5 Lies Companies Want You to Believe About CBD & Dogs

CBD is everywhere these days, from pharmacies to pet stores. Chances are, you’ve heard about it from someone you know, or maybe you’ve tried it yourself. While its benefits for people are pretty well-known, a growing number of pet parents are using it to help their fur-babies as well. Unfortunately, as with any mega-trend, there’s about as much legit info circulating as there are myths and misconceptions. We’re here to set the record straight on five widespread lies about CBD oil for dogs.

CBD OIL, HEMPSEED OIL, & HEMP EXTRACT ARE THE SAME THING

Hemp extract is an umbrella term that encompasses all extracts from the hemp plant, including hemp seed oil and CBD. But there’s a big difference between hemp seed oil and other hemp extracts: hemp seeds don’t contain any CBD. They’re similar to flax seeds and, because of their high fiber and omega-3 content, may improve your pet’s digestion or coat. But ingesting them won’t relieve pain, inflammation, anxiety, or other ailments like some companies claim. The stalks, stems, and flowers of the hemp plant are what’s rich in CBD and other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. When you’re shopping for a pet supplement, make sure it lists explicitly CBD as an ingredient.

CBD WILL GET YOUR PET HIGH

CBD will not get your pet high. THC, not CBD, is the component in marijuana that produces a “high” feeling. The majority of CBD products, even those made for humans, contain at most 0.3% THC. For the record, that’s not nearly enough to give you the late-night nacho munchies or a desire to ponder the meaning of life while watching Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. And products made for pets typically do not contain any THC whatsoever. THC and CBD are both cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant, but CBD is typically sourced from hemp (Cannabis sativa), which contains a lot of CBD and minimal THC. On the other hand, THC is generally sourced from marijuana (Cannabis sativa Indica), which includes a lot of THC and some CBD. Both have beneficial properties, some distinct, others shared. While they can work better together in some situations, research shows us CBD is beneficial all on its own.

CBD WILL CURE YOUR PET

Any company that claims CBD is a “cure” is a bit ‘ol liar. CBD cannot cure any condition in humans or pets, and it’s illegal for companies to advertise, suggesting that it can. What CBD can do, however, is to alleviate symptoms of a broad array of conditions. It’s proven to be a safe, effective support for the health of your pet, especially their nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Always talk to your veterinarian to discuss how to incorporate CBD to supplement your pet’s rounded health regimen.

ALL CBD COMPANIES ARE THE SAME

There are hundreds of CBD companies out there producing a vast array of products. If you’re new to the scene, it may be hard to tell one from another. They all have CBD; what could be that different? A lot, actually.

Various factors, including hemp source, extraction method, and testing, can affect CBD’s effectiveness. Always shop from reputable suppliers who have a Certificate of Authenticity confirming a third party has tested their CBD for content and quality. They should also manufacture the product in an FDA-approved facility.

Also, as we mentioned before, look for products that specifically list CBD as an ingredient. Some companies are peddling products that contain very little CBD or none at all. Ensure the carrier oils or other additives are natural and do not have anything that could harm your pet, like artificial sweeteners or harmful solvents.

Finally, shop for companies that use U.S.A.-grown hemp. Hemp absorbs everything from the soil where it grows, meaning hemp grown in soil laden with heavy metals or pesticides may produce CBD oil with traces of the same. In the U.S., farms are required to test soil regularly to ensure crops are safe for consumption. Plus, hemp cannabinoids lose potency after harvest. Buying from abroad may mean getting less potent CBD from hemp that’s been stored on a shipping container for weeks before extraction.

IT’S OK TO BUY A PRODUCT WITHOUT KNOWING HOW MUCH CBD IS IN IT

If a company doesn’t clearly state how much CBD is in their product, it’s a pretty good indication they don’t put much stock in honesty or transparency. That doesn’t bode well for product quality or safety, for that matter. Only buy a product that states how many milligrams it contains. Although there’s no “official” dosage recommendation (yet), many reputable companies will offer a suggestion on the bottle or their website. At the very least, any supplier worth their salt will be happy to answer your dosing and usage questions.

These are 5 lies you may have been told about CBD. We know you care about your pets and want the best for them. Do your due diligence and make sure you’re purchasing from an established and reputable company. More questions? Connect with us on Instagram here!