TOP 5 MYTHS ABOUT CBD FOR PETS, DEBUNKED

There is so much information — much of it conflicting — on the internet about CBD and pet health. Why should you learn about some of the common misconceptions? Because you deserve to know the facts about CBD supplementation for your dog or cat!

FIRST — WHAT IS CBD ISOLATE?

Our Fortify oils and all of our treat blends feature pure, isolated CBD.

To formulate them, CBD is isolated from every other hemp compound into a crystal, resulting in a pharmaceutical-grade product. Nothing except the CBD molecule remains. 

Let’s straighten out some of those myths about CBD so your family can make an informed, conscious decision about treatment. 

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CBD FOR PETS

MYTH 1 — CBD HASN’T BEEN PROVEN BY SCIENCE TO SUPPORT ANY HEALTH CONDITIONS 

Many people report that CBD’s effects are speculative and unproved by science in treating health issues. And while it is not accurate to say that CBD can cure ailments or illnesses, CBD carries much value in supporting both common and severe pet health concerns. Today, a plethora of clinical trials exist and are still being conducted to study potential benefits of CBD in supporting a myriad of conditions. Science is keeping up!

MYTH 2 — I TRIED CBD ON MY PET FOR A WEEK WITH NO RESULTS, SO IT DOESN’T WORK

While some animals experience relief after just days of using CBD, for other animals, it can take up to three weeks to observe results. So don’t give up if you’ve been administering for less than 3 weeks, and are feeling discouraged! CBD is a cumulative supplement, and works in a snowball effect. It can take time for CBD to help kickstart a pet’s inactive Endocannabinoid System. Skipping doses or discontinuing administration prior to three weeks can affect this accumulation. 

MYTH 3 — ALL CBD IS CREATED EQUALLY

Every CBD company utilizes different practices, including methods for extraction, whether or not their products are third-party lab-tested, where they’re sourcing from, and how they’ve developed their formulations. You can always trust that Creating Brighter Days products are the highest-quality CBD pet products on market in  Canada. All of our CBD formulations and dosing protocols have been developed alongside Canadian  veterinarians, we always third-party test our products through Health Canada-approved laborartories, and we use state-of-the-art CO2 extraction that yields the cleanest CBD available. 

MYTH 4 — CBD IS ADDICTIVE

Any addictive substance effects neurons in the brain that are designed to compel us to seek and repeat a temporarily rewarding or pleasurable experience. This addiction pathway in the brain utilizes the Nucleus Accumbens, Ventral Tegmental Area, and Prefrontal Cortex. When someone is dependent on a substance, adverse bodily reactions are observable when the substance is discontinued. Scientific research on CBD, conducted by the World Health Organization, shows that it never activates the brain’s addiction pathway. To date, there has never been one case report proving abuse or reliance on CBD.

MYTH 5 — CBD CAN MAKE YOU FEEL HIGH

The CBD found in our Fortify oils and adaptogenic treats utilize pure, CBD Isolate. There is nothing except the CBD molecule in this product, which makes it very easy to dose and measure, and it’s great for most general health concerns. No THC whatsoever is contained in a CBD Isolate product, meaning that it is absolutely non-intoxicating. 

CBD FOR INFLAMMATION IN PETS

In addition to supporting a wide range of health concerns, CBD can help combat inflammation in an animal’s body. Why is reducing inflammation so important for your dog or cat?

WHY IS INFLAMMATION DETRIMENTAL TO PET HEALTH?

As part of an animal’s intelligent immune response, inflammation occurs in an attempt to remedy health issues. Whether in repairing tissues following injury, defending against pathogens, or repairing cells that have been damaged, the body uses inflammation to assist in healing. 

Inflammation can be caused by exposure to free radicals and environmental toxins, stress, digestion issues/leaky gut, sleep issues, recurring infections and more. 

However, although it essentially is a response for healing, when left unaddressed, long-term inflammation in your pet’s body can lead to serious health issues. Studies have shown that chronic inflammation results in nearly all major diseases and health concerns, including cardiovascular issues, neurological problems, cancers,  arthritis, immune issues, diabetes, obesity, skin problems, and organ issues. 

HOW DOES CBD HELP MITIGATE INFLAMMATION?

There is growing evidence in support of CBD supplementation for both chronic (symptoms for six weeks or more) and acute (symptoms for two weeks or less) inflammation. All cannabinoids, including CBD, are widely viewed as being anti-inflammatory.

With no side effects, CBD is a safe, non-intoxicating, plant-based and natural way to target inflammation in dogs, cats and horses. 

A 2018 neurological study found that CBD can attach to a mammal’s sensory receptors, and desensitize them. Because these receptors are responsible for inflammatory response, a decrease in inflammation was shown in result. 

Studies have also shown that CBD works to boost an animal’s immune system, reducing inflammation and pain associated with a range of conditions. 

According to Canadian-based  Aleafia Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Verbora, an expert in cannabinoids, CBD is a fantastic ally for reducing inflammation, stating,  “CBD is known to be an anti-inflammatory and it is likely one of the safest medicines to provide such an effect.”

WHICH PRODUCTS SHOULD YOU USE?

Our Fortify oils feature pure, CBD isolate. To formulate them, CBD is isolated from every other hemp compound into a crystal, and is pharmaceutical grade. There is nothing except the CBD molecule in this product, which makes it very easy to dose and measure.

Our Longevity treats, in addition to a daily dose of CBD, offer adaptogenic herbs that specifically target inflammation. Astragalus, Burdock Root and Turmeric are all known to naturally support inflammatory issues, and can be enjoyed by your pet in these tasty treats!

While you can use either Fortify oil or Longevity treats with fantastic results, we highly recommend doing what we call Combination Therapy. This simply means using oils and treats together. You’ll achieve the highest potency CBD with our oil, plus the added benefits of adaptogenic herbs in our treats. To begin Combination Therapy, we recommend getting your pet accustomed to our oils for two weeks first. You’ll administer oil only during this time, twice a day (every 12 hours). After 2 weeks on oil, you can replace one of your pet’s two oil doses with the allotted number of treats based on their weight. This means you’d administer oil with breakfast, and a treat(s) with or after dinner.

CBD + CATS

Felines across Canada are experiencing increased vitality and improved quality of life after using Creating Brighter Days’ CBD supplements. Can our CBD help your cat achieve optimal health?

CBD FOR CATS

More and more pet parents are turning to CBD as a natural alternative in supporting common cat ailments. CBD has been shown to support feline conditions including (but not limited to): 

• anxiety
• limited mobility
• arthritis
• depression
• chronic pain
• obesity
• aggression
• nausea
• appetite issues
• sleep disorders
• diabetes
• immune issues

Cats, like all mammals, have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Thus, CBD works the same way in both animals and humans. 

Sometimes, due to illness, environmental toxicity, exposure to pathogens, or if an animal is lacking particular endocannabinoids, the ECS becomes out of balance. A cat’s anatomical system will respond to these stressors by falling out of equilibrium. Studies suggest that a variety of chronic ailments are the direct result of endocannabinoid deficiency.

If you feel that one of more of your cat’s bodily systems are not performing optimally, the introduction and maintenance of a CBD supplement can help to kickstart the ECS to work the way it’s intended to.  

Regardless of which endocannabinoid deficiency cat is experiencing, CBD intelligently works with the ECS to determine what is out of balance and how to naturally bring it back into harmony.

WHICH PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE?

Whenver we’re working with felines, we keep in mind that cats are extremely sensitive to tastes and smells, and are commonly quite picky with food. 

We always recommend our Fortify oils for cats. Fortify is made using pure CBD isolate, meaning that CBD has been isolated from every other hemp compound into a crystal, resulting in a pharmaceutical-grade product. There is nothing except the CBD molecule in this oil, which means it is non-intoxicating, quite easy to dose and measure, and it’s great for most general feline health concerns. 

Why is Fortify in alignment with the feline tendency toward pickiness? All of the terpenes — compounds in the hemp plant which initiate scent or taste sensations — have been removed from our Fortify oils. This results in a virtually scent- and taste-free oil, meaning that even sensitive cats find them to be palatable. 

And for cats with extreme sensitivities, we’ve got a little trick up our sleeve. Dropping Fortify oil onto a pungent-smelling or -tasting food that your cat enjoys, such as tuna, and mixing it up, often helps even the fussiest cats tolerate CBD oil. 

Cats fall into our Fortify 250 concentration. Our 250 is ideal for felines with a weight range of 5-34 lbs. 

CBD FOR DOGS + CATS WITH ANXIETY

Veterinary studies suggest that up to 40 percent of dogs and 25 percent of cats exhibit some level of anxiety. With anxious and nervous disorders so prevalent, CBD is a helpful and natural way to promote calm in pets.  

HOW DOES CBD HELP SUPPORT ANXIETY IN DOGS + CATS?

CBD has been shown to yield anti-anxiety effects in both humans and animals alike. According to scientific studies, CBD affects a serotonin receptor in the brain known as 5HT1-A, which is responsible for controlling anxiety and mood. 

CBD has also been shown to help facilitate the creation of new cells in the brain, specifically in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that regulates emotion, memory, and the nervous system. When anxiety is present for long periods of time, the hippocampus can actually shrink. This is why the creation of new brain cells is integral for rebalancing these functions. 

Another way CBD improves anxious disorders is by decreasing cortisol production. Known as the stress hormone, the reduction of cortisol supports a more calm and balanced mental state. 

Finally, CBD has been shown to block an enzyme whose function its is to break down the neurotransmitter anandamide. According to researchers, the more anandamide that is present in the body, the more resulting anxiousness. 

WHICH CREATING BRIGHTER DAYS CBD PRODUCTS SHOULD MY PET USE FOR ANXIETY?

When using our oils, the severity of your pet’s condition is the determining factor in whether you choose Fortify or Spectrum. 

Fortify is best for animals with mild or moderate cases of anxiety. This oil is a CBD isolate, which means it only contains the CBD molecule. CBD is isolated from all other compounds found in the hemp plant, and crystallized, leaving a pharmaceutical-grade product intended for animal use. 

Our Spectrum line is just that — a full spectrum hemp product. This means that all of the naturally-occuring cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds (including trace amounts of THC (not nearly enough to produce an intoxicating effect) make their way into the final product. The presence of all these compounds creates what’s known as the ‘entourage effect,’ when all compounds work together to boost efficacy. This oil is best for animals whose anxiety is considered to be more severe or extreme. 

Oils are best to use each day, to maintain levels of calm in pets. Pet parents have the option to administer our recommended dose of oil once per day, or twice per day (every 12 hours) for pets who need more support. 

Another option is to use our treats, and this is better for pets who have situational anxiety, and want to use CBD on an as-needed basis (30 minutes before a car ride, before fireworks, or any other anxiety-inducing event). Our treats, in addition to a daily dose of CBD, contain adaptogenic herbs with further support nervous conditions. For anxiety, pet parents should use our Serenity treats. 

CBD OIL FOR DOGS

CBD is being widely studied for its benefits in supporting various health conditions in dogs. 

There is nothing more challenging than watching your pup in pain or discomfort. 

And according to the Canadian Animal Health Institute’s 2020 survey, there are 7.7 million domestic canines in households across Canada. In such a dog-loving country, pet parents deserve to know how they can ensure their doggies are living their most comfortable life possible.

COMMON CANINE HEALTH ISSUES CBD CAN HELP SUPPORT

Cancer

Diabetes

Dysplasias

Arthritis

Pain

Low Energy

Immune Function

Skin Allergies

Bladder Conditions

Thyroid Issues

Anxiety 

Kindey Conditions

Intestinal Issues/Diarrhea 

Vomiting

Lymphoma

HOW DOES CBD WORK IN DOGS?

Dogs — like humans and all other mammals —  have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is responsible for keeping all of their anatomical systems functioning properly. The ECS does this by receiving and processing nutritional cannabinoids, acting as a signalling system, responding to various states of health, and relaying instructions from the brain to cell receptor’s in a dog’s body. 

But a variety of stressors can eventually break down a dog’s ECS, resulting in a lack of endocannabinoids. Eventually, this depletion causes a dog’s bodily systems to become out of balance, resulting in various chronic or serious health conditions. 

But studies show that these deficiencies can be boosted back to healthy levels — through the supplementation of phytocannabinoids (the strains of hemp from which CBD is extracted).

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE MY DOG TO RESPOND TO CBD?

Every pup responds to CBD in a different timeframe. The speed at which your dog begins to improve depends on how depleted your their ECS is when you begin supplementation. For some dogs, results are observable within hours (often with anxiety) or days (mild conditions) upon administering CBD. For other dogs, whose ECS’ may be more deficient, improvement should be noticeable by 3 weeks. 

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ADMINISTER CBD TO DOGS?

While some dogs with mild conditions are able to take CBD on an as-needed basis, or once per day, we have found that the most effective way to use CBD and yield results is to administer our recommended dose two times per day. We recommend doing this every 12 hours — an easy way to remember is to add oil to your dog’s breakfast, and again to dinner. 

CBD FOR DOGS + CATS WITH MELANOMA

A commonly-diagnosed cancer in pets, Melanoma treatment has shown to be supported with the use of CBD products. 

WHAT IS MELANOMA?

A type of cancer, melanoma occurs when tumours from pigment cells arise. In pets, the most common types of melanomas are in the mouth, eyes, on the skin, on paws, or around the nail bed. 

Melanoma in animals affects the melanocyte cells — which are responsible for creating the pigment known as melanin, and affect the colour of an animal’s coat, eyes and skin. Because melanocyte cells also initiate moles, they are commonly where various types of melanomas form. Abnormal growth of melanocytes results in the growth of melanoma tumours. 

While many melanomas are benign, malignant ones tend to invade bone and tissues, and commonly spread to other areas of the body — including lungs, lymph nodes, and various organs. When melanoma spreads, the condition can become life-threatening to animals.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MELANOMA IN PETS?

Melanoma commonly presents as raised, dark- or pink-coloured masses, and can be anywhere from a quarter inch, to two full inches, in diameter. 

When the skin is affected, melanomas are commonly found on an animal’s paws, back, or head. 

Oral melanoma — which is more commonly malignant — can cause excessive drooling, foul-smelling breath, difficulty eating food, and pain in the mouth. 

Melanomas around the paws can initiate infections or loosening of the nail bed, swelling of the paw, or difficulty using an affected limb. 

When the eyes become affected by melanoma, masses can be observed in the eyelid or in the eye itself. Cloudy eyes, redness, vision impairment, eye pain, spasming around the eyes, a darkened iris, and swelling of the eye area are also symptoms. 

WHAT CAUSES MELANOMA?

The identifiable cause of melanoma in pets is unknown. However, many veterinarians believe that genetics are most closely related to the development of this condition. It has been shown that excessive licking on a certain area of the body, as well as physical trauma to a part of the body, can increase the chances of melanoma developing there. 

Melanoma is seen most in older pets, usually over the age of 9. 

CBD FOR MELANOMA IN DOGS + CATS

All types of cancers have been shown to benefit more greatly with the use of a full spectrum hemp product. This is due to the fact that every compound found in the hemp plant makes its way into the final product. The presence of all of these compounds together yields a symbiotic effect that bolsters healing, known as the ‘entourage effect.’

For Creating Brighter Days, this means using our Spectrum oil.

At this point, hemp products have been extensively studied for their role in supporting mammals who are battling various types of cancers. While not intended to cure or treat cancer — you should always check in with your veterinarian first, as the combination of certain medical treatments with hemp-based products may be the best and most effective form of treatment — we cannot ignore that studies have shown great promise when CBD products are used as part of cancer treatment. 

Studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) has promoted the death of many types of cancer cells, when taken on a consistent and long-term basis. Scientists theorize that this happens because CBD promotes the production of oxygen in cancerous cells. 

While most studies have been conducted on humans — the animal sphere is currently moving on finalizing its own clinical studies — we can rest assured that science has shown CBD treats pets in the same way it treats humans. This is because all mammals have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which maintains all health functions of the anatomical systems. ECS’s become out of balance when an animal is ill, and CBD has been shown to rebalance and reharmonize the ECS to encourage the body to begin functioning properly again. 

HOW DO I ADMINSTER CBD FOR MELANOMA?

There is always a significant benefit to having your pet ingest oil (as sometimes, melanoma can present internally). However, with so many tumours affecting the external parts of an animal’s body, it has been shown that applying oil directly to the affected area of the body, topically, can have positive effects. 

We recommend a combination of oral administration (either administering Spectrum on top of your pet’s wet or dry food, or administering directly into the mouth), as well as applying it topically to the skin on affected areas. 

CBD FOR PETS WITH CUSHING’S DISEASE

With approximately 100,000 dogs receiving a Cushing’s Disease diagnosis each year, there is no better time to explore how CBD can help your pet get well.

WHAT IS CUSHING’S DISEASE?

Cushing’s (or pituitary dependent hypercortisolism) is the result of a non-cancerous pituitary tumor. This tumor provokes extreme levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. If Cushing’s is untreated, this pituitary tumor has a potential to grow so large that it presses on the brain, causing neurological issues like impaired mobility, vision, convulsions, diabetes, and other conditions. 

Cushing’s Disease affects a variety of animals, with dogs over the age of 6 being the most commonly-affected. And while cases do exist in cats, Cushing’s is much more rare in felines. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CUSHING’S?

• Loss of hair/coat/fur
• Distended stomach
• Bruising
• Decreased energy levels
• Increased thirst + urination
• Increased appetite
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Impaired vision
• Impaired mobility
• Bladder infection
• Convulsions/seizures

HOW CAN CBD HELP PETS WITH CUSHING’S DISEASE?

When targeting Cushing’s Disease, a full spectrum hemp product has been shown to be the most effective. Only a full spectrum product can help treat the imbalance of hormones caused by Cushing’s. Spectrum also has the potential to help reduce the size of tumors (which cause Cushing’s).

Our Spectrum line is made using a full spectrum oil. This means all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds (including trace amounts of THC) found in the hemp plant make their way into the final product. There is growing evidence that full spectrum oil can be more effective for some pets and in some circumstances, due to what’s known as the “entourage effect,” where all the compounds work together to be more effective. 

In the case of Cushing’s Disease, the entourage effect plays a major role in boosting health. While we have had customers successfully treat their pets for Cushing’s symptoms using our Fortify CBD Isolate oils, we highly recommend using Spectrum instead, as the entourage effect has been shown to not only rebalance hormones, but specifically assist in the reduction of tumours. 

If we look at Cushing’s through a hormonal lens, we can see that full spectrum products help to treat imbalances which are likely causing tumor growth to begin with. Researchers have also found that exposure to the full range of cannabinoids in Spectrum may have positive effects related to endocrine/stress function. 

If your pet is currently taking any veterinarian-prescribed medications, it is important to check in with your vet before supplementing with a CBD product, to discuss potential wean-down programs or possible contraindications (which are extremely rare). If your vet is unfamiliar with using CBD for animals, please ask them to reach out to us at sales@cbdpet.co, and we will connect them to our Veterinary Advisor, who can discuss protocols for CBD administration and how to best target your pets’ specific ailments.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO ADMINISTER CBD?

When supplementing your pet with CBD, there are two components to consider — how many times per day to administer, and the best times of day to administer. 

HOW MANY TIMES PER DAY SHOULD I ADMINISTER CBD?

If extremely healthy, young and active, an animal will likely do well taking CBD once per day. 

However, for animals with current or previous health conditions, for senior pets, or for maximum benefit in generally healthy pets — we recommend administering CBD twice per day.

Supplementing with CBD every 12 hours always yields the best results. CBD is a cumulative supplement, so it works (and continues to work) better when it is consistently present in an animal’s body. 

When an animal is unwell, their Endocannabinoid System (ECS) — which regulates all of a mammal’s anatomical systems and functions — is out of balance. Studies have shown that the introduction and maintenance of CBD can work intelligently with the ECS to reharmonize these imbalances — over time, and with consistent administration. 

An ECS that is extremely unbalanced must be supplemented repeatedly with CBD, in order to kickstart itself and eventually return all systems to optimal function. 

It is imperative that, when administering twice daily, pet parents do not skip a dose, or an entire day of supplementation. Because CBD is cumulative, interrupting the flow and consistent presence of CBD will upset the therapeutic benefits that have been initiated.

Once an animal has been taking CBD for a longer period of time (a few months) and has shown noticeable improvement, it is possible to reduce dosing to once per day and retain optimal health. However, if upon frequency reduction old symptoms begin to present, resume twice per day dosing. 

WHAT TIMES OF DAY ARE BEST FOR CBD ADMINISTRATION?

Studies have shown that CBD is the most bioavailable in an animal’s body when taken with food. 

Bioavailability — or, the rate at which a compound is absorbed and dispersed into the bloodstream, where it can affect the body’s anatomical systems — is key in making sure your pet is getting the most from CBD. 

Because our treats and oils are taken orally, they are absorbed by an animal’s digestive system. This means CBD is broken down by the stomach prior to small intestine absorption. After the small intestine, CBD is sent to the liver. The liver’s function is important, because this is where foods that are present alongside CBD will improve CBD’s absorption. 

Taking CBD with food helps a larger concentration of CBD to be absorbed than would be possible on an empty stomach. This is because food allows CBD to bypass the first-stage process of metabolization, allowing for faster and more concentrated bioavailability.

OUR RECOMMENDED ADMINISTRATION PROTOCOLS:

We find that the most effective way to administer CBD to dogs and cats is to drop oil over top of your pet’s wet or dry food at breakfast, and again at dinnertime, which is in alignment with our recommended window of twice-per-day/every 12 hours.

CBD ADMINISTRATION, DOSAGE TIPS + FACTS

Our administration protocols have been developed alongside Canadian veterinarians to match the quality products we create. Dosing guidelines have been tailored specifically for our lab-tested CBD products, to parallel our superior extraction technologies. You can feel good knowing that our scientific measurements ensure accuracy in every dose.

WHAT ARE THE RULES OF THUMB FOR CBD ADMINISTRATION?

1. Dosages that are too low will not yield maximum benefits, and dosages that are too high may come with unwanted side effects, such as lethargy.
2. Giving your pet excessive serving sizes may provide no incremental benefit, and results in you overspending on products.

NOT ALL CBD IS CREATED EQUALLY + NEITHER ARE DOSING GUIDELINES

You may notice that Creating Brighter Days’ dosing guidelines differ greatly from those of other companies, and from online articles featuring information about CBD. This is because every product is different, and each company’s dosage recommendations are entirely dependent upon their own ingredient gradation and the concentrations of CBD and other cannabinoids contained within.

HOW DO I DETERMINE AN IDEAL CBD DOSE FOR MY DOG OR CAT?

Our product administration and dosing guidelines are based on weight. Choose which concentration of oil or treat is right for your pet’s weight first:

FORTIFY + SPECTRUM OILS

250 Concentration — Pets 5-34 lbs

  Up to 5 lbs — 1/4 dropper

  6-15 lbs — 1/2 dropper

  16-25 lbs — 3/4 dropper

  25-34 lbs — 1 full dropper

500 Concentration — Pets 35 lbs+

35-50 lbs — 1/2 dropper

51-75 lbs — 3/4 dropper

76-100 lbs — 1 full dropper

1000 Concentration — Pets 101 lbs+

101-125 lbs — 3/4 dropper

126-150 lbs — 1 full Dropper

151 lbs + — 1.25 droppers

TREATS 

3 mg — Small to Medium Breed

Up to 5 lbs — 1/2 treat

5-15 lbs — 1/2 to 1 treat

16-25 lbs — 1 to 1.5 treats

26-35 lbs — 1.5 to 2 treats

36-45 lbs — 2 to 2.5 treats

46-54 lbs — 2.5 to 3 treats

6 mg — Large to Extra-Large Breed

55-75 lbs — 1.5 to 2 treats

76-100 lbs — 2 to 2.5 treats

101-125 lbs — 2.5 to 3 treats

126-150 lbs — 3 to 4 treats

151 lbs + — 4 to 5 treats

Once you’ve determined the recommended daily dose based on your pet’s weight, you know where you want to end up. But because every pet is different, it’s important to determine an ideal dosage for your pet in particular. This involves a little experimentation by starting low and increasing slowly.

The three steps to determining the ideal CBD dosage for your dog or cat are:

1. Start with one low daily dosage
2. Observe your pet’s condition and behaviour
3. Slowly increase the dosage until you achieve desired results

When starting your pet on CBD, we recommend beginning with a dosage that is half (or less) of our recommended dose based on weight. For example, if your pet’s recommended dose is 30 drops, start with 15 drops or less, once a day. If using treats, and your pet should be taking 1 per day, then start with one half of a treat per day.

Keep your pet on this low dose for three to four days, or until you feel comfortable that the product is well-tolerated by your pet. After that, you can begin increasing the dose. (However, If you already notice a benefit at this low daily dose, there is no need to increase dosage).

SHOULD I EVENTUALLY ADMINISTER TWICE PER DAY?

If you’re giving your pet CBD to promote or maintain already-good health, then a once-per-day dosage is sufficient. 

However, if your pet has an underlying medical condition, or if their symptoms can be considered severe-to-extreme, higher and more frequent doses may be needed in order to yield maximum benefits. In these cases, it’s best to administer the recommended dosage twice daily (every 12 hours), in the morning and in the evening. Twice-per-day administration ensures that CBD builds up in your pet’s system and continues to work. Since CBD is a cumulative supplement, skipping one of the two doses, or skipping a day altogether, will mean that CBD is not maintained and working consistently for pets who need more advanced care. 

For the animals on our own personal Creating Brighter Days team, we like to administer oil over kibble, as food aids in absorption. You can add oil to your pet’s wet or dry food at breakfast, and again at dinner. 

HOW LONG BEFORE I OBSERVE RESULTS?

While some animals demonstrate improvement within the first few days of administration — and in some cases, usually with anxiety, pets show improvement within a couple of hours — for other pets, it can take up to three weeks to observe results as an animal’s body adapts. It is important to be patient when working with CBD.

CBD FOR SENIOR PETS

CBD has been shown to help animals more easefully manage the aches, pains and other age-related health issues that come during their senior years. 

LOVING A SENIOR PET

As our pets age, we know that slowly but surely, their bodies stop working quite as well as they used to, things slow down, and new health conditions arise. 

But there are so many ways our pets can experience relief using CBD products. While we cannot stop the ageing process, we’re grateful for the knowledge that CBD can help create the most enjoyable and comfortable final years possible. 

MOST COMMON SENIOR AILMENTS IN DOGS AND CATS

• Age-related anxiety
• Dementia
• Diminished vision
• Diminished hearing
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea + vomiting
• Lethargy
• Pain
• Aches, arthritis + mobility issues
• Excessive barking
• Insomnia

HOW DOES CBD ASSIST THE AGEING PROCESS?

Scientific studies have attested that CBD has the capacity to promote healthy aging by offering mitochondrial support. Mitochondria — which are membrane-bound cell organelles — play an extremely important role in the longevity and quality of life. 

Additionally, CBD’s potential to significantly reduce inflammation in the body has been shown to contribute to a healthy brain during the ageing process. The reduction of inflammation is also a key piece in helping mitigate arthritis and joint issues, which are commonly seen in older animals. 

CBD has also been found to act as a preventative against the onset of dementia, by supporting functions in the brain. And if your pet already is showing signs of cognitive decline? CBD has been shown to assist with cognitive support for those who are already experiencing dementia. 

CBD has been long-used to manage pain, which older pets often experience from achy joints, or pain related to serious illnesses like cancer. In turn, managing pain means better sleep for animals who suffer from insomnia due to being uncomfortable. 

Speaking of cancer, CBD studies have shown promise in helping treat cancer (often in conjunction with veterinary medical support) by helping overcome cancer cells, preventing tumours from increasing in size or spreading, and improving the efficacy of western medical cancer treatments. 

CBD has also been researched for its ability to increase appetite. For animals who are ill with a specific health condition, or for those who have simply lost their appetite due to the lethargy and disinterest in routine that comes with ageing, CBD may assist in boosting appetite — thus providing an animal with the crucial energy reserves needed to fight health issues.

BEST CBD PRODUCT FOR SENIOR DOGS + CATS

Any time we are working with senior pets, our first recommendation is a full spectrum oil. Older pets who may be degenerating — or battling various health concerns — require more advanced and complete care than younger, healthier pets. 

Because of this, the best and most effective choice is our Spectrum oil. Spectrum contains all the naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds (including trace amounts of THC) found in the hemp plant.

The amount of THC contained in Spectrum is so miniscule that it is not possible to create an intoxicating effect when administered at our recommended dose. Its presence is solely to assist other compounds in boosting efficacy — as there is growing evidence that full spectrum oil can be more beneficial in some circumstances, due to what’s known as the “entourage effect,” where all compounds are available and can work together to be more effective. 

Because this oil is best for pets who need extra care, our senior pets will most benefit from it. Rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that contribute to the well-being of the brain, ageing can be a more healthful, natural process with the help of Spectrum.