CBD products for pets are popular for their potential calming, mobility, and overall wellness benefits. As a result, there are numerous forms of pet CBD available, and one of the more unusual ones is CBD spray.
A CBD spray contains most of the same ingredients as CBD oils for pets do. Namely, hemp extract of some kind, a carrier oil, and other ingredients intended to achieve certain effects. The key difference between sprays and oils is the use of an emulsifier.
This article quickly covers what you need to know about CBD sprays for pets, their pros and cons, and alternatives that you might prefer.
CBD Pet Sprays Have Pros and Cons
The benefits of spraying CBD products into your pet's mouth include ease of use, rapid absorption of the active ingredient, and less time spent getting your dog or cat to take the product.
The delivery is quick, and the effect may be quick, but there are downsides that come along with these benefits.
Downsides of CBD Sprays for Dogs & Cats
The main downside of spraying CBD into your pet's mouth compared to using an oil is that it's harder to get an accurate dosage.
Dosage is very important when giving your pets CBD. The dosage should correlate with your pet's weight, and most oils and chews come with very specific dosage guidelines. When you give your pet too much, they can experience digestive upset, drowsiness, and more in the case of extremely large dosages.
Understand Pet CBD Dosage Guidelines
Sprays tend to have consistent amounts of CBD in each application, but the strength of a spray and how hard you press the top of the bottle determines the concentration of CBD your pet gets. This is not an exact science, and that can result in high doses if you're not careful.
If you're too careful, your pet may not get the accurate dosage and this reduces the benefits. So, while CBD sprays can be effective, it's difficult to give an accurate and consistent dosage to your pet.
CBD Sprays Require Emulsifiers to Work Properly
Emulsifiers allow oils to blend with water and other liquids, creating a uniform mixture that is able to be sprayed effectively from a bottle. If you were to just squirt liquid CBD oil out of a spray bottle, it wouldn't work properly.
When used in appropriate amounts, emulsifiers are generally considered safe for pets if they're approved for animal consumption. If used in excessive amounts or used without care, however, emulsifiers can have some side effects.
Potential Side Effects of Emulsifiers:
- Digestive Upset: If your pet has a sensitive stomach, or you accidentally spray too much into their mouth, the emulsifier used could cause an upset stomach.
- Allergies: Some pets might have allergies to common emulsifiers or their derivatives. Always check the bottle and check with your veterinarian before use.
- Long-Term Effects on Gut Health: Long-term use of certain emulsifiers may disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially leading to digestive issues and impacting overall gut health in pets.
While emulsifiers (especially food-grade options) are considered safe for pets in moderate amounts, they might not be the optimal option for long-term use in pets.
Alternatives to CBD Sprays for Cats & Dogs
If you're not sure about using a spray for your pet, there are a handful of other options that offer the same benefits with more dosage control and organic ingredients.
Here are a few of the best options for CBD products for dogs and cats:
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CBD Oil: Full-spectrum hemp oil (CBD oil) made specifically for pets typically comes in bottles with mL-labelled droppers for accurate dosing. Additionally, these oils tend to be the most concentrated and effective form of CBD if your pet allows you to drop it directly into their mouth.
- CBD Treats: CBD treats, often called chews or "soft chews," are a tasty option for your pet. They tend to be flavored, formulated with additional ingredients to improve benefits, and they're a close second in terms of bioavailability (absorption into the blood stream).
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Topical Balms: CBD salves for pets are used for topical skin irritations, redness, itchiness, and overall discomfort. They should be formulated in a way that's safe for dogs to lick, and they often provide immediate relief.
Conclusion
While CBD sprays for dogs and cats can be effective and easy to use, there are some downsides in comparison to other options. The most important issues with CBD pet sprays are inaccurate dosing and the use of emulsifiers, which can cause some issues if used irresponsibly.
Alternatively, there are other CBD product options for pets that offer easy dosing and use simple organic formulas to be as safe as possible for pets.
