For some time now, I’ve been talking about the therapeutic  benefits of CBD for pets.  This natural therapy provides relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation and more, helping our pets feel better without the use of harsh drugs. Finding the right CBD for pets can be tough, as there is a huge difference among the variety of products out there. And it can be confusing. So, with a little help from my friends at CBD DOG HEALTH we’ve put together a few pointers so you know what to look for.

1. Make sure the product contains no THC!

THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis that is most commonly known for producing the “high” experienced with marijuana use. While it may be a pleasant factor for some humans, it definitely isn’t for your pet  While a pet’s ECS (endocannabinoid system) is pretty similar to ours, it does NOT process THC the same, and will end up making your pet feel pretty terrible. THC poisoning in pets, while not fatal, can lead to ataxia, anxiety or panic, disorientation, lethargy and other symptoms. Ideally, you want to find a product has been rigorously tested to be sure it’s 100% THC-free. 

2. Pay attention to how it’s made

The method used to extract CBD from the hemp plant is extremely important. Many products contain CBD that’s been extracted using butane and other nasty chemicals. This can lead your pet down the road to toxicity and chemical exposure. Look for one that’s produced using CO2 extraction with short path distillation. This means that the CBD has been isolated from the hemp plant without using any toxic chemicals. This part is extremely important! One of the best features of CBD therapy is the respite it provides from drugs, toxins and chemicals.

3. Check the ingredients

Many companies that make CBD products for pets offer lots of options, primarily including oils and treats. While the oils provide the most potent and direct dosing of the therapy, it’s nice to be able to double the therapy as a treat for your furry friend! But beware of treats that contain ingredients that may cause a reaction or inflammation in your pet. Wheat flours are generally a no-no for many pets, and some treats even contain added sugar and other hidden ingredients. Check the oils as well, to be sure nothing synthetic or harmful makes its way into your pet’s system.

4. Think about Terpenes!

Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds, found in cannabis and lots of other plants. They are a major component of one of the most common wellness products out there, that you may already be familiar with: essential oils! Terpenes are naturally part of the cannabis plant, but are often lost through the CBD extraction process.

But why do they matter? Well, these terpenes actually work with the cannabinoids and boost the effects of one another in the ECS. Terpenes carry therapeutic effects that can contribute significantly to the effects of cannabis-based extracts.

In short, the terpenes and CBD, while both effective on their own, work even more effectively together. Studies have shown that terpenes can synergize with CBD to treat pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, epilepsy and cancer, as well as fungal and bacterial infections. In fact, most of the terpenes found in the cannabis plant are either analgesic (anti-pain) or anti inflammatory.

Not many CBD products contain added terpenes, but the ones that do are going to help your pet the most. The folks at  use terpenes to boost their CBD products, and can even make custom blends for pets with specific needs.

5. Choose a source you can trust

Due to the lack of FDA regulation on these products (as with most natural supplements), the consumer shoulders a huge responsibility with product selection. Do your homework, and get your CBD products from a trustworthy source. Ask lots of questions, and find out what is in the product and where the ingredients come from. Consult a professional you can trust, and ask fellow pet parents who use CBD therapies about their experiences. I have personally found that CCBD DOG HEALTH products are clean, well manufactured and effective (they use terpenes in the production of their oils, salves and treats to give them a boost). Best of all, they’re always available to answer questions and talk about their product – and that’s a quality you should look for.

Take Your Time

When pursuing natural therapies for your pet, prepare to be patient. While some CBD products begin to work fairly quickly (within one to two weeks), you’ll see their greatest benefits settle in over time. After several weeks of consistent and proper use, the healing effects of CBD therapy take their full effect. A little extra time allows the compounds to build up in the body and its cells, so they can be as active as possible.

If you can use natural, gentle therapies to help your pet heal, why wouldn’t you? The benefits of CBD for pets are pretty amazing, from relieving pain to reducing inflammation. If your pet suffers from arthritis, anxiety, allergies, or more serious issues like cancer or kidney disease, CBD can help.

Your pet’s best health may begin in the bowl  but there are many ways you can help it along. If you want to learn more about CBD therapy for your pet, I’d love to chat with you some more. You can also find some helpful resources on my blog, or in my live interview with CCBD DOG HEALTH makers, Matt and Stacey. You may be surprised to learn that help for your pet is right around the corner.