CBD for Pets vs. Humans: What’s the Difference?
As the adoption of CBD continues to rise, it is not only becoming a popular option for humans but for our four-legged friends as well. With numerous potential benefits to both human and animal well-being, CBD is a topic worth understanding in depth. |
Want to know if CBD is right for your pet and how CBD usage may differ between us and our furry friends? Let’s get down to the answers you (and your beloved pet) are digging for.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant. It's been the subject of extensive research due to its potential to support wellness. CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (the ECS), a complex network responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, within the body.
How Can CBD Benefit Humans?
When it comes to us humans, CBD works by interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system, present in all of us, consists of naturally produced endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors), and enzymes that work together to play a pivotal role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, and immune response.
Research suggests that CBD can support the ECS in maintaining balance by supporting our own endocannabinoids as they interact with CB receptors, potentially helping support our well-being in a myriad of ways.
Ease Discomfort and Tension
CBD may support comfort levels by supporting the role of endocannabinoids and CB receptors found throughout the nervous system and in our muscles. Its potential soothing properties make it a popular choice for those seeking to maintain ease and minimize bodily tension.
Mood Maintenance
CBD has been studied for its potential role in supporting a calm and relaxed mood. By interacting with the ECS, CBD might help maintain emotional balance, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.
Sleep Support
As the ECS is involved in regulating sleep patterns, CBD might help maintain regular sleep cycles. people often use CBD products to promote restfulness and relaxation before bedtime.
Overall Wellness
Many people incorporate CBD into their daily routine to support general well-being. The potential balancing effects of CBD on the ECS may help maintain overall wellness.
What Types of CBD Products Can Humans Use?
The growing popularity of CBD has led to a wide range of products that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. These various forms make it easy for people to incorporate CBD into their daily routines. Let's explore some of the most common types of CBD products available for human use.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
CBD oils are one of the most popular and versatile options. They can be consumed sublingually by placing a few drops under the tongue or added to your favorite beverages, and the dropper makes it easy to experiment with the dosage while you find the amount that works for you (remember to start off small and work your way up!).
Muscle MX offers high-quality CBD oils that provide an easy and effective way to experience the potential benefits of CBD. Kickstart your day with our Balance CBD Drops, or settle the mind before bed with our Relax CBD drops.
Topicals
CBD-infused balms and lotions are designed for direct application to the skin. They are particularly useful for targeting specific areas where you might need some extra support. Muscle MX's balms and lotions are formulated with care, ensuring the effective delivery of CBD and other beneficial ingredients to help maintain comfort and ease.
CBD Gummies
For those who prefer a tasty and fun approach to CBD, gummies are an excellent choice. For an elevated and nutrient-rich delight, opt for CBD gummies that are packed with an array of all-natural ingredients, like our Muscle MX gummies.
Whether you’re looking for a berry-flavored punch of pure bliss or seeking energy support minus the crash – Muscle MX's range of CBD gummies offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy your daily dose of CBD.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are another discreet and precise method for consuming CBD. Like gummies, they are useful for people who want to keep track of their intake accurately.
Each of these product types has its unique advantages, and choosing the best one for you depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and individual needs.
How Can CBD Provide Support for Our Pets?
Much like humans, our fur buddies also possess an endocannabinoid system similar to ours. This means that CBD isn't just a human affair — our pets might also enjoy its potential benefits. When CBD is introduced into their routine, it interacts with their ECS, potentially supporting their overall well-being.
While further research is needed, early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may lend a helping paw to our pets in various ways. CBD may help our pets maintain a calm demeanor in pets during stress-inducing scenarios such as thunderstorms or trips to the vet.
It's worth noting, though, that before diving into the CBD pool with your pets, always consult with a vet to ensure it's a safe and effective choice for your particular furry friend.
What CBD Products Are Available for Pets?
When embarking on the journey of CBD for pets, you'll discover a smorgasbord of options. From CBD oils specially blended for your four-legged family members to CBD-infused treats and even topical balms for a little extra support — the range is extensive.
Choosing the perfect CBD supplement for your pet is just as important as picking your own. It's essential to sniff out high-quality products that are specifically designed with pets in mind, as their systems aren't a mirror image of ours. Prioritize top-notch quality because when it comes to our four-legged companions, only the 'pick of the litter' will do.
What Are the Key Differences Between CBD for Pets and Humans?
Navigating the landscape of CBD products can be a complex task, especially when considering CBD for both humans and pets. Although CBD's potential supportive benefits may extend across species, it's crucial to acknowledge the key differences in how it should be used for humans versus our furry friends.
Dosage Differences
One of the most significant differences between CBD for humans and pets lies in the dosage. Pets often require a much lower dose than humans due to their smaller size and different physiological makeup.
Too much CBD can lead to unwanted side effects in pets, so it's important to always follow the recommended dosage provided by the manufacturer or your vet.
Product Formulation
Humans and pets may not always agree on flavors and methods of administration. Products designed for humans, like Muscle MX's CBD oils, balms, and gummies, come in various flavors and forms that appeal to our taste preferences and application needs.
On the other hand, pet-specific products often incorporate pet-friendly flavors and easier administration methods, such as bacon-flavored oils or chewable treats.
Finally, not all ingredients suitable for humans are safe for pets. Some CBD products for humans may contain ingredients like essential oils or certain sweeteners that could be harmful to pets. That's why it's important to only use pet-specific CBD products for your pets.
Are There Any Risks Associated With CBD Use?
CBD is considered extremely safe, especially when opting for high-quality products and taken within the recommended dosage. However, there are a few potential side effects and quality control measures to consider.
CBD Safety for Humans
For human use, CBD is generally well-tolerated with few safety risks. Some users may experience mild and temporary side effects, such as nausea, when taking large amounts of CBD oil. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including CBD.
CBD Safety for Pets
For pets, CBD is also generally considered safe. However, pets might exhibit side effects like drowsiness, excessive panting, changes in appetite, or trouble maintaining balance. As each pet is unique, it's crucial to monitor your pet closely when introducing CBD into their routine.
It is especially important to check in with your healthcare professional or vet if you or your pet are taking other medications, as CBD can interact with certain medications and drugs.
What To Look for in CBD Products
When it comes to the products you incorporate into your wellness routine, we want to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions that align best with your individual wellness goals and needs. Muscle MX is committed to safety, transparency, and quality.
That's why all Muscle MX products are subject to rigorous third-party testing to ensure consistency, purity, potency, and quality in every batch. All of our products are made with clean ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and parabens.
Quality CBD is extracted using methods that preserve the integrity of the cannabinoid and eliminate potential toxins. Low-quality CBD products, on the other hand, may contain harmful additives and offer fewer benefits. For this reason, investing in high-quality CBD products is a step you cannot afford to overlook for both human and pet consumption.
We also only use broad-spectrum CBD in our Muscle MX wellness products, which is a type CBD of CBD extract that contains a wide range of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the hemp plant, but with all traces of THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) completely removed.
This allows for the potential benefits of the "entourage effect," where all the plant compounds work together synergistically without any risk of psychoactive effects.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for support in post-workout muscle recovery, hoping to support the body’s natural state of balance, elevate mental clarity, or help calm your pet during a ruff day, CBD may just be the best friend you’re searching for.
Thanks to our comparable endocannabinoid systems, CBD can potentially offer a variety of wellness benefits – from maintaining calm to supporting physical comfort – for us and our four-legged friends alike. Yet, it's crucial to remember the important differences between human and pet use, particularly concerning dosage and product formulation.
When choosing CBD products, prioritize quality and safety, like the rigorous third-party tested range from Muscle MX. And remember, always consult with a healthcare professional or vet before introducing CBD into your or your pet's routine.
The world of CBD is evolving, with new research continually enhancing our understanding. So, whether you're considering Muscle MX's soothing balms, delicious gummies, or premium oils for yourself or seeking a supportive supplement for your pet, understanding the CBD options available to you are your pets can empower you to make informed decisions. Embrace this journey and discover the potential CBD can offer.
Sources:
Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't | Harvard Health
An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system | PMC
The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain | Frontiers