While the numerous benefits of CBD to humans are well known in today’s world, it is noteworthy that it also has health benefits for other species as well. CBD is being used to help both cats and dogs with ailments such as chronic pain and arthritis and behavioral issues as well. For some time now, this usage has also been extended to horses, due to the reduced side effects that CBD offers.
Not only does CBD help with issues such as inflammation, arthritis, chronic pain, and digestive issues, but it also helps in maintaining your horse’s emotional health. Considered one of the most emotionally complex and intelligent members of the animal kingdom, and not to mention absolutely majestic, it’s important that these animals be given the due care and attention when it comes to their physical and emotional health.
As the stigma previously associated with CBD has slowly died down, you can consider adding CBD into your horse’s routine so as to improve their quality of life and keep them from contracting life crippling ailments. However, one of the trickiest questions one comes across is regarding the dosage. While you may think that the dosage would depend on the horse’s size and weight, there are other factors to take into account. Any decent manufacturer will provide dosage instructions on the product packaging, and if you’re unsure, don’t take any liberty with the dosage and just speak to your vet about the issue. Check reliable sites like cbdschool to know the right dosage.
Different types of products have different dosages. For example, CBD pellets for horses usually contain about 25mg of PCR (phytocannabinoid) per tablespoon and around 10mg per teaspoon. The recommended dosages you will find on such products is 10mg for miniature (less than 350 lbs) horses, 20mg for ponies (350 lbs – 900 lbs), 50mg for large horses (900 lbs – 1500 lbs), and 65mg for draft size horses (more than 1500 lbs). Doses are given twice a day with an interval of 7 hours in between.
Most would recommend that you take the approach of stepwise dosing. This is where you would start with about one-third of the suggested dosage and slowly work your way up. For example, after determining your initial dosage (let’s say 20mg which is almost one-third the dosage for a draft size horse), you stick to it for the first week. If you see that your horse isn’t responding well, you can increment it another 20mg for the next week (making the dosage 40mg). In the third week, if the problem persists, then increase after 3 days to 60 mg and another 3 days before coming up to 65mg. If your problem still persists, it would be best to contact your vet before going over the prescribed limit.
Under no circumstances, should you exceed the recommended dosage unless speaking to your vet! While there may not be many side effects, your horse is still a living being and an excessive dose can have an impact on its well being depending on the ailment. Therefore, it’s best to still speak to your vet before you administer anything to your horse.
Check out: Effects of CBD Oil and How Long It Takes to Work