Valued for hundreds of years as a way to address the symptoms of many diseases, cannabis is emerging again as a gentle option for pain relief among people of all ages.
But what about animals? Many owners of dogs, cats and horses are now questioning if cannabidiol (CBD) can help their pets with conditions that include anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, and more.
While both humans and animals have many differences, their nervous systems function in a similar way. Since CBD works on the nervous system, it can have the same pain-relieving and therapeutic effects on animals just as it does for humans. This article will show you how.
How CBD affects dogs, cats & horses
Animals have a nervous system that is similar to the human nervous system. That includes the endocannabinoid system – the part of the nervous system that is most affected we use products containing CBD.
First, let’s define how CBD works.
CBD is a neurotransmitter from the cannabis plant. It is a cannabinoid that can send messages to specific receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
Humans, dogs, cats & horses (along with all other mammals) can also produce endocannabinoids. These are natural cannabinoids our systems are supposed to produce naturally within the body. When there is not enough being produced to address underlying systemic diseases, we can develop painful symptoms.
It should be noted that the lack of cannabinoids is not the cause of the disease. What cannabinoids can do is temporarily help us feel better through their action on the nervous system. In that sense, CBD is helpful when our own internal cannabinoid production is dysfunctional by providing relief from the painful symptoms of diseases.
What does science say?
Animal studies investigating the use of CBD in 2014 and 2019 suggest that the use of CBD on animals affects their serotonin levels.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that impacts almost every part of the body and is involved with many functions that include motor skills, emotions, digestion, and mood stabilization. It is also believed to help with depression and anxiety in addition to supporting bones and healing wounds.
Is CBD safe for cats?
Many veterinarians familiar with CBD oil are increasingly recommending its use for treating cats afflicted with arthritis, anxiety, stress, and chronic pain. One notable professional is Jeffrey Powers, the chairman of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents. He has been vocal in his support of the use of CBD in cats, touting its therapeutic properties as an effective analgesic and strong anti-inflammatory agent.
Accordingly, veterinarians at the Boulder Holistic Veterinary Clinic are also supporting the use of CBD for cats for the treatment of many diseases that include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Arthritis
- Chronic upper respiratory infections
- Asthma
- Seizures
Is CBD safe for dogs?
Since dogs have a nervous system that works similar to the human system, it is possible to treat them for the symptoms of many diseases.
Studies on dogs are limited, however, the professionals at Prudent Pet Insurance recommend CBD oil for the treatment of anxiety, chronic pain and epilepsy in dogs.
Is CBD safe for horses?
While not a very common pet, horses are another animal that has been studied for the use of CBD.
Accordingly, students and researchers at Tarleton State University have conducted investigations into the use of CBD for horses, specifically for conditions associated with stress and inflammation.
Does CBD oil make animals high?
Green Cuisine CBD Oil is derived from hemp with very low quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive cannabinoid associated with creating euphoric feelings.
THC levels in our CBD products are extremely low at 0.3% while recreational marijuana levels can be as high as 30%. CBD products with levels below 0.3% are legal to purchase and consume in many countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
What CBD doses are safe for dogs, cats and horses?
Some pet owners may be tempted to give human-designed CBD edibles to their pets, however, most veterinarians advise against this practice.
CBD oil is the easiest way to administer an accurate dose of CBD for both animals and humans. Each drop contains a specific dose that can be customized according to the weight of the animal and its condition.
To prevent overdosing, it is advised to start with small doses and gradually go up according to the results. While side effects are rare, an overdose in an animal may include a loss of motor skills and extreme drowsiness.
Organic CBD is best for dogs, cats and horses
Green Cuisine recommends that all pet owners speak first with their vet prior to giving their pets any CBD oil. Besides obtaining advice from a professional we would also like to recommend that you choose organic CBD of the highest quality that is free of herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and other additives.
CBD oil is a gentle way to treat the symptoms of many diseases, and your pet deserves the very best!
