You may have heard of CBD being used to treat seizures pain in domestic animals by veterinarians. It is necessary to learn about CBD and its uses to ensure your pet is safe and treated for any looming conditions. So, what exactly is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound called Cannabidiol derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol, which has psychoactive properties, CBD falls under the category of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) due to pathways that control various mechanisms in the body, from inflammatory to blood clotting.
Use of CBD in Pets
Our pets mean the world to us; they have a way of always making us feel loved and happy. They are always there for us, so, naturally, we wouldn’t want to see them in pain or distress. However, there is always a significant risk that your pet might be unwell, and in those circumstances, you must find the best possible treatment for them.
CBD has numerous therapeutic effects that help with pain relief, digestive disorders, and seizures. The chemical compound works on the endocannabinoid system that influences the pet’s behavior. When extracted and incorporated into oils and other products, it helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation.
Furthermore, CBD speeds up the healing process in pets recovering from an illness or surgery.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
As mentioned earlier, the most important question on every pet owner’s mind is whether CBD for pets is safe. Results from multiple studies have confirmed the clinical efficacy of Cannabidiol in relieving pain.
Safety concerns also arise from the side effects of using CBD in animals, including changes in appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. The severity of side effects depends on the dose administered; the higher the dosage, the more severe consequences.
Generally, in most cases, you don’t need to treat the side effects as they are mild and eventually get better with time. However, it would be best to watch out for an adverse reaction.
Types of CBD Products
You might have come across several CBD products and thought about which type is suitable for your pet or will give you the desired effect. You are likely to be overwhelmed by so many options but don’t worry; we have all the information to help you choose the right one for your pet.
CBD Products are available in three types:
- Full Spectrum CBD: Ful Spectrum CBD is the standard form of Cannabidiol that has all the components of the cannabis plant. Although mentioned earlier, THC has psychedelic properties; rest assured, a full spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3% of THC, which is not harmful. Using a full-spectrum CBD product elicits pronounced and overall well-rounded effects.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: Broad-Spectrum CBD contains all the components of the cannabis plant with no trace of THC. CBD works best along with THC; since broad-spectrum CBD products do not have any THC, it is unlikely that results will be more fruitful.
- CBD isolate: CBD isolate differs from Full and Broad-spectrum products such that CBD isolate is the purest form of Cannabidiol with no other component from the cannabis plant. It is potent and takes only a tiny amount to elicit the desired response. CBD isolate is recommended for animals suffering from insomnia.
Ways CBD helps Animals
For your understanding, let’s look at some benefits of using CBD for animals:
- Anxiety
While used for treating various conditions, anxiety is the most common condition CBD products are used amongst pets. Your pet may suffer from situational or behavioral anxiety, most commonly due to external factors that include thunderstorms, traveling, or PTSD.
Due to its calming properties, Cannabidiol is widely used to treat anxiety. If you’re wondering how CBD helps relieve anxiety? Cannabidiol from the hemp plant alleviates stress by activating the receptors responsible for calming the body when CBD enters the endocannabinoid system.
It is necessary to consider the adverse effects of chronic anxiety that lead to cardiac problems, stroke, and shortened lifespan. CBD in such circumstances is the solution for treating anxiety in your pet, along with outdoor activities and regular checkups at a veterinary clinic.
- Seizures
Seizures result from uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. The endocannabinoid system maintains the body’s internal environment through a network of receptors. When a condition like epilepsy befalls an animal, it disrupts the body’s internal mechanism.
Dogs suffering from seizures are often treated with over-the-counter drugs; however, these drugs threaten the liver and other organs. A study conducted on treating epilepsy in dogs with CBD showed promising results. CB1 endocannabinoid receptor is known to play a significant role in treating epilepsy.
CBD interacts with the CB1 receptors that help slow down the brain’s electrical activity. Although further research is still required, the data from previous studies have concluded that there exists a strong correlation between the uses of CBD in controlling seizures.
- Pain Management
CBD comes in various forms, and the type of CBD product used depends on your pet’s needs. Cannabidiol is used for all kinds of pain originating from arthritis to cancer.
There is a significant risk that your pet will be diagnosed with arthritis during its lifetime. The inflammation of joints results in excruciating pain. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that provide substantial pain relief for dogs.
CBD products such as balm and cream are used for pain relief that your pet is likely to experience due to chemotherapy for cancer. While painkillers do play their part, they adversely impact overall health. With no adverse effects, CBD is recommended for pain relief.
- Cardiovascular Problems
Several heart conditions like vascular, heartworms, and mitral valve disease are likely to occur in dogs. While certain medications, including ACE inhibitors and diuretics, help treat heart-related problems, CBD is one of the natural treatments to manage heart problems in dogs.
Apart from that, Cannabidiol also helps ease the side effects of other medications so that your pet continues using them without complications. In addition, CBD helps by managing the symptoms of heart disease and aids in the reduction of oxidative stresses.
Conclusion
CBD has numerous benefits if appropriately administered. Due to positive results and anti-inflammatory properties, most veterinarians recommend CBD as a natural pain relief treatment, controlling seizures and treating anxiety.
When considering the best CBD product for your pet, you should look out for the ingredients, potency of the product, and method of administration. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until the desired outcome is achieved to determine the correct dosage. The side effects are manageable; however, you should always consult a veterinarian for your pet’s safety.
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