Pets have been part of our lives and our families. Pets bring joy to our lives by making us laugh, giving us comfort when we are sick or feel blue, and provide us with companionship. Pets offer many things that other humans sometimes cannot give.
Just like humans, pets do get sick and as the owner, you give your best to find them the best cure available. One of the treatments available for pets these days is Cannabidiol (CBD). Pet owners use CBD to treat various illnesses, such as anxiety, arthritis, and cancer.
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is extracted from the flowers and buds of cannabis. In contrast with what many understands, CBD does not cause the “high” feeling since it does not contain the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis for pets contains hemp and not marijuana. Cannabis, these days, is available in grocery stores in the form of lotions, protein powders, and hemp seed drinks.
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What are CBD oil and its uses?
CBD is a cannabinoid compound that is derived from the leaves, flowers, and at times, stems from cannabis plants. This compound provides the medical benefits you get from CBD oil. Studies have shown that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects that may be used against pain, tumors, epilepsy, muscle cramps, skin disorders, appetite loss, anxiety, and others.
CBD and its interaction with the body
CBD interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system or ECS. ECS is present in all mammals and considered to be a biological system. ECS is responsible for managing many physiological processes, which include sleep, memory, immune response, and inflammatory response.
ECS consists of two types of receptors that are specific for cannabinoids (CB1 and CB2). The naturally produced endocannabinoids from the brain of mammals interact with these receptors to produce various biological actions. The receptors also interact with the plant-derived cannabinoids such as CBD.
Is it safe to use CBD for our pets?
Though many of us are hesitant in using CBD, it has many beneficial effects on the body of pets, particularly mammalian pets. The use of CBD oil is gaining popularity these days and many veterinarians are already using CBD oil for pets.
Studies that have been conducted in the United States have shown that healthy dogs, in general, tolerated CBD. Though there have been observed some mild form of diarrhea and slightly elevated serum ALP levels. ALP is a type of liver enzyme that can be measured through blood tests. It was observed that CBD has no detrimental effects on the liver of dogs.
Beneficial effects of CBD on pets
Below is a list of the good effects CBD provides to pets:
1. Effective painkiller
These days, CBD has been popular for its painkilling effects. Studies have shown that CBD can manage pain in various ways. We all are aware that pets cannot tell their humans the exact location of pain they are experiencing. Once signs of discomfort are observed from our pets, the administration of CBD is a great way to reduce inflammation and decrease pain.
2. Anticonvulsant
One of the popular medicinal uses of CBD is its capability to assist in controlling seizures, spasms, and tremors. A significant number of pets experience epilepsy. Drugs that are given to them for this condition have been observed to have harmful effects on the pet’s digestive and cardiovascular systems. CBD is a natural anticonvulsant that can be given to pets without adverse effects to consider.
3. Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD are one of the most popular benefits pets can receive. It is why it is also useful in treating a wide variety of medical conditions. The ailments include the following: arthritis, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and pancreatitis. CBD is also used as a palliative treatment of pain for pets diagnosed with having cancer.
4. Reduces stress and anxiety
Just like humans, pets experience stress and anxiety due to various reasons. Studies have shown that CBD can help in managing symptoms of different mental conditions, which include anxiety. It can help in calming your pets so that when they are exposed to different stressors, you would not worry about any elevated stress in your pets.
5. Antiemetic
CBD is also effective in controlling nausea and vomiting while stimulating the appetite of your pets. Administering CBD oil to your pets can promote eating habits and reduce the loss of appetite discomfort. It was also observed that any nausea-related illnesses can be relieved with the use of CBD.
6. Slows the progression of cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death of both pets and humans around the globe. It has been observed that CBD can slow down or even stop cancer cells from growing and likewise cause tumor cell death. There have been studies that involve pets given with CBD to treat cancer they have. The result is impressive as within 3 months, the cancer cells have disappeared.
7. Promotes homeostasis
Homeostasis refers to any process that humans, animals, and even plants use to maintain stable conditions necessary for survival. Many pet owners use CBD to their pets as a regular supplement to promote total health and wellbeing. As such, CBD is not only used as a medicine, but also as a daily dose of health supplements to keep their pets from having any illnesses.
There are many forms of CBD sold in the market for pets. They can be bought in the form of treats or capsules. However, it has been found out that CBD is more effective when in the oil form. CBD oil can be given in precise measurements so that your pets can receive only the amount they need for their medical conditions.
In general, there is nothing to worry about the use of CBD to pets. However, CBD may have different effects on every animal. It is recommended to start with a low dosage so that their body can slowly adjust to this kind of treatment. If you are curious about the dosage to give to your pets, you can check the CBD dosage chart.
