6 Potential Benefits Of CBD For Your Pets
If you’d search for the potential benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) for pets, it’s thought that its therapeutic effects are almost the same as the effects that it may contribute to humans. The reason behind this is that both humans and animals have endocannabinoid systems (ECS). Furthermore, it’s believed that CBD is activated in the endocannabinoid system to deliver its therapeutic potential.
Since the endocannabinoid system is where most of the bodily processes of both humans and animals, such as mood, immune response, metabolism, appetite, communication, etc., take place, the regulation of these processes is then affected when the Cannabidiol receptors bind with the natural receptors of the body.
With its promising effects, which animals may also acquire, more and more people are intrigued about the uses and benefits of medicinal cannabis. If you have a pet that has an underlying condition, these potential benefits of CBD may aid in your pet’s health and wellness:
1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Your pets are also susceptible to experiencing stress and anxiety. The contributing factors why your pet undergoes these kinds of emotional changes include separation from the owner, loud noises, exposure to phobias, and even traveling. Since CBD has no psychoactive compound that produces a ‘high’ effect, it may induce calmness and relaxation without intoxicating your pets. A rare cannabinoid with 0.01% to 10% concentration and a THC content with no more than 0.03% may effectively improve your pets’ mood to combat their stress and anxiety.
In some cases, stress and anxiety are caused by an underlying sickness that makes your pet suffer from pain and physical discomfort. Fortunately, there are plenty of CBD oils and topicals in the market that’s thought to improve your pet’s mobility.
2. Minimize the Risk of Seizures and Epilepsy
CBD is usually described as a natural anticonvulsant that may help control tremors, seizures, and spasms. It’s thought that your pet may suffer from seizure and epilepsy when there’s an abnormal burst of electrical activity into the neurons of their brain. CBD is believed to treat seizures and epilepsy because its anticonvulsant properties may help normalize the neurons in the brain.
In severe cases of epilepsy and seizures, the episodes can be experienced more than once, increasing the possibility of adverse side effects such as dizziness, lethargy, and liver damage. It’s believed that CBD doesn’t only take effect during the episode, but it may also lessen the condition’s duration and counts.
Since there’s no definitive cure to these brain disorders, there are Cannabidiol products in the market, specifically for pets, that may be used as their maintenance to control its effects.
3. Relieve Pain and Inflammation
It’s thought that one of the main reasons why CBD may help in a wide variety of conditions is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD interacts with the brain’s immune cells receptors, specifically the CB2 receptor. When the receptors are activated, the response to fight inflammation is revitalized.
CBD products are commonly used to alleviate joint pains in pets, such as those that are caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The reduction of intestinal inflammation that leads to irritable bowel disease is also another condition wherein cannabis may be administered to cats or dogs.
4. Help Treat Skin Conditions
Telltale signs that your pet may be suffering from skin conditions are excessive scratching and licking that leads to skin rashes, red skin, and hair loss. Most skin conditions of animals are due to infection and allergy. It’s believed that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help reduce potential triggers of skin irritation.
When the cause of irritation is due to insect bite or pest infestation, CBD ointment or topical is advised. However, if the skin condition is caused by an internal factor such as allergy and infection, CBD oil or supplements can be administered to your pet.
Even though you’re just applying the CBD product externally, it’s still important to consult your vet for proper dosage and ensure that the product’s ingredients wouldn’t trigger your pet’s condition.
5. Improve Appetite and Prevent Nausea
Loss of appetite and nausea for pets is due to several factors, like illness, current medication, stress, or anxiety, all of which stems from the endocannabinoid system’s activity that regulates feeding behavior. When your pet consumes CBD, it’s thought that the cannabinoid receptors interact with the serotonin receptors that may affect appetite.
Moreover, it’s believed that when the serotonin receptor in the brain is boosted, the nervous system and the digestive tract are pacified to suppress nausea. The antispasmodic agents found in CBD are also thought to inhibit smooth muscle contraction to prevent nausea and to further improve the functioning of the GI tract of pets.
6. Improve Neurodegenerative Diseases
Like humans, neurodegenerative diseases are also common for elderly pets, such as myelopathy, which influences spine and other nerve diseases. Inflammation of the neurons is the cause of neurodegeneration, which affects the cognitive and motor skills of pets. The use of CBD is believed to prevent DNA damage, autoimmune degradation, and to reduce neuroinflammation.
Through the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, it’s possible to gradually decrease the neurons’ speedy degeneration so that recovery is still possible. It’s also believed that CBD helps in the recovery process by increasing blood flow in the brain’s cerebral part.
For any pet condition that concerns the nervous system, it may be best to administer CBD oil rather than supplements or gummies because its effects tend to kick in faster.
Final Thoughts
Before letting your pet try different CDB products that aim to help your pet’s mental or physical condition, keep in mind that there’s no definitive scientific proof supporting the idea that medicinal cannabis is indeed effective. However, there are positive reports about the administration of CBD to pets who are suffering from mental disorders, physical illnesses, and emotional stresses.
Due to its potential benefits, CBD has become the talk of the town. Still, it’s best to consult your veterinarian so they can guide you on how to properly administer it to your pets and to rule out possible side effects.
