guest post by Kalki Henrietta

Yes, hemp oil for pets is a thing.

There are already many wonderful benefits to using different kinds of oils for humans, but did you know that hemp oil can also be helpful for pets? Hemp oil is produced by cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. Since it is derived from an organic plant, hemp oil may contain hints of cannabinoids.

Before you freak out about that tiny detail, let’s clear up a common misconception: hemp oil is derived from the seed of the cannabis plant while its counterpart—cannabidiol (CBD) oil—is derived from different parts of the plant, such as the stalk and the leaves. While both are sometimes associated with producing mind-altering effects, in fact, they don’t do this at all. Instead, they only produce an entourage effect -- and not the bad kind!

So much has been said about hemp oil, yet it still stirs up confusion, especially among pet lovers. Is it safe? Is it legal? We can’t blame anyone for being extra careful, especially when it comes to their pet’s health and welfare. But that’s the thing, hemp oil can be a great tool for maintaining for the health and welfare of our furry pets. Think of hemp oil as a multivitamin that can make your pets feel good from the inside out. For starters, it contains high concentrations of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are responsible for nutrient absorption. Given this, it helps beautify your pet’s fur and skin! Hemp oil also has medicinal properties that help combat cancer, seizures, anxiety, and neurological and digestive disorders; again this is thanks to its entourage effect.

We have established that hemp oil contains hints of cannabinoids. Commercially used hemp oil is legally approved because it only contains less than 0.3% of the substance. With its relatively low chemical component, hemp oil is safe and non-toxic for pets. Now that we’ve cleared the elephant in the room, we can proceed to find out more about hemp oil with an open mind. Let’s count the ways that pets can maximize the wonderful effects of hemp oil to make your pet feel good inside out.

1. High source of good cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

As mentioned, hemp oil is an excellent source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which help in nutrient absorption and keep the heart healthy. Hemp oil is also rich in Vitamin E, which helps build up the immune system, prevent diseases, promote cell renewal, and keep the organs functional. Hemp oil also ranks high in protein and fiber, which are good for muscle buildup and healthy digestion.

2. Upkeep of healthy fur

Hemp oil can help soothe skin irritation and inflammation and allergies. It is recommended for pets, especially for those with high skin sensitivities. With time, it can enable your pet to have a healthy fur coat and glowing skin. As for usage, it can be ingested orally or used externally as a balm or shampoo.

3. Ease tension and anxiety

Hemp oil can also be used to help pets cope with anxiety due to fireworks, vaccination visits, and other traumatic incidents. It helps uplift their mood and shift the behavior to effectively manage aggression towards other people or animals.

4. Fast track medical recovery

Earlier, we established that hemp oil can be used to treat cancer, among other serious medical conditions. Hemp oil can help speed up the recovery from these illnesses by stimulating the appetite, which signals the body to start healing faster. It can also help manage arthritis.

How does hemp oil work in the body to ultimately produce an entourage effect? The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors found throughout the body and is responsible for controlling inflammation and regulating the immune response. Once the body’s immune system is compromised, the host is susceptible to various illnesses. Hemp oil helps the body reach homeostasis or a stable internal system, ultimately alleviating pain or otherwise providing relief. That is pretty much the same for pets—hemp oil is like a wonder drug that helps treat pain.

Now that we’ve established its benefits, you may have raised some questions. For example,

How should you administer hemp oil to your pets? How much is too much? What could be the possible side effects?

You can add hemp oil to your pet’s favorite treat in small doses. Or you can buy pet treats with hemp oil in them. An approximate and safe dosage is 1mg for every 10 pounds of weight. Generally, hemp oil has no side effects since it dissolves quickly as soon as ingested.

Another question you may have in mind is this one:

My pet is picky. How would I know which type or brand of hemp oil to use?

Remember that hemp oil contains hints of CBD and, despite its low chemical effect, it is still classified according to flavor and the presence of plant material. Hemp oil can be classified further into three types:

Broad-spectrum – A popular choice for the general population. It has a mild taste that indicates the right amount of plant material and terpenes and still delivers the entourage effect needed.
Full-spectrum – For those whose pets aren’t picky (it gives off a grassy flavor), this is a good option. It is the least refined yet contains the highest amounts of terpenes and CBD, maximizing the entourage effect to its full capacity.
Pure CBD – This type is highly refined to the point that it contains no plant matter. This is highly recommended for pets that are extra picky because it does not leave a single trace or flavor of the plant.

Could hemp oil be any more useful?

Safe, non-toxic, and pet-friendly. If you are hearing about these wonderful benefits just now, then we are encouraging you to try administering hemp oil to your pets. Whether it is for overall health upkeep or emergency medical use, you can always be a good pet guardian and find the right hemp oil for your favorite furball. And always remember: Google may be your friend, but a veterinarian’s advice is still the best option. Also, keep your eye on the label when purchasing the actual product. Make sure to read not just the brand but the active ingredients included.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Kalki Henrietta is a Master Chemist at Sauce Terps, the leading authority on full spectrum strain specific terpene profiles.

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