If you’re like most pet owners, you love your furry friend unconditionally and would do anything to keep them healthy and happy. Wondering if CBD is right for your pet? You’re not alone! A lot of people are curious about the benefits of CBD for their pets. That’s why we created this blog – to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not CBD is right for your pet. You will definitely get an insight on CBD Pet Health, Pet Wellness, Dogs CBD, Cats CBD and Pet Therapy.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant that has been shown to provide relief from pain, stress & anxiety, seizures or other neurological issues affecting dogs and cats.
Like humans, animals have an endocannabinoid system that consists of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and other elements that interact with each other and external cannabinoids.
A lot of pet owners wonder if their animals will get high from consuming CBD.
Although it comes from the cannabis plant, CBD does not have THC. THC is the ingredient in marijuana that gives users a “high”.
So what are the benefits of CBD oil for pets? Let’s take a closer look.
How to administer CBD to pets?
If your vet believes that CBD will benefit your furry friend, don’t worry–there are plenty of pet-friendly CBD products on the market. CBD Pet Health products include oils, treats, topicals (lotions, gels, creams), and more. Most often, pets take CBD orally or sublingually (under the tongue). It’s usually easiest to start with a bottled oil that has its own dropper; this way you can control the dosage better and increase it gradually over time.
If you are using CBD oil to treat pain, it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. It is also important to give the oil time to work; you will not see immediate results.
For anxiety or seizures, it is best to give the oil before the event that is causing the anxiety or seizure. This way, the CBD has time to work and can help prevent the event from happening.
CBD Pet Health – Benefits of CBD Oil for Pets
CBD oil can be used to treat several conditions in pets, including: Anxiety, Pain relief, itchiness and other skin conditions, digestive issues, seizures and many more. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.
Anxiety
The most common reason that pet owners seek assistance is due to their pet’s anxiety and, especially, anxiety related to noise reactivity. CBD has shown effectiveness for treating these problems. CBD is thought to ease nervousness and provide feelings of calm. Some experts believe this is because CBD may activate some of the same areas of the brain as serotonin (the hormone responsible for making us feel happy and relaxed).
Alleviating Pain
CBD may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain when it is absorbed by an animal’s body. Experts are still learning exactly how CBD may relieve pain, but it is believed to affect the Endocannabinoid system and other nerves that play a role in experiencing pain sensations. For example, studies have shown that reducing joint inflammation can alleviate osteoarthritis aches and pains in pets.
Skin Conditions
A growing body of research suggests that CBD may be effective in treating various skin conditions in both humans and animals. For example, CBD has been shown to reduce symptoms of allergic dermatitis and accelerate the healing of wounds. CBD oil can be used to treat several skin conditions in pets, including allergies, hot spots, and even flea bites.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs and cats. CBD oil can help to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Cancer
CBD oil has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, effective for both humans and animals. Cannabinoids are said to not only kill cancer cells but also prevent them from spreading. Veterinarians have claimed that CBD has helped to shrink cancer cells and put pets into remission. (based on anecdotal evidence)
Digestive Issues
CBD oil can help to improve digestion and relieve digestive problems like vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
As with any new treatment, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving CBD oil to your pet. They will be able to advise you on the correct dosage and help you monitor your pet’s reaction to the treatment.
Seizures
CBD has been found to help with canine epilepsy by decreasing the number of seizures when used in conjunction with traditional antiseizure drugs. Although CBD’s mechanism of action is unknown, it is presumed to lower the number of electrolytes thought to be involved in seizure disorders by preventing nerves in the brain from over-firing.
Others
Additionally, many laboratory animals have found CBD to be beneficial in regards to promoting bone healing, fighting infection, treating inflammatory bowel disease, slowing degenerative myelopathy, quelling nausea, and relieving pain. However, these benefits have not been specifically examined in dogs and cats as of yet.
Although there are many advantages of CBD for pets, you might want to learn about possible side effects before administering it to your furry friends.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
As is the case with any medication, there are inherent risks to using CBD oil for pets. The most common dangers include gastrointestinal upset and liver damage; however, these only occur if your pet exceeds the dosage amount. However, these risks are relatively low and can be easily avoided by following the advice of your veterinarian. CBD oil is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions in pets, but it is always best to consult with a professional before using it.
Animals using CBD Pet Health products may experience some of the same side effects as humans, which include loss of appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. The more CBD they consume, the higher likelihood of adverse effects.
Most of the time, there is no need to treat these reactions because they are usually not severe and will eventually get better. If they do persist or become worse, you should take your pet to see the veterinarian and closely monitor them.
Bottom Line
Pets are part of the family for many people, and when they get sick or experience pain, their owners want to do whatever they can to help them feel better. For years, people have been using CBD oil to treat a variety of health issues in humans, and more recently it has become popular among pet owners as well. CBD oil is derived from cannabis plants and is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. While there is still some debate over the efficacy of CBD oil as a treatment for pets, there is no doubt that it is safe and can provide relief for certain conditions.
Have you ever used CBD oil for your pet?
We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
Check out these two brands that sell CBD products for pets!
- Cure By Design: Verified by various Vets | Vegan | THC Free | Chemical Free | 100% Natural
- Ananta Hemp Works: Petwell Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs & Cats
- Qurist: Pet CBD Oil for Neuroprotector, Anxiety & Pain Relief
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