CBD oils can be the perfect tool to help your pets deal with separation anxiety, stress, mobility issues, post-surgery pain, and sleep troubles. There’s enough scientific data now to prove that CBD is good and safe to use for both humans and animals. Dogs, cats, humans, and many other mammals have an endocannabinoid system in their bodies.
CBD improves the working of this system; as a result, pets and humans feel relaxed, pain-free, and in better control of their bodies after consuming CBD oil. A large number of American pet parents now recommend CBD for dogs, cats, and horses to improve health and wellness holistically.
However, it’s not recommended to give human CBD oil to dogs and cats. Why? Well, that’s exactly what we will cover in this article. So read on till the end to learn the difference between pet and human CBD products and why you should not use them interchangeably.
Are Pet and Human CBD products the same?
Some brands use similar packaging for pet and human CBD oil, so it’s easy to get confused between both. That’s why you must look the the packaging carefully before putting the oil in your and your pet’s food bowl.
See, both pet and human CBD products are made from the same industrial hemp plants with no more than 0.3% THC in them. The process for extraction is also the same, with C02 extraction being the top choice for purity and quality.
The difference lies in further processing to convert the extract into the final product. The batch for human CBD oil is mixed with fruit-based flavors and certain ingredients which improves the effectiveness of cannabinoids in the human body.
Mango, Betty, and Mint are some of the common flavors in human CBD oils. Some brands also add certain natural/artificial sweeteners to further enhance the taste and mask hemp’s odd earthy flavor. This human CBD oil can cause problems in pets because their body can react to certain flavors, preservatives, and ingredients, especially sweeteners.
That’s why Pet CBD products are separately processed with certain flavors like peanut butter, chicken masala, and specific ingredients that adapt well to the animal bodies. Many brands opt for nonflavored options because animals are quite picky and sensitive about smells and flavors.
So to sum it up, No, pet and human CBD products are not the same. The main cannabinoid CBD is the same in both and comes from the same plant, but the rest of the ingredients are different. You should refrain from giving human CBD to your pet, as it causes allergy, upset stomach, and adverse reactions to certain ingredients.
Why CBD is effective for both humans and pets?
All mammals including humans and pets like cats and fogs have an endocannabinoid system in their body. Commonly known as ECS, it’s a complex cell signaling network that is spread throughout the body.
The function of ECS is to control various biological and psychological functions to maintain a balance in the body. This includes anxiety levels, stress response, appetite, pain perception, inflammation, temperature, memory, and other important processes.
To do this efficiently, ECS relies on cannabinoid receptors like CB1, CB2, and certain enzymes. CB1 receptors are mainly active in the central nervous system and control our motor movements, cognition, and memory. CB2 receptors are mainly found in the peripheral nervous system and are mainly focused on our immune system function.
The mammal body releases certain neurotransmitters called anandamide and 2AG, which get absorbed by CB1, and CB2 receptors, and this process maintains homeostasis in the body. Anandamide is specifically responsible for the modulation of our brain’s reward system.
When CBD enters the body, it doesn’t directly bind to these receptors, instead, it influences their working and makes the whole cannabinoid absorption process more efficient. It can increase the signaling of endogenous anandamide.
It also activates serotonin receptors like 51HTA, and TRPV ion channels, which results in better relaxation and improved overall mood and feelings.
What to look for when buying CBD for yourself and your pet?
Shopping for CBD products for your beloved pet and yourself can be a confusing task, especially if you are a first-time buyer. The sheer number of brands and product categories can be mind-boggling and exhausting. Your first property should be to single out brands that offer both human and pet CBD products through the same platform. Options like Aspen Green and Colorado Botanicals are popular choices. Options like Aspen Green and Colorado Botanicals are popular choices. Colorado Botanicals is one such popular option.
Next, focus on what kind of ingredients are used to make CBD oil. Skip products that have artificial flavors and sugars. Try to get only non-GMO, 100% Organic, and USDA hemp-made oils.
For your pet, try to get nonflavored options, and opt for broad-spectrum oils with zero THC. Why? Because even trace levels of THC might be allergic to your pet, and research on safe THC levels for animal use is still quite limited.
For your use, you can go with crazy refreshing flavors and full spectrum oil to experience an entourage effect. But if you have an incoming blood work or test, it’s best to stick with a broad spectrum and isolates.
Finally, check for Lab test reports, expiry date, extraction process, and bran’s return policy. Also, don’t forget to check reviews on third-party platforms like TrustPilot, to check what’s the feedback from actual people who have tried the product.
The End Note
To sum it up, the difference between pet and human CBD products lies in the ingredients and flavors used during the manufacturing process. The main ingredient CBD or cannabidiol, is the same in both and will produce similar calming effects.
But the taste, compatibility, and overall experience will be different. It’s best to not give your pet human CBD oil, it can mess up with their digestion and may cause a negative reaction. Similarly, humans must refrain from using their dog’s CBD oil.
Finally, try to start with a low dose and observe the effects for some time before changing the dosage. Refer to the chart given on the brand page for accurate dosing. Also, buy CBD oil only from well-tested and widely accepted brands like Colorado Botanicals.