CBD for your beloved Pets
After many years of prohibition, cannabis is once again coming into the mainstream and being used by people of all ages to treat many diseases. Cannabidiol (CBD) – the most therapeutic agent in cannabis – has been specifically studied and shown to help with many conditions that include chronic pain, fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, epilepsy, and more.
The success of CBD in people has prompted many pet owners to question its value for treating diseases in dogs, cats and horses. Many animals are afflicted with conditions such as arthritis, anxiety, digestive issues, chronic pain, and more. Since CBD has helped humans with similar issues, can it help animals as well?
The answer lies in the mammalian nervous system. Cats, dogs and horses are warm-blooded mammals like humans, and our systems – while very different – have many things in common. Since CBD acts on the nervous system, it can have the same therapeutic effects on dogs, cats and horses as it does for humans. This article will explain how and when to use CBD oil on animals along with situations when you should call your veterinarian.
How CBD Affects Dogs, Cats & Horses
Before assessing when you should use CBD, it’s helpful to understand how CBD works.
CBD works on the endocannabinoid system, to supplement phytocannabinoids that can provide therapeutic effects such as pain relief. It should be noted that all mammals produce endocannabinoids that, unlike phytocannabinoids, are produced internally in the body.
Both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids act as neurotransmitters in the nervous system that can produce “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. When these aren’t produced naturally in sufficient quantities, the use of CBD can fill the void.
It’s important to note that most diseases are the result of an underlying dysfunction, not a lack of cannabinoids. When the disease is too overbearing, negative symptoms can result. The use of CBD, in that sense, helps to balance the body to bring about relief from symptoms. Accordingly, many people use CBD to address symptoms while dealing with underlying issues through basic lifestyle measures that include diet, exercise and changes to the social environment.
When to use CBD on Animals?
While studies on CBD for animals is generally lacking, it’s recommendation among animal health professionals is increasing. The most common animals being researched are cats, dogs and horses for the following conditions:
CBD for Cats
The use of CBD on cats continues to increase with many veterinarians prescribing it for the following conditions:
- Pancreatitis
- Chronic upper respiratory infections
- Asthma
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Seizures
CBD for Dogs
More and more dog owners every day are investigating the use of CBD for their pets – particularly older dogs that tend to become afflicted with numerous conditions.
While research has been limited, it does exist and many professionals recommend the use of CBD. Some conditions being treated with CBD include:
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety/nervousness
CBD for Horses
Research into using CBD for horses is far more limited than for dogs and cats, however some research has been conducted at Tarleton State University into using CBD to treat stress and inflammation.
Will CBD make dogs, cats or horses high?
Most legal CBD products, like Green Cuisine CBD Oil, are derived from hemp strains that contain very low quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the psychoactive phytocannabinoid that is associated with creating euphoric feelings. Most legal CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC. When compared to recreational marijuana levels that can reach 30%, the effect of THC in legal CBD products is negligible.
Our CBD oil is made from organic CBD of the highest quality that is free of heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides. When compared to harsh pharmaceutical drugs, CBD can be a gentler way to treat the symptoms of diseases in your pet without the harsh chemicals and negative side effects.
