How to Identify Which CBD Delivery Method is Best for Your Pet
Virtually all of us pet owners would do anything for our precious furry companions, which’s why we go to such great lengths to give them the best food, lots of attention and plenty of playtime. But there comes a time in every pet’s life when they may need a little extra something due to an issue pertaining to pain, energy levels, appetite, digestion, or just about anything that can affect any of us at any age. And so, for that reason, it seems an influx of pet owners are integrating the hemp plant into their daily routines, often at the suggestions of their veterinarians.
We recognize that cannabidiol (CBD) and other hemp-based compounds are considered nontoxic to our pets, and that our pets have endocannabinoid systems that allow them to process and utilize these compounds just like we do. But, with so many CBD products on the market emerging for cats and dogs, it can be hard to know which specific formula is best for their individual needs.
By covering the different CBD pet delivery methods available in our industry, you will be able to figure out which type will promote the most successful CBD experience for your pet.
How Come the Delivery Method Matters So Much Anyways?
The delivery method simply refers to the manner in which the compounds of the hemp plant are delivered into the body. Different delivery methods including inhalation, digestion, sublingual administration, and topical absorption.
Note: With pets, NO inhalable CBD products exist for obvious reasons.
Selecting the right delivery method has a lot to do with how your pet will respond to their daily routine, because each delivery method has its own unique onset time, duration of effects, potency of effects, etc.
A Quick Word on Pet Formulas
It is important to know that you should only ever buy a CBD product that’s manufactured specifically for pets, as stated on the label, because CBD-based products made for humans can be unsafe for their bodies. Our pets cannot consume many of the ingredients found in hemp products made for humans, such as certain essential oils. Also, smaller animals should take lower doses of hemp due to their little bodies.
Why is Choosing the Delivery Method Not So Much a Universal Process?
Wouldn’t it just be easy if we could simply tell you the delivery method that yields the most success in all pet? Unfortunately, that simply cannot be done. There are a variety of factors that determine which delivery method is best for a specific animal, including their particular medical circumstances, their personal preferences, and how their bodies react to hemp, which can be highly individualized. In fact, many pet owners give several delivery methods a shot to see which one ends up producing the most desirable results.
What are the Main Types of Pet CBD Delivery Methods for Cats and Dogs?
Now, let’s talk about the main CBD delivery methods that are available to pets. Each method allows the compounds of the hemp plant to absorb into their bodies in its own distinctive way, yielding a unique type of response.
Delivery Method #1: Sublingual (Tincture)
Sublingual administration involves pouring a dose of CBD pet oil beneath your pet’s tongue, where it absorbs through the sublingual tissue. This safe to ingest method allows the effects to take place within 20-45 minutes, lasting for up to around 5 hours. The effects are more potent than those of ingestible products, due to the high bioavailability of this delivery method. However, keep in mind that not all pets will be cooperative.
Delivery Method #2: Ingestion (Treats and Food Additives)
The most common type of ingestible CBD product for pets is treats, which are made to be as appealing to cats and dogs as possible, with textures that they love and flavors that they crave such as chicken, salmon, and bacon. These treats are infused with hemp extract and allow the effects to take place between 1 to 2 hours after administration, lasting for around 8 hours. The effects are more subtle than those of tinctures, due to lower bioavailability of this delivery method, but offer effects that can last throughout the day, which can be especially useful to certain pets.
Note: CBD pet oils can also be ingested, simply by adding them to a pet’s food bowl. The effects are the same as treats in terms of onset time, duration, and potency.
Delivery Method #3: Topical (Sprays and Balms)
Topicals are products that are absorbed through the skin rather than taken internally. They are really formulated specifically for issues that affect the skin, muscles, and joints. The effects stay localized to the area through which the hemp was absorbed, and therefore can only offer local relief. Also, the topicals for pets contain ingredients that are safe for them to ingest, in the event that your pet tries to lick the formula off of their fur.
Deciding Which Delivery Method is Best for Your Pet
Every pet has its own unique needs and preferences, which’s why you should consider the delivery method that you give them carefully. Luckily, there are some simple tips that you can follow to ensure that you’re giving your precious pet the right delivery method for a successful routine.
Tip #1: Ask the Veterinarian
This is the best thing you can do before starting your pet on a CBD routine, because they can provide the best advice for administering your pet CBD in a way that will be effective and safe. Not only that, but by taking into account your pet’s specific needs and preferences, this will help you come up with a successful routine. Make sure to fully discuss your pet’s symptoms, as well as anything else that you’re giving them for their health.
Tip #2: Consider Your Pet’s Specific Needs (What You Want Them to Get Out of Their CBD Routine)
This is sorta straight forward:
- If they have a localized issue pertaining to the skin, joints, or muscles, a topical makes sense.
- If they need some help with energy levels, an ingestible method may be ideal due to its long-lasting effects.
- If you're hoping to calm them down before taking them to the vet, sublingual administration can be a good option due to the fact that it works fairly potently but wears off more quickly than the other methods.
Tip #3: Understand Their Preferences
Of course, just because you know what is best for your pet doesn’t mean that they will comply. Avoid forcing them to take a CBD product that they clearly do not enjoy taking. Instead, try out different products until you find one that they permit into their daily routine. If your pet does not like the product that you are giving them, it may turn them off completely to CBD.
Just be patient with them when choosing a product that they respond well to and know that it can take a few days before they adjust to their new routine, so remain consistent with your dosing.
Tip #4: Your Pet’s Age
Delivery methods are not age-specific, meaning that certain delivery methods are not more suitable to a specific age. However, older pets may have dental issues that require softer foods, if you plan on giving them treats. Therefore, consider soft, chewy treats that are easier on their teeth.
Tip #5: Your Pet’s Condition
Your pet’s health status does not really play a role in the delivery method you should choose. But, if your pet has recently had surgery pertaining to their digestive system or dental health, you may need to avoid giving them treats until they are fully healed.
What are the Potential Benefits and Side Effects of Administering CBD to Your Pet?
Understanding CBD’s potential effects for pets is one of the most crucial things you, as a pet owner, need to be aware of, too.
Benefits:
- Pain Management: CBD is renowned for its analgesic properties. It could help manage pain, particularly chronic pain and inflammation due to arthritis or other joint issues in pets.
- Anxiety Reduction: CBD has been reported to help reduce anxiety in pets, which can be beneficial for animals that experience separation anxiety, noise phobias (like thunderstorms or fireworks), or stress during travel.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: CBD may help reduce inflammation, which’s beneficial for pets suffering from inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, or skin issues like allergies.
- Appetite Stimulation: CBD might help stimulate appetite in pets who are reluctant eaters, which can be particularly beneficial for those with health issues that decrease appetite.
Side Effects:
- Drowsiness: The calming effect of CBD can sometimes lead to mild drowsiness, particularly when used in higher doses.
- Dry Mouth: Research has shown that CBD can decrease the production of saliva. For pets, this could manifest as increased thirst.
- Lowered Blood Pressure: High doses of CBD have been linked to a temporary drop in blood pressure. While the drop is small, it could create a brief feeling of light-headedness.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting, when they first begin taking CBD products.