Recently, pet owners have been interested in giving their animals CBD infused products and treats. More and more consumers seem to be backing CBDs benefits, claiming that CBD has enhanced their overall well-being. Although this anecdotal evidence comes from humans, it leaves many pet owners wondering if CBD has these same effects on pets and whether CBD can be used as a supplement for pets.

Why Do Pet Owners Give Their Animals CBD?

Many people report that the benefits of CBD have helped ease their discomfort and have improved their overall health. But does this apply for dogs too? A study published in Europe PubMed Central titled 'Canadian dog owners' use and perceptions of cannabis products' says that it does. The research surveyed pet-owners who bought cannabis-derived products for their animals and found that Candanian pet owners reported the effects of these cannabis-derived products to be "equally or more effective than the conventional medications" that they were giving their animals.

Some of these pet owners were using CBD as a way to reduce their pet's stress when it came to things like thunderstorms and separation. Others were using CBD because their pet was experiencing discomfort due to old age.

What draws many pet owners to CBD, as opposed to over the counter medicines prescribed by veterinarians, is that CBD is perceived as more natural than it's over the counter alternatives. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids that can be derived from the hemp plant; a plant that was declassified as a schedule I drug by the federal government. The legalization of hemp now allows the use of hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC and has played a significant role in consumer adoption and experimentation.

Some people report that CBD has helped them improve their overall health and manage everyday discomfort and stress that they experience. This has made them wonder whether animals can reap these benefits if they experience the same daily discomforts and stress. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of scientific information surrounding CBD, and its potential benefits--especially when you are looking to give these sorts of treats to your pets. However, you can (and should) always talk to your vet before giving your pet CBD and should ask the vet questions along with discussing the types of CBD products available for pets.

Filling the Information Gap

At a time when there is not an abundance of information that can help you formulate these questions or make these decisions, it can be tough to locate the information that will help you the most. However, there are a few helpful sources on the internet that can get you on the right track. PureKana, a Scottsdale, Arizona based CBD manufacturer, is trying to fill this information gap by giving potential consumers an abundance of information regarding CBD for pets.

Their library covers topics ranging from how to give CBD to dogs to what dosage of CBD your dog should be ingesting. They note that if you are looking to give your dog a CBD-infused product, it is not a one-size-fits-all scenario when it comes to the strength of the product.

It is essential to know the do's and don'ts when it comes to giving your pets--or any living creature--any medicine. If you are a pet owner that's interested in giving CBD treats to your pet, PureKana's library is a great starting point that will put any dog owner on the right track.

Where the Market Is Heading

The rapid growth of the CBD market will indefinitely lead to more research in the space regarding its benefits and how it can help animals. As more science-backed information becomes available, you can expect more consumers to gravitate to this emerging market. According to Brightfield Groups research, the CBD for pets market is expected to surpass $1.16 billion in sales in the United States by 2022. That being said, in the coming years, we can expect more products and information around this market to emerge to satisfy consumer demand and interest.