5 Benefits of CBD for Cats & Dogs
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Author: Jason Beverly
After years of struggle to step out of the drug image, cannabis is finally receiving all the praises it deserves. The medical community is widely supporting the launch of medical cannabis, and cannabis-infused products that promise to heal and lead away to a healthy lifestyle. Across the world, scientists are researching more extensive areas to explore the full benefits of this plant to all living beings.
Fun Fact:
Google searches for CBD are 4 times higher in 2019 than in 2017 with nearly 500,000 people searching every month in the US alone.
CBD is the first cannabidiol present in cannabis, which has contributed to health benefits for humans so far. Currently, users are consuming it for treating chronic pain conditions, mental ailments, such as depression, anxiety. This particular component of cannabis is non-psychoactive and hence appeals to a broader audience, as compared to THC. It is among the primary reasons why CBD is slowly becoming an active component in our everyday products, including food, medicines, cosmetics.
The kind of effect CBD has on human beings is very similar to its effects on animals too. This has triggered interest from pet owners who would like to explore the benefits that CBD can bring to their beloved pets. Cannabis has aided in the healing of problems such as arthritis, withdrawal symptoms, depression, seizures, digestive disorders, pain relief in humans. These are problems common to pets also and hence the excitement to use CBD to benefit pets in increasing across the globe. For those pet owners whose priority lies on the happiness and well being of their pets, CBD could be an amazing ingredient to add to their carts. Here are a few ways in which CBD can benefit cats and dogs.
CBD is a natural cannabidiol that occurs in Cannabis plants. The structure of these cannabinoids is similar to that of the chemicals that aid the functioning of the endocannabinoid system in our body. When exposed, the cannabidiol binds with the CB receptors of the system and enhances the operation of the organs. It helps bring various health benefits to our body.
1. CBD could be a natural aid for pain relief.
CBD, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can help treat various ailments. The substance interacts with the receptors, which are a part of the immune system of our body. It indicates the receptors to fight to reduce the secretion of inflammation-causing chemicals. The substance is currently used by people for treating pain related to inflammation, such as in the case of arthritis, multiple sclerosis. So far, there has been positive feedback from the users, who believe the effects are more intense and useful than alternate medications.
Similar effects are visible in pets suffering from chronic pain conditions. A study briefs us on how this effect is possible with CBD. CBD reduces the efficiency of anandamide absorption in the body temporarily after consumption. This chemical is responsible for sensing pain in the body. By doing so, users feel less pain. These two effects of CBD in the body help relieve pain in case of your pets.
2. CBD can help with appetite and digestive disorders.
With age, pets often suffer from low digestive health. Their system becomes unable to eat certain foods, especially ones which take longer for digestion. This could start affecting their overall health, as they might start losing out on important nutrients. CBD treats and CBD infused foods such as peanut butter can help introduce this cannabidiol to your pets. This will not only enhance their digestive health but also introduce the nutrients necessary for the body.
After a certain age, pets also tend to lose their appetite and overall health. CBD can help increase your pet's appetite by eliminating the underlying problems. Studies also suggest that CBD can help cope with vomiting and nausea, which could be a result of drugs or toxins. With the increasing availability of cannabis in the US, CBD could be your best shot at improving your pet `s overall health.
3. CBD can help destress your pets and help with their anxiety.
Mental ailments are just as common among pets as in humans. And CBD can be an effective cure in both cases. Anxiety and stress could be the result of various triggers such as new owner, new house, separation from the owner, travel, noise due to crackers or carnivals, or even a phobia specific to your pet. These could lead to aggressive behavior, loss of appetite, defecating in odd places, chewing on items such as plastics and slippers, tremors, constant barking, or restlessness. These are symptoms of your pets suffering from anxiety attacks due to stress.
Delivery of anxiety medication for pets is slightly more complicated compared to humans. This is why CBD oil can be a great way of introducing a natural and effective medication to your pet. The right dose of CBD will enable your pet to feel calm and relaxed and help them cope with the stress of these triggers. It can also increase the serotonin secretion in the body that elevates your pet's mood and lets them enjoy.
4. CBD can help treat seizures and epilepsy.
Seizures among pets are difficult to treat. Common medications prescribed for pets include potassium bromide and Phenobarbital. These aim at reducing the frequency of seizures and intensity. But these medications haven't proven effective as about 30 percent of pets, especially dogs seem to face seizures even after consuming these medications. A common reason for seizures in dogs is Canine Epilepsy. But the use of CBD to treat certain forms of epilepsy has been proven effective in the case of humans. This indicates that CBD can help reduce the intensity and frequency of seizures in pets. Although solid evidence is not available as yet, various studies are happening currently that promise to deliver these results.
5. CBD can help in the treatment of cancer.
CBD is observed to be a good treatment for slowing down tumor growth in pets too. A study in Boston conducted at Beth Medical Center briefs the efficiency of CBD in reducing the growth of cancer cells. The cannabidiol helped eliminate the cancer cells from the body. Also, the current treatment for cancer includes chemotherapy. CBD can also add to the efficiency of this treatment method as it helps cope with side effects such as vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea. This helps give pets going through chemotherapy get a chance at a better lifestyle. Sativa dominant strains also show similar effects such as CBD for treating cancer symptoms.
Several new ways of introducing CBD to your pets are available in the market today. These include CBD dog and cat treats, oils, creams, drinks, infused food items such as peanut butter, oils. By leveraging the amazing medicinal benefits of CBD, you can improve the health of your pets and aid in easing their discomfort.
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It’s interesting to know that CBD can help to increase your pet’s appetite and prevent digestive problems. My husband and I adopted an elder dog from a shelter, and we are looking for advice about how to take care of him. I will let him know about the benefits of CBD to prevent digestive problems in our pet.
I never knew that CBD oil can be used to treat pain related inflammation of our pets. My Persian cat is prone to this type of pain, and I’m worried that his body might give up due to the pain. I wonder where can I order Pet CBD tinctures.
I’ve never understood that CBD oil can be used to treat our pets’ pain-related inflammations. For our pets CBD oil is really useful.