Your pets are part of the family, and as your beloved fur-babies, you always want to do whatever it takes to keep them happy and healthy. Adding vitamins and supplements to their diets is no different.
You may have started incorporating Hemp oil into your daily wellness regimen and thought, “Can I give my dog Hemp oil as well?” While no in-depth studies have been done on the efficacy of giving your pet Hemp, scientists do know that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which help maintain balance in the body and keep it in a normal healthy state.
Something every living being can benefit from!
What Is Hemp Oil?
Hemp, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis and hemp plants, and in most cases, Hemp does not contain THC, the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties or “high”.
Good news for dog owners everywhere! The potential health benefits from giving Hemp to your pets are the same as those for humans. Studies suggest that Hemp can help alleviate joint pain and arthritis pain, appetite stimulation, seizures, nausea, stress, anxiety, back pain, symptoms of cancer, and gastrointestinal problems.
Many dog owners credit Hemp for helping to treat their pet’s pain, especially neuropathic pain, as well as helping to control seizures. Hemp in pets is also used because of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and possible anti-cancer benefits, although more studies need to be done for conclusive data on this use.
Is it safe to give your dog a “human” hemp oil?
When giving your pet Hemp oil meant for humans, it’s important to remember that our furry friends are smaller and more sensitive to Hemp than we are. You won’t harm your pet by giving them some of your Hemp oil, however, it’s very important that you find a quality product that is THC-free, pure Hemp oil, and that it doesn’t contain any sugar or artificial flavors. Do not give your pets any cannabis oil with more than 0.3% THC, as the psychoactive effects can be stronger and increase the chances of adverse side-effects.
When it comes to dosing your pet for Hemp oil, a good practice is to go low and slowly increase the dose. Always start by using a smaller dose than what’s recommended on the bottle, and always speak with your vet before giving your animal Hemp if they have any underlying health concerns.
Pet Hemp Oil vs. Regular Hemp Oil: What’s The Difference?
Overall, it is the same. The extraction process for both animal and human Hemp is also the same and both types should be derived from clean, organic cannabis, and contain less than 0.3% THC.
Hemp products meant for humans and animals are all-in-all identical, but the main differences will be in potency and flavor.
Look for Hemp Oils Without Added Sugar
It’s more beneficial for you and your animal if the Hemp oil is sugar-free and doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners. Just like in humans, dogs are not meant to ingest excessive sugar, and doing so can lead to health issues like diabetes, upset stomach, cavities, and weight gain.
Always check if your Hemp oil contains any artificial sweeteners that are commonly found in sugar-free Hemp oil. Xylitol and grapeseed oil are toxic to dogs and will be harmful if ingested.
Any new medication or supplement you give your dog can carry the risk of a reaction. It is also important to consult your pet’s vet regarding the overall health of the animal before giving them Hemp oil, especially if they’re on any other medications or have underlying health issues.
When giving your dog something new, we always recommend starting out with small amounts and keeping a close eye on your pet, just in case they react poorly to the Hemp oil.
While there is still a lot of skepticism regarding the effectiveness of Hemp and what it can treat, the continued legalization of marijuana is sure to bring even more interest in Hemp products on the market.
This will lead to an increase in research about its uses and efficacy in the coming years, and potentially even more ailments it can successfully treat!
