You’ve constantly been told that CBD is good for your pets; yet the type of pet most CBD is intended for is the loveable furry kind that enjoys treats, scratches, and giving kisses. Dogs and cats are both popular pets and many types of CBD oils and treats cater towards improving their separation fits and overactive behaviors. But what about the other category of pets? I’m talking about the reptiles, chinchillas, and birds, or any of the animals you own that fit more comfortably into the exotics. Can you still give CBD to your scaly friend in the same way you would for your furry pet? That’s what we’re here to find out!
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CBD Success Stories for Exotic Animals
You may be surprised to know that some zookeepers use CBD on their extensive collection of exotic animals. One such zoo started off giving their beloved goat in an attempt to reduce its seizures. The CBD was effective in reducing 95% of the seizures, which both astonished and delighted the zookeepers. Next, CBD was given to one of their elderly tigers who was undergoing cancer treatments. The CBD was administered in an attempt to reduce any discomfort or appetite issues the tiger may have been suffering with. Lastly, the zoo incorporated CBD doses to a boa constrictor that was suffering with a large tumor that was crushing his internal organs. The treatment was effective in reducing the tumor by more than 80%!
While CBD for exotics isn’t typically marketed for pets other than cats or dogs, it’s fascinating to discover that cannabidiol is effective for even the most exotic of animals. It would be foolish to hearld CBD as a magic cure-all for all that ails your pet. Yet if there’s a way to offer a bit of comfort and relief to your pet, or even to simply bolster their overall health, CBD seems like it would be worth the effort. But with all the CBD options out there, whether it be for humans and pets, how do you know how much to give them? Let’s take a closer look at what CBD options are available for your beloved pet, their scales and feathers included!
Do Animals Have An Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system was actually discovered during research on how cannabis affects the brain. The ECS is responsible for a plethora of functions, including appetite, sleep, and pain. You might be surprised to learn that your pet, whether they be the furry friend or the stoic reptile, has an endocannabinoid system. In fact, all animals except insects have this system. Since your exotic animal must eat and sleep to survive, and may experience pain at some point of their life, there’s a very good chance that CBD can help them.
Unfortunately, there’s no concrete evidence that gives an exact dosage amount or frequency schedule in which a dose should be administered. Those who do use CBD for exotic pets are in the experimental stage and carefully document their efforts to note any change, whether that be good or bad. If you do end up deciding to give CBD to your pet, make sure to notate any irregularities or improvements along the way.
Are Certain Exotic Animals More Prone To Need CBD?
When we think of animals that may benefit from CBD, we most often think of dogs. Many dogs tend to whine when they miss their owners, bark when they need attention, launch into zoomies from too much excitement, jump on newcomers they meet, or succumb to nervous habits like paw licking or excessive scratching. Pet CBD was created to help lessen these situations in order to relieve stress on both pet and owner, as no loving owner wants to see their pet in anguish or distress.
However, there’s a category of exotic pets that is extremely susceptible to stress: reptiles, most specifically snakes. Most snake owners will tell you that their slithering quiet pet is quite difficult to care for. Snakes are stressed easily, whether it be from not enough enclosures to hide under or not enough heat to warm up with. They can get stressed from the type of prey that is offered or during their shedding periods. If you’re becoming as stressed out as your snake, you may want to consider CBD as a way to help them.
Another animal prone to stress are chinchillas. These furry little creatures might seem adorable in pet stores, but these little squeakers are incredibly timid. When stressed, these cute creatures will use their teeth to pull tufts of fur from their coat. They may also refuse food or cry if they aren’t given enough attention or exercise. If you’re not home often enough to cuddle your chinchilla, you may start seeing some of these tell-tale signs of stress.
How Much CBD To Give Your Exotic Pet
If you’re considering CBD for your pet, you have several options. Research has been conducted on the difference between Pet CBD and CBD for humans; we’ll explore this topic in greater detail in a future article, but the truth is that there is very little difference between the two. Some CBD products for dogs and cats contain low dosages or have specific flavors to tempt even the pickiest of eaters. If by some weird chance you stumble across CBD that’s marketed for exotic animals, most likely it’s regular CBD with fancy advertising to lure you into paying that expensive price tag.
Most CBD dosages for pets are around 0.25mg per pound, which is why many CBD pet tinctures and oils have graduated droppers to allow for precise measuring. Since most exotics way considerably less than dogs and cats, halving this dosage is a good way to cautiously begin. But there are a few things to take into consideration when giving your exotic pet CBD for the first time.
When figuring out the right amount of CBD for your exotic pet, it’s important that you know the weight of your animal. Knowing this information can help you gauge how much to give them on the initial dosage. Try starting start off with extremely small doses, about 0.1mg per pound each day. For example, if your pet weighs roughly 10lbs, you should only administer 1mL for that day. Continue this dosage for an entire week and be sure to document any changes. After that week and no noticeable improvements, you can try to increase the dosage incrementally and follow the same routine for the next week.
Just as you should always consult your primary care physician before embarking on a CBD regiment for yourself, you should likewise speak to your veterinarian before starting them on any form of CBD consumption. Your vet may be able to recommend the best administration methods, such as including the CBD in their drinking water, sprinkling it on their food, or specifics about the product type.
Conclusion
As loving pet owners, it’s only natural to want the best life for your beloved exotic. While many pet owners prefer to stick with cats and dogs, there are many owners who prefer animals who aren’t so needy. Whether that pet be a snake, lizard, bird, chinchilla, ferret, guinea pig, or turtle, your exotic pet is solely dependent on you for their well-being. If you feel that your exotic pet’s quality of life can be improved with the holistic properties of CBD, be sure to proceed cautiously. It’s encouraged to start off with small doses and carefully document any progress (or lack thereof). Always consult your vet before starting your pet on CBD, and do your research on the type of CBD you should use.
Here at Erth Wellness, we offer a wide range of CBD for both pets and humans. Our Full Spectrum Cbd Pet Drops are bacon flavored and contain 500mg per bottle, while our other CBD oil options come in THC-free, water-soluble, or full-spectrum varieties. We’re excited to help you learn and grow in your journey through the incredibly vast market and are confident we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you have about this article and anything else on our site. Our experts are eager to share their knowledge about all things hemp-related and look forward to helping you find the product that’s right for you. Be sure to check back soon for more in-depth answers to commonly asked questions in the hemp world. Until we meet again!
