CBD Oil for Pets: Benefits and Best Products in Australia

In Australia, more owners of dogs, cats, and horses are now taking advantage of CBD for pets. This therapeutic product from the hemp plant is widely renowned and used by people for its significant health benefits. Many other mammals can also consume, absorb, and use CBD in their bodies. This helps them stay calmer, prevent pain, lower inflammation, or help with skin irritation. Pet owners and vets today favour CBD as a natural aid for mitigating animal health problems.

However, you must be cautious of specific risks when giving it to your pet. In particular, THC found in many CBD products is toxic for pets. Note that not all pets can or should use CBD oil. This decision needs to be made in consultation with your veterinarian. That said, there are many good reasons why it’s worth trying for some pet owners. Let’s detail the benefits of CBD oil for pets. We’ll also run you through the best CBD products for pets in Australia and show you how to choose the right one.

What’s CBD?

In modern times, CBD has gained a near-mythical status for its wide variety of health benefits in humans plus animals like dogs. It’s technically a ‘chemical’ that’s produced by the cannabis sativa plant. But unlike many of this plant’s secreted chemicals, it won’t get you intoxicated or ‘high’.

Instead, CBD works on a regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This consists of various interrelated receptors, signalling enzymes and proteins across the body. It’s found in all mammals, including some pets. Remember that this system isn’t found in most non-mammal pets like reptiles or birds. CBD activates this system by interacting with cannabinoid receptors. In turn, endocannabinoids are secreted from various points in the ECS. These compounds enable the product to have potent therapeutic advantages. Endocannabinoids are powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anxiolytic compounds that help pets and many people.

Research on how CBD works in pets is ongoing, and many mysteries remain uncovered. Despite this, many pet owners already use CBD with their furry friends. As such, we have ample anecdotal evidence from individuals who have seen profound health improvements when giving their pets CBD.

Benefits of CBD for Pets

Just like with humans, the benefits of CBD for pets are pretty varied. This results from CBD’s complex activation of the endocannabinoid system, which affects multiple other bodily processes.

The top uses of CBD in pets like dogs, cats or horses are:

• Lowering inflammation via CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties
• Blocking pain sensations or chronic pain symptoms
• Reducing stress and alleviating anxiousness
• Preventing seizures (CBD is used in humans for epilepsy)
• Reinforcing skin wellbeing

Let’s look at each of these areas in more detail.

Reducing Pain and Inflammation

CBD offers the ability to soothe pain and calm inflammation in some animals. That’s why CBD oil is increasingly being used with pets who suffer from these problems. Veterinary studies have demonstrated its potential in managing pain associated with arthritis, injuries, and post-surgical recovery. Notably, the cannabinoid helps block pain sensations and combat its underlying inflammatory causes. This is because CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory and helps the immune system regulate better. It’s also effective at dampening the activity of nociceptor nerve cells, which signal pain. Blocking their signals helps to prevent the sharp, uncomfortable ‘feelings’ of pain from being felt.

Notably, its anti-inflammatory properties relieve pets with chronic inflammatory issues like psoriasis, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis or IBS. In the case of arthritis and joint pain, CBD has been found to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science revealed that CBD oil significantly reduced pain and increased activity levels in dogs suffering from arthritis. Keep in mind that it’s more effective for rheumatoid arthritis types due to this form of the condition being triggered by inflammation.

Calming Anxiety

In Australia, it’s become prevalent for those who are nervous or worried to use CBD for its anxiety-reducing benefits. The cannabinoid helps with mental calmness and a feeling of being grounded. This anxiolytic benefit of CBD has also been observed in pets. It’s effective at preventing stress, reducing anxiety, and improving the behaviour of dogs and cats. Many pet owners particularly love it for pets who are sensitive to fright. For instance, loud noises, cars or horns can spook dogs or cats, causing erratic behaviour from anxiousness. Often, this can be mitigated through the mentally soothing properties of CBD.

Further to this, CBD is great for supporting behavioural improvements in pets. Dog owners favour it to help prevent aggressive behaviour, excessive barking, and destructive tendencies in pets who are stressed out. You’ve probably seen a dog before that was stressed or manic and destroyed a garden. CBD in these animals often reinforces healthier behaviours, better obedience, and easier socialisation. Research suggests that CBD interacts with similar neural pathways in pets as humans. In particular, its effects on cannabinoid receptors in brain regions that control stress and anxiety, like the hypothalamus, are essential. This is how it enables calmness, mental balance and better mood.

Blocking Seizures

Animals like dogs or cats can suffer from epilepsy and seizures, similarly to humans. These frustrating problems have pet owners looking for solutions. One such remedy could be CBD.  CBD is beneficial for some pets with epilepsy as it can decrease the frequency and strength of seizures. It’s particularly effective when used in combination with traditional antiseizure veterinary medications. How CBD prevents seizures in mammals isn’t fully known. One theory is that it helps to block excessive citation of brain neurons that can overwhelm the motor system. In other words, it assists brain cells in functioning more normally and firing better.

Australia already has multiple CBD-containing epilepsy medications that doctors can prescribe. The TGA approved these some years ago. Such CBD-based medications are targeted at alleviating more severe seizure disorders, such as Dravet syndrome. In many cases, they’re even given to children to help with epilepsy management and prevention. More needs to be understood about the clinical efficacy of CBD for pets in seizure treatment. We need more data and research on this topic.

The research we do have has focused on CBD’s benefits for dogs with epilepsy. Veterinary researchers have explored it for anticonvulsant purposes. In particular, it has been of interest as an adjunct therapy for pets who do not respond well to standard antiepileptic medications. One study produced by Colorado State University on this topic found that nearly 90% of dogs treated with CBD had much fewer seizures. It’s a promising result, but more data is needed to support the findings.

Skin Health

CBD oil has skin benefits in pets because of its calming, moisturising, and anti-inflammatory powers. Using it on a pet’s skin or fur is an excellent way to help soothe or prevent skin irritation. Topically applied CBD relieves many skin issues. It’s especially great if a pet has sensitive or allergic skin. CBD activates cannabinoid receptors in the skin’s layers that help alleviate rashes, redness, blemishes, and itching. Many pet owners use it for their pet’s psoriasis or dermatitis. 

CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also help prevent oil buildup and bacteria that cause acne. It works to keep the skin moisturised and rejuvenated without becoming overly oily. CBD-infused balms and lotions for pets are now commonplace in Australia. Using them with your dog or cat can naturally help with dermatitis or allergic reactions. These advantages of CBD as a topical agent are ideal for lowering skin redness, swelling, and discomfort. It’s safe to use on your pet’s skin (after confirming with your Vet), but you need to ensure your pet doesn’t lick off the topical or consume it.

Best CBD Oil in Australia for Pets

Now you understand the main benefits of CBD for pets, let’s explore the best CBD products for pets in Australia.

First, we’ll run through what makes a high-quality CBD oil before giving you some recommendations to explore.

Quality Factors

Here are some things to look for that are hallmarks of ‘good’ CBD products.

• Source of Hemp: Contaminated hemp can cause toxins to enter your pet’s CBD product. Therefore, it is vital to understand the source of a product. Search for organic CBD oil that is extracted from organically farmed hemp in Australia. This will help assure you that it doesn’t contain pesticides or toxic farming chemicals. Organic certified hemp in Australia abides by very high standards of purity and avoids poisons in cultivation. As such, there is a much lower risk of CBD product contamination.
• Extraction: CO2 extraction is the best method of producing CBD oil. It’s the cleanest, purest, and highest quality. Other extracts that use solvents can harm your pet if they aren’t entirely removed from the product. Please don’t risk it with solvent extracts.
• Lab Testing: Confirming that an independent laboratory has analysed the CBD oil is vital for safety. It’s the only accurate way to know a product doesn’t contain something that could poison your pet, such as THC. Lab results come in an analysis certificate with a high-accuracy read of cannabinoids and any impurities, such as heavy metals.
• Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Full-spectrum CBD oil isn’t a good idea for pets like dogs. It’s less refined, so it often has some amount of THC in it, which is toxic to pets. We recommend avoiding this product formulation (human use is acceptable). On the other hand, CBD isolate contains only very pure CBD, so it is safer to use with animals. Most CBD products formulated for pets are isolates (as you’d expect).
• CBD Concentrations and Dosage: Dosing is extra crucial for pets. Dogs or cats can be much more sensitive to cannabinoids than humans. It’s also harder to gauge how well they’re tolerating it. This makes it vital to be cautious when using CBD oil with pets. Check the CBD concentration per bottle and serving. High-strength products can be more cost-effective, but mis-dosing means a much higher overdose risk. Always speak to your Vet first regarding dosages to help you plan. Vets will consider your pet’s health, size, weight, and any conditions to be targeted.
• Formulations and Ingredients: take stock of any carrier oils used in your CBD product. Some aren’t pet-friendly. Double-check they’re safe for your pet and can be consumed. The last thing you want is a pet with vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, only use products that contain natural additives like salt. Avoid products that use preservatives or artificial flavours that commonly trigger pet allergies.

Top Brands

Australia has no shortage of high-quality CBD products for pets or brands that sell them. There’s no single ‘best’ provider, but we can recommend several great ones.

• CannaPet is renowned in Australia for its pet-formulated CBD products. It is Australian-based, and each item is made from organically grown hemp. Cannapet offers a wide variety of pet CBD products, such as oils, capsules, and treats. It also uses CO2 extraction, has lab tests available, and offers differing product strengths.
• HempPet is an up-and-comer in Australia. Dog and cat owners are drawn to them because they prioritise natural ingredients. Importantly, they are avid about avoiding any chemical flavourings, additives, or sweeteners. Their products are made from Australian-farmed hemp, undergo extensive quality control, and are incredibly pure. We’d recommend their CBD pet foods for a more tasty treat.
• Endoca: are heavyweights in the Australian CBD industry, particularly when it comes to products for pets. While more expensive, they’re the most reliable, trustworthy and well-used brand today. These factors are huge when considering CBD for pets. You need to trust who you’re buying from. Unscrupulous stores selling low-grade products with THC in them will poison your pet. Rigorously tested, controlled products like those from Endoca are critical to ensure safety. But they’re also practical and will give you the benefits promised.

While these are some of the best brands in Australia today for CBD pet products, don’t let this list limit you. It’s always a good idea to experiment and try different providers. Providing they have good reviews, lab results and 0% THC offerings, there’s no reason not to try them.

Choosing a Product

Remember a few things when choosing a CBD oil or other product for your furry friend. 

Speak to Your Vet

Of these, the most important is speaking to a Veterinarian. This should be done before giving your pet any CBD. However, regular vet check-ins are also critical for safety, as vets are the experts. You need to trust them when it comes to your pet’s well-being. Keep in mind, too, that CBD isn’t for every pet.

Often, vets recommend avoiding it, which can be sage advice. Additionally, vets understand what medications, health problems, allergies, and possible risks may exist with your pet regarding CBD use. Using this information, they can best gauge safety. However, this information is also helpful for a vet in formulating a product recommendation, dosage plan, and overall approach to CBD use.

Beyond this, a critical step is doing in-depth product background research. Understanding what you’re purchasing and its trustworthiness is crucial. It could be the difference between a happy pet or an expensive Vet trip because of poisoning.

Thoroughly research, review, assess and compare different pet CBD oil brands. Look into their customer reviews, organic certification, additives or ingredients and third-party lab results. Verify their pet products are formulated for pets and don’t contain THC. We recommend prioritising Australian CBD shops here because they are held to a higher standard than international stores.

Importance of Pet-Formulated CBD Products

Not all CBD products are made for pets or intended for them to consume. It’s never a good idea to give your pet any old CBD oil made for people. This could harm your pet. In Australia, CBD oil made for human consumption is allowed to contain THC (up to 0.3%). Full-spectrum CBD oils often contain even more than this. Many are mislabelled and have substantial THC quantities. It’s also commonplace for these products to have carrier oils or flavourings that aren’t tolerated by animals (even if delicious for humans). An example is chocolate. It’s toxic to dogs, even though humans love it.

In contrast, CBD products that are formulated for pets are made differently. They’re higher purity, contain no THC, use natural ingredients only, and will be isolate-formulated. Each of these factors helps prevent intolerances with pets or toxicity. Pet-formulated CBD products are also flavoured to appeal to pets. They might contain beef, chicken, or other meat flavourings that dogs or cats love. Pet treats infused with CBD can also give your pet a delicious, rewarding snack with a pre-measured CBD dose. You’ll find many such CBD pet products around today. Try CBD oils, treats, or topicals like CBD cream. As long as it’s high quality, THC-free and pet-formulated, there’s no limit on what you might look to use.

Conclusion

Because of their rich health benefits for pets, CBD products have become ubiquitous among dog, cat, and horse owners. These natural extracts from hemp are the ideal way to help pets’ well-being. In particular, CBD benefits pets by reducing anxiety, preventing pain, lowering inflammation, mitigating epilepsy and calming the skin. More scientific research is focussing on the powerful therapeutic potential of CBD as a veterinary treatment option. It often won’t substitute medications but can complement them in many cases. Although proven studies on CBD for pets are lacking, reports and insights from pet owners aren’t. 

A vast number of dog and cat owners in Australia rely on CBD for the health of their furry friends. Remember to exercise caution, however, when buying and using CBD products for pets. Animals have a much greater risk of intolerance or poisoning than humans. Only purchase pet-formulated, 0% THC products that are from highly trusted suppliers when you shop. Speaking to your veterinarian is the first step you’ll need to take before trying these products with your animal. They’ll be the best guide on risks, safety, correct dosing, and prevention of side effects. Regular check-ins are highly recommended as part of your pet’s CBD usage plan. Remember, too, that CBD can’t be used with all pets and isn’t always necessary. It’s another big reason to consult your Vet first to ascertain whether it’s the right option versus other treatments.

References

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