Did you know that an estimated 26% of adults with dogs in the US give their dog some type of hemp-CBD product? It's said that CBD may help everything from pain to seizures to anxiety in pets.

Vets even suggest pet owners try CBD oil for a myriad of skin conditions and cardiac benefits. 

However, if you're new to pet CBD products, you may be wondering what type of hemp oil to purchase for your pet. With plenty of choices across organic hemp oil for dogs and cats, the possibilities are endless. 

This article walks you through the full spectrum vs broad spectrum of CBD for dogs and cats, answering any other questions you may have. Let's begin!

Full Spectrum Hemp Oil

One of the types of hemp oil you'll hear about is full spectrum hemp oil. Full spectrum hemp oil refers to all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that occur in hemp naturally. This included CBD and CDB (cannabidiol and cannabigerol). 

Full spectrum hemp oil includes the following: phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. It also includes 0.3% THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). 

Full spectrum hemp oil is only "full spectrum" if the phytochemical profile remains intact. That is, it's not at all altered during the extraction process. As such, THC remains.

While this may seem alarming to some pet owners, it's nothing to worry about. The amount of THC remaining is trace- 0.3%. This means your pet won't experience any kind of psychoactive effect. 

Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil

Another type of CBD product is broad spectrum hemp oil. It's similar to full spectrum hemp oil, but the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is removed in its entirety. Broad spectrum hemp oil is excellent for your pets, as it contains vitamins, minerals, and cannabinoids that your pet needs to thrive.

This includes various phytocannabinoids, minus any amount of THC (this means there is 0.0% THC in broad spectrum hemp oil). Broad spectrum also includes terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds

This type of CBD product may help everything from chronic pain management to improving the appearance of your pet's coat. 

Why Use Hemp Oil for Pets?

There are countless reasons to use hemp oil for your pets. Some of the most important reasons are assistance with preventing skin conditions and a daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some other reasons to use CBD for pets.

Hips and Joints

It's estimated that 20% of dogs over a year old experience some type of osteoarthritis, hip, or joint issue in their lifetime. Signs include stiffness, limping, or lameness. Your dog may be in pain and show it when touched or petted. 

CBD oil could help. It might aid joint flexibility and mobility. 

Preventative Health Measures

We try to feed our pets the very best, but not every animal receives proper vitamins and minerals in their daily diet. This is what makes CBD oil such an excellent option. 

Utilizing pet CBD oil on a daily basis may improve your pet's coat, skin, joints, heart, and immune system. 

Bad Breath

Does your pooch suffer from bad breath? Cats can also get bad breath. It often stems from poor oral hygiene and some type of periodontal disease. 

Too much tartar accumulation can lead to periodontal disease, which can have long-lasting consequences. For starters, your pet may be at an increased risk of kidney and liver issues, as well as changes to the heart muscle.

Luckily, CBD oil may be able to help combat this issue. CBD has soothing properties which can aid in soothing your dog's tooth muscles. This may prevent health issues stemming from the teeth from entering the body.  

Anxiety Relief

Anxiety is a common issue among pets. For example, almost 30% of dogs have a fear of thunderstorms. But not every pet owner is comfortable giving their pet some type of prescription medication to combat this issue. This is what makes hemp oil such a great alternative. 

Hemp oil can work to promote a feeling of relaxation so your pet can better handle their anxiety. This feeling of calm happens when hemp oil sends your pet's dopamine receptors a message to counteract the stress. 

Your pet won't get "high." The neurotransmitters responsible for absorption should stabilize, invoking a sense of calm. 

Seizures

Many vets recommend hemp oil for seizures. CBD oil may help this chronic issue by protecting your pet's brain cells. The goal is that this reduces the effects of epilepsy in your dog or cat. 

How to Use Hemp Oil for Pets

Hemp oil is commonly sold as a tincture. It can be added to soft chews or treats given to your pet. 

If you purchase hemp oil in tincture form, you'll be able to precisely measure the amount of CBD oil your pet receives. Using the tincture, you can administer the hemp oil directly under their tongue or onto their cheek.

If you're looking for the most accurate, effective way to administer CBD oil to your pet, then this is the best option. 

Some pet owners opt to purchase hemp oil in the form of soft chews or capsules. Since hemp oil has a taste to it (similar to sunflower seeds), your pet may benefit from it mixed into a treat. Measuring hemp oil from a tincture may be difficult if you're in a rush or out and about, making a soft treat an ideal alternative. 

A drawback to soft treats containing hemp oil is efficacy. While soft treats are great products with plenty of benefits, they're absorbed through the small intestines. The same is true about CBD oil added to your pet's food.

CBD oil delivered through a tincture is absorbed through the gums and mouth. Your pet will still receive all the benefits of hemp oil when using soft chews or adding the oil to their food, but it may take longer than if you deliver the product straight to their gums and mouth. 

Treats are also known to contain fewer amounts of the active ingredient CBD than using a tincture directly. 

When Does CBD Oil Start to Work?

As previously discussed, the way you administer your pet's CBD oil will determine how quickly it starts working. However, the average duration that CBD oil takes needed for CBD to take full effect is approximately 1-2 hours after administration.

You'll be glad to know that CBD oil can take effect in as little as 15 minutes, but the full effect of this product can take upwards of 1-2 hours. 

If you know you'll be going on a long car ride and your pet benefits from hemp oil, you may want to plan in advance when you'll administer their dosage. 

How Long CBD Oil Lasts For

You're probably wondering how long your pet can expect to benefit from the various effects of CBD oil. The great news is that hemp oil can last anywhere from 8-12 hours. This is excellent for pets that experience separation anxiety when their humans are at work. 

It's important to remember that things such as your pet's size, metabolism, and the concentration of CBD oil administered can affect how long it lasts. 

While a single dose of CBD oil is often enough to help your pet combat whatever it is that ails them, you can administer CBD oil every 8-12 hours as tolerated and needed. If you're unsure, it's best to check with your vet for further clarification. 

Hemp Oil for Your Pet

No matter what type of hemp oil you purchase for your pet, rest assured that you're investing in your pet's health. CBD for pets can help with anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy. It also has nutritional value, providing your pets with essential vitamins and minerals. 

Check out our full line of dog nutrition supplements. Family Pet Nutrition also has everything you need to help keep your cat happy and healthy all year long.

Reach out to us today with any questions, and we'll happily assist you with all your pet's nutritional needs.