CBD-infused treats and tinctures are among the most exciting developments in the pet wellness industry today. Nearly 11 % of dog owners and 8% of cat parents use CBD supplements for their four-legged friends. But can CBD improve your pet’s health?
Keep reading to discover more about CBD and its potential in managing various pet health conditions.
CBD In the Veterinary World
The CBD pet supplements industry continues to see a considerable surge in market participants. Popular brands such as CBDfx are now releasing new product lines targeting the pet food industry. Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is one of the more than a hundred naturally-occurring cannabinoids in the Cannabis family.
It’s typically extracted from the hemp plant, which contains less than 0.3% THC. Tetrahdyrocannnabinoid (THC) is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
CBD-infused products thus have the potential to offer therapeutic benefits to your pet without the intoxication associated with marijuana. While research on pets is relatively limited, it continues to show much promise in therapeutic applications.
CBD’s Interaction with Your Pet’s Body
Back in the 70s, researchers from Israel discovered an interesting ‘messenger’ system present in all mammals. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) plays a crucial role in maintaining balance on a cellular and organ level. Its effects on nerves allow for sleep regulation, pain perception, and the modulation of the immune system.
The ECS contains CB1 and CB2 nerve receptors throughout the body, activated by naturally-produced endocannabinoids. The receptors can also bind external cannabinoids such as CBD. Researchers point out that CBD can interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, mimicking the natural endocannabinoids to elicit therapeutic effects.
Potential Health Benefits of CBD
The CBD pet industry is relatively young, with much attention paid to the legality of the products. Much of the available information relies on anecdotal evidence by veterinarians and pet parents. Studies conducted are generally on small sample groups.
However, there’s sufficient documented evidence of the therapeutic benefits of CBD in the human body. As CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in humans and pets, current research may point towards medical applications to manage various conditions. Here are a few potential benefits of CBD oil for pets:
Anxiety
Pets may experience anxiety for several reasons, such as separation from parents or thunderstorms. Research shows that CBD oil is effective in alleviating stress through its soothing effects.
Pet parents that use CBD supplements say that their furry friends are now calmer. You may consult your vet on the possibility of using CBD to treat your pup’s situational anxiety or aggression.
Cancer
According to the AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 50% of dogs above age 10 develop cancer. Cancer is among the leading causes of death for older pets. Preliminary studies in Human CBD research indicate that cbd vape pen and other cannabinoids can slow down the spread of tumors.
These studies show that CBD can induce cell death in cancerous tissues. Additionally, it can disrupt the energy production processes in tumor cells. The research presents an exciting solution to managing the different types of cancers affecting pets.
Chronic Pain
Current research shows that CBD is effective in managing pain through its anti-inflammatory properties. Interaction with the endocannabinoid system reduces the pain signals fired to the nerves.
Some pet parents have taken advantage of the analgesic effects of CBD to help calm pets suffering from chronic pain. The results are nothing short of remarkable, opening the possibility of using CBD to manage pain for furry family members.
Inflammation and Autoimmune Disorders
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are well-documented. CBD through the endocannabinoid system can reduce and regulate the production of cytokines.
These chemical compounds are responsible for inflammatory responses in allergies, hypersensitivity, or autoimmune conditions. CBD can help reduce inflammation for your injured pet, helping them heal faster.
Seizures
Seizures are among the most commonly reported neurological conditions in dogs, affecting nearly 5% of the dog population. The epileptic collapse and muscle twitching can leave any pet parent scared of losing their favorite pup.
While there are prescribed medications that you can use to control the seizures, the drugs may have nasty side effects on the animal’s liver and other organs. CBD use in human clinical investigations shows its effectiveness in reducing the frequency of epileptic episodes by up to 84%. You can consult your vet about the possibility of using CBD to treat your dog’s seizures.
Buy Quality CBD products for Your Pet.
With numerous brands rolling out their line of CBD supplements for pets, it can be challenging to decide which products to buy for your furry friend. You may need to research the different companies before you make your order.
Verify where the company sources its hemp, ensuring that it is organically grown without toxic metals or pesticides. You can also request a certificate of analysis report from lab tests done by a third-party laboratory.
Conclusion
CBD oil and treats provide an exciting future for pet parents and their furry family members. The therapeutic effects of the cannabinoid may allow your pet to live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
