You and your pet are an inseparable team, but that doesn’t mean you’re exactly the same. It’s not so different from a relationship with a human bestie. Your individual likes, rhythms, and moods are part of what make the relationship fun and keep you engaged.
There are times when you and your pet want to relax together, or deal with a stressful situation, and you need to get your moods in sync. Can CBD help? If it can, how can we make sure we relax at the same time? After all, it’s probably going to take longer for it to take effect on a human than a cat, right?
Before we dig into how to make the most of CBD with your pet, let’s look at how and why it works for both humans and animals.
What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. Since it’s non-psychoactive, CBD doesn’t cause a “high.”
Instead, it interacts with receptors in what’s known as the endocannabinoid system, which is closely integrated with major systems throughout our bodies, particularly the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The wide range of therapeutic benefits that CBD provides are largely dictated by these different systems it interacts with. In addition to your nervous system, it impacts your digestive and immune systems, and the ones that regulate appetite, balance, and mood.
Does It Work on Animals?
Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system, and that means that dogs and cats can also reap the benefits of CBD.
There have been a few scientific studies indicating CBD can help with pain management and anxiety in pets. While there hasn’t been a scientific definition of its therapeutic effects, the World Health Organization issued a 2017 report saying CBD is safe for animals.
CBD use for pets has become widespread in recent years, largely because anecdotal reports show that people find it works. From tinctures to treats, there’s a wide range of pet-friendly products on the market.
While CBD is safe for dogs and cats, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your pet’s diet. It’s also crucial to purchase animal-safe CBD, free of ingredients that may be safe for humans but toxic to pups and kitties.
Syncing Your Chill
There are times you and your pet want to relax together or handle a stressful situation.
Neighborhood fireworks shows, thunderstorms, and travel can be very stressful for pets and people alike.
Parties, barbecues and gatherings cause some of us social anxiety, particularly coming out of a year of isolation. On top of it all, social gatherings with a stressed pet can be a real nightmare — we all have that one friend who just doesn’t care for dogs or cats, and isn’t that always the one our dog or cat zeroes in on?
Whether you and your animal just want a quiet evening at home after a stressful day or you’re grappling with a triggering situation, there’s a way you and your best friend can make the most of CBD together.
There are three things to consider when syncing your chill with your pet.
How Are You Ingesting It?
How you take CBD dictates how long it requires to take effect. Tinctures and edibles are the two most common CBD products made for dogs and cats.
Tinctures take effect more quickly than edibles, because they don’t have to be digested and metabolized first. Although edibles take longer to kick in, they also last longer.
How Long Before It Takes Effect?
For humans, a CBD tincture will take, on average, around 30 minutes to kick in, while an edible can take up to an hour.
The timing for pets varies, depending on size and metabolism. For cats, it typically takes somewhere between 15 and 45 minutes for CBD to take effect, while dogs require time closer to humans.
The effects last 4–8 hours for dogs and cats.
How Much Are You Taking?
Every pet is different, and every serving amount is different. What works for your dainty tortoiseshell kitty wouldn’t phase your hefty lab.
There are a lot of recommendations around pet serving amounts based on size, ranging from between 1 and 5 milligrams for every 10 pounds of body weight to 0.2 milligrams per pound.
Check with your veterinarian first, and be ready to take some practice runs. Start small and work your way up.
The best way to take the guesswork out of serving amounts is to choose a product formulated for pets of a specific size. Tinctures designed for small, medium, and large breeds of pets have been tested and proven to work for animals within certain weight ranges.
In Sync
Taking the three factors above into consideration, find the products and serving amounts that work best for you and your pet.
Maybe you enjoy a CBD cookie and your pet has a CBD treat. Or perhaps you both prefer a fast-acting tincture — your pupper’s going to like that bacon-flavored one.
Once you know what works, how long it takes, and how long it lasts, getting in sync is easy.
The bond we share with our pets is powerful. They bring us comfort and make us laugh, they love us unconditionally. A good snuggle, or even their presence beside us can melt away anxiety and fear.
They get us up and moving. They give us exercise and engagement, good for both heart and mind. Studies have shown that pet ownership lowers our stress and can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Sharing the CBD experience with your pet should be an act of love, done in your pet’s best interest. It’s an opportunity to calm anxiety, manage stress, and soothe discomfort.
Whether you want a night on the couch bingeing nature shows (it’s like reality TV for pets), or you need to deal with a stressful situation, syncing your chill with your pet can be the perfect way to better enjoy your time together.
Check out our CBD products for pets and find the best way to get in sync with your furry pal.
And if your pet suffers from dry and irritated skin, particularly on the paw pads and nose, try our new Pet CBD Balm!