp-based supplement, our licensed veterinarians recommend setting up a pet-friendly quiet space during these times of stress. Stick to a routine to give your pet a sense of safety.

Pet owners are worried about their pandemic pets

Pet adoption has increased significantly over the last two years, in part due to the pandemic. Pet ownership during the pandemic grew to an all-time high of 70% of U.S. households, which is about 90.5 million homes.

As we transition into hybrid work models or adjust to being at home more, pets can experience separation anxiety or temporary demeanor changes as they adjust to a new lifestyle alongside their pet parents.

Dr. Sarah Brandon, DVM, CEO of Canna Companion, says:

“Pandemic pets have a tough road if their humans end up going back to work. From their perspective, they had time to bond with their new humans. Then, their humans suddenly leave for hours on end. Pets are left not understanding what’s going on and often exhibit separation anxiety behaviors in a variety of ways.”

These periods of separation feel new to pandemic pets, and they can face challenges understanding these feelings without a little assistance. While there are plenty of things you can do to prepare your pet, such as exercising them before you leave, providing soothing music to listen to, or finding them a companion in your absence, temporary or situational anxiety is not something you want your four-legged friend to feel.

CBD supplements for pets use a variety of natural ingredients and compounds found in hemp that interact with your pet’s endocannabinoid system to encourage a normal, calm demeanor. CBD oils and capsules are therefore a powerful tool for pandemic pets. When regularly administered, supplements can help your dog or cat relax when under stress.

If CBD products are so popular, why can’t veterinarians talk about them?

Most states follow the lead of organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to create policies around cannabis. Most states don’t allow the recommendation of cannabis-derived products for veterinary use.

However, things are slowly changing as the market expands. For instance, as of March 2022, a licensed veterinarian in Utah “is not prohibited from discussing the effect of cannabis on an animal with the animal’s owner.”

If you don’t live in a state where these changes are happening, you can do more than simply be patient. While your primary care veterinarian may be restricted in what they can and cannot discuss with you about your pet’s health, Canna Companion is happy to help you identify how CBD may work for your pet’s care.

Want to try a CBD supplement for your pet?

We understand pet parents like you want custom support when your pets are experiencing complex needs. Our free consultations with veterinary professionals are meant to answer any question about CBD and your pet’s unique needs.

Shop Canna Companion’s whole-plant CBD supplements for your pet or book a consultation to speak with one of our licensed veterinarians about your pet’s care regimen.

All Canna Companion Blogs are approved by veterinary professionals including the product development veterinarians.