CBD gets a lot of hype for the countless benefits that seem to surface after individuals introduce the exciting compound into their lives. From mental to physical benefits, it is no wonder that it has gained a heap of media appearances in the last decade. This cannabinoid has quite literally saved lives. While we know more about CBD than ever, new depths of knowledge and understanding are only waiting to be discovered.
One interesting thing that we have come across when studying CBD is its surprising effects on pets. From bunnies to horses to hamsters, to dogs and cats…. CBD has been proven to be a safe and beneficial supplement to give to our pets!
While CBD has been proven helpful to many different mammals, we will be using cats and dogs as our example in this blog, considering those are the two most common house pets that we give CBD to. Before we get into it, we will have a look at the basics first!
What is CBD?
CBD (AKA Cannabidiol) is a healing compound found in the cannabis plant. It is extracted and used in various forms. Some include but are not limited to oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles and topical creams. It is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning that it does not cause any feelings of a “high”, unlike its sibling compound found in the cannabis plant, THC. This means that no matter how much CBD you take, you will never get high!
CBD has been studied for treating a variety of health conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, sleep disorders and more. Overall, it is used as a supplement to improve well-being. CBD is an increasingly popular supplement that has ongoing research revolving around its healing properties. It is important to remember that CBD is not a cure-all and that its effects may vary from person to person! But how does it work?
How does CBD work in humans?
Cannabidiol is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. We understand that this compound interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a vast regulatory network found throughout the human body and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance in various physiological processes.
But how does it work? Essentially, the endocannabinoid system consists of two types of cannabinoid receptors; CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system and some peripheral organs, including the lungs and liver. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are found in the immune system and in certain cells within the brain. Cannabinoids, such as CBD, interact with these receptors to regulate various functions within the body.
CBD binds to the CB2 receptor. This binding triggers a cascade of positive effects! It has been suggested that CBD may help reduce inflammation, regulate appetite, reduce pain and modify the mood. It is believed that CBD may also affect the amount of anandamide (a neurotransmitter) in the brain. Anandamide plays an important role in regulating pain, appetite and mood.
It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on the body. However, the current research indicates that CBD may be beneficial in managing a variety of health conditions and may help to support the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Not only does it suggest that it can improve the quality of life for humans, but also for other mammals. This brings us to our next point!
How does CBD work in pets?
As stated above, CBD works with the ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body. This stimulates the production of endocannabinoids, which help the body to achieve and maintain a healthy balance. The endocannabinoids bind to the receptors, which in turn triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions that helps keep the body’s systems functioning properly.
What may come as a surprise to many, CBD works extremely similarly on cats, dogs and all other mammals! That is one interesting thing that we share with our pets. Both you and your cat/dog have an intricate internal system that allows you to receive these beautiful compounds and reap the same benefits! We will go over some of these benefits after discussing how to safely give your pets CBD.
How do I give my pets CBD?
Giving your furry friends CBD is easier than ever! Now that we know a lot more about how CBD not only works in humans but also in animals, we are able to develop CBD products that are not only safe but effective for your pets. With a wide variety of CBD products available, it can get a bit overwhelming when seeking out the best option.
If you are looking for ease, I can suggest simply incorporating CBD drops into your daily routine with your pet. There are plenty of CBD oils available that can improve your pet’s life. Our CBD oil for pets contains natural chicken flavouring so giving your dog(s) and/or cat(s) CBD oil is also fun for them! You can either give it straight to them from the bottle or you can add a few drops over their food. It is delicious and nutritious!
Okay, so giving my pet CBD is safe… But what does it actually do? Let’s move on to our next section where we look at a few major benefits your pet could reap from daily CBD intake!
What are the benefits of giving my pets CBD?
Listed below are 5 benefits of giving CBD to your pets.
1. CBD oil can help reduce anxiety in cats and dogs, often caused by loud noises, and changes in routine and unfamiliar environments. By providing your pet with a daily dose of CBD oil, you can help to keep their anxiety levels down and ensure they feel calm and relaxed throughout the day. Additionally, CBD oil helps to reduce stress-related behaviours, such as excessive barking, biting or scratching.
2. CBD oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness in cats and dogs. Pets that suffer from arthritis and other forms of pain can benefit from the use of CBD oil, as it helps to reduce inflammation and provide relief from discomfort. This is especially beneficial for senior pets with new joint complications and other inflammatory issues/diseases.
3. Studies have shown that CBD oil can be beneficial for pets with digestive issues, such as diarrhoea, bloating and vomiting. By providing your pet with a daily dose of CBD oil, you can help to reduce digestive symptoms and ensure that their digestive system is functioning properly.
4. This oil has been found to have anti-seizure properties, which can be beneficial for cats and dogs that suffer from epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Giving your pet CBD oil can help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, allowing them to live a more comfortable life.
5. CBD oil can help to boost the immune system in cats and dogs, making them less susceptible to infections and illnesses and can help to strengthen their immune system and ensure that they stay healthy and active. Additionally, CBD oil can help to reduce inflammation in the body (as stated above), which can help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with illnesses and infections.
Not only can CBD be of assistance to humans, but also to our beloved furry friends. We pet owners want to give our animals the longest and happiest life we possibly can. Both of those things begin with mental and physical well-being, which CBD can help with.
