Why use CBD for pets?
Top 5 health benefits of CBD for your pets
Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the active constituents of the cannabis plant, has significant healing and adjusting consequences for all mammals. Pet proprietors have utilized it for an expansive range of therapeutic and behavioral issues — malignancy pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, seizures, neurological and stomach related disorders, anxieties, past injuries, temperament, and memory problems. During recuperation from sickness or surgery, CBD can speed healing.
All vertebrates have an endocannabinoid system that keeps systems in balance. This means that your pet might have the capacity to experience the same advantages of CBD that you would. Because of the similarities between the body structures of people and of some mammals, numerous proprietors have begun utilizing CBD-infused products for their pets.
Here is a list of the five most significant benefits of CBD for pets:
Seizures
Between 1-5% of puppies experience seizures, which are caused by an assortment of hidden conditions including hereditary illnesses, kidney and liver ones, head damage, brain malignancy and idiopathic epilepsy. The idiopathic epilepsy also influences 3% of dogs, but the cause for this condition has not been established yet.
According to a study conducted by Evan C. Rosenberg, Richard W. Tsien, Benjamin J. Whalley and Orrin Devinsky, CBD gradually reduces the number of seizures to null. Moreover, its interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors support neurotoxicity caused by seizures.
Pain
Animals can suffer joint pain and although they are unable to communicate it, you may notice that their movement are slowed down, or they have lost appetite. Preparatory data demonstrates the connection of CBD with the CB1 receptor is instrumental in the support of chronic pain in, for example, dogs and felines. This decreases the sensation of torment and relaxes the body.
Anxiety
Anxiety can affect any pet, large or small. Using CBD for pets with anxiety will help them to stay calm and have faster reactions in tense situations. CBD is presently utilized by numerous patients (human and animal ones) as a way for an alternative type of medicine without undesired reactions. Convincing research “indicate[s] that CBD causes a selective anxiolytic effect” and states that it is “associated with significantly decreased subjective anxiety.”
Nausea
A study from 2011 suggests that CBD has a positive effect also on animals when it comes to nausea because the interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid receptors fights this condition.
Cancer
Studies have demonstrated that CBD could stop the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, it helps to increase the efficacy of traditional medicines and solves some of the side effects of these treatments. (6)
As indicated by the AVMA, CBD has been utilized to help an assortment of sicknesses in animals. This list incorporates numerous symptoms that people also handle with CBD, such as pain, irritation, seizures, tumor and its related issues, fears, stomach related problems, and nervousness. Different proprietors have started giving their animals with CBD products to offer better palliative care. The positive effects from that care include an improvement of the animals quality of life, weight-gain, vitality, enhanced appetite.
How can CBD oil help with your pet’s anxiety
We are familiar with the effects of Cannabidiol CBD and how it can be beneficial in the remedy of many diseases. As various studies have proved CBD to be effective in various situations, the use of medical marijuana has been legalized in many countries including Uruguay, Canada and 19 out of the 50 states of United States of America.
CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant where CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid. Because of THC`s properties, there are contradictory opinions on the effectiveness and reliability of CBD oil as a remedy.
Nevertheless, depending on the medical condition, both CBD and THC provide many advantages to the patients.
Many studies have been published and research has been conducted in order to establish the effects and properties of CBD and THC. CBD, for example, is famous for having positive effects on inflammation, diabetes, nausea and anxiety.
Moreover, due to its effectiveness on animals, many veterinarians recommend it for helping ailments. Whether animals experience stress, anxiety, pain or fear, CBD oil can come to rescue – it has a positive effect for all of these problems and profound antidepressant effect!
How to know if my pet is having problems?
If you are a new pet owner and sometimes you do not understand what your pet wants, then here is a solution to understand your pet’s problems. If your pet is scared of lightning, of thunderstorm, as well as of strangers, or why it hides under the bed when it hears loud noises, then maybe it has anxiety. But there is nothing to worry about as all pets experience anxiety or stress to some extent in their life, just like humans do.
What does “anxiety” mean for pets?
Animals are very similar to humans in that they also deal with stress and fear. There are two types of anxiety conditions that pets experience - situational and behavioral anxiety. Situational anxiety includes responses and reactions as a result of changing the environment. Behavioral anxiety includes separation anxiety or extended aggression. Situational anxiety is relatively easier for maintenance and examination while behavioral anxiety calls for help from a medical professional.
Symptoms of a pet’s anxiety:
There can be one or many symptoms of anxiety in relation to how anxious or stressed your pet is. Most pets become stubborn and hyperactive. These symptoms include pacing, barking, panting, whimpering, trembling, fidgeting, aggression, loss of appetite. More serious symptoms include dilated pupils, anti-social behavior, displacement behavior and urinating on the floor despite being toilet trained.
But happily, CBD oil can be used to support situational anxiety in pets, among other diseases.
How does CBD oil work for pet’s anxiety?
CBD, as we learned earlier, is one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is a completely natural substance. CBD is a non-psychoactive element which, upon entering the body, reacts with the endocannabinoid system to soothe and calm anxiety and stress.
The endocannabinoid system is discovered recently and has not been studied properly yet. However, what we do know about it, is that in the body and the brain there are cannabinoid receptors as part of the central nervous system (CNS). When the body releases endocannabinoid chemicals or when those chemicals are taken from external sources, they enhance the body’s ability to release serotonin, which is a natural mood-stabilizer. CBD oil is one of the ways to do that.
CBD reacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, activates them and communicates with them. This results in easing tension and relieving stress in animals. Cannabinoid receptors are endogenous to the animals` brains and play a major role in regulation of their mood, memory, appetite and pain. In the brain, the prevalent cannabinoid receptors are CB1 type, while in the immune system there are more CB2 receptors. That is why CBD has mind-relaxing effects and can support seizures, pain, and arthritis in animals.
Many people are afraid to give CBD oil to their pets, they feel that it will get the animals high and make them uncontrollable. However, these effects are produced by THC which is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. But CBD oil usually contains little to no THC. Nevertheless, before you use the oil, make sure to carefully read the product description.
In 2015, Spanish and US researchers reexamined studies related to CBD and its effects on anxiety reduction. These studies included both lab experiments performed on mice and rats as well as some clinical trials on humans. The studies revealed that CBD oil produces special anti-anxiety effects and can be helpful in controlling stress-induced anxiety and as well as obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Several of the studies have shown that CBD enhances the growth of new cells in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a major role in the formation of memories as this is where the cognitive processes are performed. By boosting the development of new cells in this area of the brain, CBD can be effective in reducing anxiety.
CBD and dogs
Experiments with CBD oil have successfully been performed on rats, but more research needs to be done in order to determine the possible effects that CBD may have on dogs. An example for such an experiment is one that showed that a high dosage of CBD alleviates a certain kind of epilepsy in rats by producing an anti-convulsive effect. Since it helps rats and humans, CBD could have beneficial effects on dogs as well, as they members of the same class as humans – mammals.
CBD oil has been known to help a number of issues
Although this not been 100% proven, and more tests need to be completed, it is impossible to overlook the many benefits CBD oil has for animals. It helps with chronic and severe pain, cramps, anxiety and cancer, helps people with eating and psychotic disorders, as well as epilepsy patients. CBD also produces minimal side effects that are not as detrimental to the human body as prescription medications. Because CBD has proven to be beneficial for both humans and rats, there is a new wave of people, who use it as medicine for their pets, including dogs.
What can CBD do for my dog and me?
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety and wrecks your house when you leave, has arthritis issues, cancer tumors, seizures, skin disorders or an unusually queasy stomach, CBD may be able to help you. Veterinarians are doing more research, and a lot of them recommend CBD oil usage.
CBD has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and is a perfectly natural pain killer, too. It can reduce the pain that dogs experience from arthritis, hip dysplasia, neuropathy as well as other nerve-related issues, inflammation in acute pancreatitis, general inflammation, chronic inflammation and intestinal inflammation. CBD also stops the production of inflammatory macrophages and supports inflammatory bowel disease as well as colitis. It restores normal gut mobility and has antibiotic properties, which equals the killing of the Staphylococcus Aureus infection (MRSA).
CBD has also been praised for being a powerful antioxidant, possibly a lot more powerful than vitamins C and E. It decreases the production of the inflammatory cytokines that can cause allergies, hypersensitivities and autoimmunity. A major cause of autoimmune disease is the Th17 dominance, which is suppressed by CBD oil.
CBD oil also enhances the appetite, decreased nausea and promotes cardiovascular health. If your pup is having heart health issues, refuses to eat, or is always in discomfort due to stomach digestion issues, try some CBD oil. Your dog may respond well to this supplement and begin to eat properly, get sick less, and have a better heart examination the next time he sees his vet. The use of CBD has been associated with better brain health in dogs.
With all the benefits, questions like “Is this product really as effective?” or “Is the CBD oil legal?” are inevitable. We recommend you see a medical professional before you buy or use CBD products for your pets. You should also look into the local laws for cannabis products in your country, as you do not want to get into any kind of trouble for trying to help your pup.
What should I look for in the CBD that I am choosing?
One of the very first rules anyone should go by when choosing a CBD oil for your pet, is that if you wouldn’t take it yourself, do not give it to your pet. Always make sure that the CBD oil you are using is 100% organic and has a low THC content. More often than not, CBD oil contains THC and it is almost impossible to extract one without the other. You are not trying to get your dog high, you are trying to help him, so you should try to get the lowest content of THC possible. Getting your dog high can have adverse effects and give them anxiety or make them feel uncomfortable and paranoid.
Should I involve my dog's veterinarian?
This cannot be stressed enough, do not give your dog anything until you have talked to their veterinarian. He or she knows what is best for your pet. If he or she does not think that CBD products would help, you can get a second opinion, that is your right and there is nothing wrong with it. Just listen to the advice of at least one of the medical professionals you choose. You do not want to unintentionally hurt your doggy because you rushed into a product that would help.
10 reasons why your dog deserves CBD every day
In this article we look at 10 reasons why you should strongly consider giving your dog CBD on a daily basis.
We will also address the misconceptions connected to this natural herb and the promising research on helping dogs with a variety of common health issues with CBD.
1. CBD is not psychoactive
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can also be found in cannabis and it’s this compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. Most CBD oils are have very little to no THC and they typically come from hemp, not marijuana. In short, your dog won’t get “high” at all from CBD oil. It will get the relaxation without the intoxication.
2. CBD oil reduces anxiety
Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety or noise phobias?
CBD has been extensively studied for its effect on stress and anxiety. For humans, it’s been found to:
- Reduce anxiety in both healthy people and people with serious anxiety disorders;
- Be effective for panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders.
3. CBD can fight cancer
CBD and other substances found in hemp and cannabis have a destructive effect on tumors. CBD also stops cancer cells from growing and increases tumor cell death.
- CBD helps the immune system’s killer cells to cause cancer cell death.
- CBD kills cancer cells by blocking their ability to produce energy.
- CBD’s anti-tumor properties slow and inhibit glioma cell growth.
- CBD can help increase the efficacy of conventional cancer therapy.
4. CBD can help seizures and epilepsy
It’s estimated that up to 5% of dogs suffer from seizures.
Unfortunately, most dogs with seizures are put on drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. While they may help control the seizures, they can be extremely harmful to your dog’s liver and other organs. And the drugs don’t work in all cases.
It has been proved in studies that CBD works well in drug-resistant epilepsy. In one study, 7 of 8 patients with epilepsy that were resistant to drugs saw a definite improvement within 4 to 5 months of taking CBD.
And a survey on children with treatment-resistant epilepsy found that 84% of the children, who were taking CBD, experienced a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
5. CBD relieves pain
The cannabinoids in CBD work so well for pain-relief that scientists are considering it as a new class of drug for the medication of chronic pain. Studies show CBD to be very effective for:
- Decreasing pain (including neuropathy and nerve-related pain);
- Decreasing the impact of inflammation on oxidative stress (which causes degeneration and premature aging);
- Decreasing inflammation in acute pancreatitis;
- Reducing inflammation;
- Reducing intestinal inflammation (associated with irritable bowel disease).
6. CBD can help with inflammatory bowel disease
Animal studies show that CBD can help colitis (IBD) and restore normal gut motility in inflammatory bowel disease.
CBD also has antibiotic properties, including Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).
7. CBD reduces chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease
CBD has been shown to decrease the production and release of inflammatory cytokines that can cause allergies, hypersensitivities and autoimmunity. It can also suppress Th17 dominance, which is a major cause of autoimmune diseases.
CBD also inhibits the production of inflammatory macrophages and decreases chronic inflammation.
Moreover, CBD is a powerful antioxidant that’s shown to be more powerful than vitamins C and E.
8. CBD can protect the nervous system and help with neurodegenerative diseases
For dogs suffering from degenerative myelopathy and other spine and nerve issues, CBD shows a lot of promise for positive supportive results. It helps patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by protecting the brain cells from toxicity.
For senior dogs, CBD has been shown to protect the brain from cell death caused by free radicals and toxins.
9. CBD increases appetite and helps with nausea
If you have trouble getting your dog to eat, CBD may help. The National Cancer Institute reports that CBD increases appetite, in addition to controlling cancer.
In animal studies, CBD has also been shown positive results in helping vomiting and nausea, even when they’re the result of toxins and drugs.
10. CBD promotes cardiovascular health
According to Dr Bassingthwaighte`s research on the topic, CBD is linked to heart health. Studies show that it can reduce the damage in blood vessels and irregular heart rates, protect blood vessels from damage, dilate the arteries and reduce heart rate and blood pressure associated with stress and anxiety.
CBD oil for dogs is legal and safe
With so many studies on the health benefits of CBD, the most encouraging result is that CBD appears to be safe, even when taken in high doses and over extended periods of time. It can decrease the activity of liver enzymes used to metabolize many prescription drugs, so if your dog is on medications, you might want to check with your holistic vet before using CBD.
CBD oil for dogs and other pets is most often derived from hemp oil, so it contains very small to no traces of THC.
The bottom line is, CBD oil could be a healthy (or even life-saving) herb for your dog. More and more pet owners and holistic vets are drawn to its diverse and marked health benefits and they feel good knowing that the side effects are mild and that animals don’t appear to build up an addiction.
Choosing a good CBD oil for your dog
Not all CBD oils are the same. You would want to choose a high-quality CBD oil, so here are a few things to look for:
- Make sure the product is organic: If it isn’t organic, your CBD oil most probably contains pesticides, fungicides, solvents and other nasty stuff;
- Don’t cheap out: The higher the quality and purity, the higher the cost of the product. Also, make sure your CBD oil is free of additives and has a decent amount of CBD concentration;
- Get the analysis: Ask for a lab analysis of the amount of CBD in the product. Many CBD oils contain only small amounts of CBD. The manufacturer should provide a certificate of analysis. You’ll also want to make sure there is less than 0.2% or no THC in the product;
- Buy CBD for pets as oil drops: You can buy CBD in treats, but the best form is in a tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop to make sure he gets the exact quantity.
Start your dog off slowly, but don’t let yourself be discouraged by contradictory evidence on the benefits of CBD. Thorough research is being conducted and the results are very promising.
How much CBD oil should I give to my dog?
When it comes to pet medication, finding the right dosage is very crucial. Too big of a dose can lead to several severe side effects and even death. That is why pet owners should not experiment with the pet medication before consulting with a vet.
Recent research on the subject shows that CBD oil is very effective for pets and especially dogs. It helps in the production of hormones that in return help with pain-relief and other disturbances in the dogs` physique and mind. The best thing about the CBD oil is that it does not have any psychotic effects, which means that your dog will not have to deal with any side effects.
The right amount of CBD oil is crucial for the dogs` wellbeing. So here we present you with the needed information about the CBD oil dosage and uses you should know about.
A question most people pose is that why they should give their pets CBD oil. A common misconception is that CBD oil is only good for humans and that it is dangerous for animals. However, we reassure you that there are many physical and mental benefits of the CBD oil that your pet can enjoy. Here are some of them:
Nausea and digestive issues
Common issues most of the small puppies have to deal with include nausea and digestive problems. It has been established that when you change the diet of your puppy from milk to solid food, its digestive system needs a few days to convert to that new type of food. That is why your puppy will be irritable and lethargic. With the help of the CBD oil you will be able to enhance the transition process in your puppy`s body.
Muscle pain
If you start giving your puppy CBD oil before going to bed, you will notice that all types of muscle and joint pain will be relieved, and your puppy will have a good sleep. In this case, CBD oil is a vital part of the quick recovery.
Systemic balance
Systemic imbalance is a common issue puppies have to deal with. It can be a result of an improper diet plan or of not getting proper physical activity. The metabolic rate of the dog is affected, and it often deals with some health disorders. With the help of CBD oil this issue can be resolved. You will notice that your dog is able to control his diet and that it remains active. The systemic balance of your puppy is very important for its long and healthy life.
Stress reduction
Stress is not only something humans experience, you will be surprised to know that pets, too, can easily get stressed. You not returning home on time or forgetting to feed you dog are all reasons for stress for dogs. CBD oil helps maintain the release of stress hormones in the body of the puppy. In this way, any stressful situation would be under control and not harmful for your dog. It is very important for you to control the stress level of the puppy because that is the only way it will have a healthy life.
CBD oil dosage for your dog
Before you start giving your dog CBD oil, it is important for you to know the required dosage. It is the only way for your dog to get all the benefits that come with the product. Here is the recommended dosage of CBD oil according to the weight and size of the dog:
- A small dog of size of 10 kg should have 4-6 drops daily of our 3% Pet CBD oil.
- Medium size dogs of weight 10 to 25 kg. should have 8-12 drops daily of our 3% Pet CBD oil.
- Large size dog of weight 25 kg or more should have about 15 drops daily of our 3% Pet CBD oil.
How to give your dog CBD oil
Most of the people think that they can mix the drops in the food of their dog and the medication will be easily transferred into their body. However, with the CBD oil, it is not the right way to get the desired beneficial effects. Instead, you will have to give your pet the drops directly.
We all know that dogs are not really fans of medications. In the beginning, you will have to forcefully put the oil in your dog`s mouth, because that is the only possible way. Within a few days, the animal would most probably get used to the oil.
Make sure that you get the best quality CBD oil for your dog. The CBD oil should be extracted using the best technique, in order to deliver a pure product. There are many licensed retailers who sell the best quality CBD oil. Make sure to check the reviews and ratings of the retailer and get more information on the performance of their products. Once you have found a reliable product, you need to maintain the dosage within normal limits for the best effects.
CBD and cats
CBD has recently been blowing up in the media and in the market for pet uses for a while now. Every CBD website has an added section for CBD oils or treats for animals. But what exactly is CBD and why is it so good for you and your animals?
CBD`s benefits
CBD is known to have a positive effect on conditions like severe and chronic pain, feminine issues, headaches, stomach issues, anxiety, sleep issues, loss of appetite, cancer, skin issues, and hair issues. Even though none of this has been 100% proven through medical research, as the FDA just approved CBD oil for further research, a large number of consumers can testify for the benefits of CBD.
Why is CBD only a supplement?
CBD is not yet classified as a medicine, but even only as a supplement it achieved things that medicine has not been able to before. CBD is a cannabinoid, it is extracted from hemp and marijuana plants, and turned into oil. A lot of people use this oil for all sorts of medical issues even though it is not approved by the FDA yet. A supplement does need to be tested further to prove medical usage. Therefore, CBD can only be used as a nutritional supplement. A variety of CBD, along with endocannabinoid receptors, can be found in some animals` bodies.
CBD products for animals have a huge potential for success on the market once testing of CBD as a medical substance is completed. Nevertheless, consumers are already testing CBD supplements on their own.
Can CBD oil help cats?
So far CBD oil has been used on cats for eating issues, fur issues, skin issues, diabetes, anxiety and tumors. Vets have even begun to recommend the use of CBD on dogs and cats as a natural supplement to help with a large number of issues before they happen.
Cats and food
Cats are usually very picky with what they eat. A lot of cats will either eat only canned or only fresh food, some will only eat the solid food and others are used to killing mice or small birds for food.
The first thing you should remember is that cats and dogs are not the same. Cats are very strict meat-eaters and they need to have a certain amount of meat every day. If they are not eating enough, a few drops of CBD oil first direct in their mouth, then in their food on the following day will solve the loss of appetite. In addition to eating issues you can use CBD on your cats for diabetes:
Kitty diabetes
CBD can also help kitties with diabetes. CBD helps with insulin production and reduces inflammation. It affects the endocannabinoids in the cats` endocannabinoid system. This helps help cats that already have diabetes and acts as a help method against diabetes.
The fur and the skin
CBD can help cats with fur and skin issues. Cats that frequently go outside are more prone to developing such issues. Those conditions can easily be transferred to other cats or to humans. CBD oil can help with those skin and fur issues, plus its oily texture can ward off fleas.
Anxiety, cancer, tumors, breathing and the belly
Some cats have very high instances of anxiety. CBD can help them calm down. When used internally, CBD also acts as a remedy for the destruction of tumors and cancers. Which, together with diabetes, is something common for cats. CBD can help with upper respiratory and digestive issues as well. Cats, like humans and dogs, can benefit greatly from the use of CBD supplements. CBD has numerous healing properties that could only do good for your cat.
Side effects
There are some side effects to using CBD, but none of them have a big negative effect on the felines. CBD causes drowsiness and increases appetite. If your cat is already overweight, it is very important to stick with their diet while using CBD. You should not give them more just because they want it. An overweight kitty is not a healthy kitty, no matter what it consumes in the form of food or a supplement.
CBD oil for you and your cat
CBD has many benefits and few side effects, so it can give great results. It is a mystery that more people are not utilizing this amazing substance.
You should always consult with a medical specialist before you make a decision about whether to give your animals CBD, but if the veterinarian gives you green light, you should try including those products in yours and your pet`s diets.