CBD & Your Furry Friends
CBD. We all know a little bit about what it is. People everywhere that use it preach about how this “miracle drug” CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) so it doesn’t get you “high” and yada yada. But what about pets? We’ve all probably seen CBD pet treats and heard owners talk about using it for their furbabies. But why? And how do you know if it’s right for your furry friend?
Well, of course, you should always first consult your veterinarian because they know your pet’s health better than anyone. But if you’re having a hard time deciphering what symptoms warrant some of this natural “miracle drug,” then hopefully this guide will help too. Let’s talk about a few of the health problems that CBD may help your animal with!
1. Anxiety
Does your house look like a natural disaster when you get home from work? Or does Lassie scamper off to her favourite hiding spot during a storm? Many pet owners know the struggle of having an animal with anxiety. Luckily, CBD oil (cannabidiol) works with the endocannabinoid system to help your little guy chill out. It won’t make him feel “high,” but simply soothed and relaxed. (April 2018)
2. Pain
Older animals get all sorts of aches and pains. This is a big benefit to using CBD oil. As your companion ages, joint and neuropathic pain is nearly impossible to avoid. According to research done by Animal Wellness Magazine, “CBD influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively.” More anandamide (a neurotransmitter which helps to regulate mood) lowers the sense of pain (Animal Wellness 2019). Voila! Happier four-legged friend!
3. Seizures
It is most animal lovers’ worst nightmare: a sudden, unexpected, and frightening seizure. Unfortunately, this is a problem for many pets, especially as they age. CBD works to limit frequency and intensity of seizures in humans and their household friends without a bunch of negative side effects (VETCBD 2017).
4. Nausea
As the owners of little beasts, there are many emotions felt when our furry friends vomit. We worry, are grossed out, and feel the universal sense of “ugh” when we have to clean it up. Nausea is a common part of life but thankfully, CBD helps with this too! The endocannabinoid system is also in charge of appetite and, therefore, nausea (AdKitan 2020). CBD helps animals to have increased appetite as well as reducing the feeling of nausea.
5. Anti-inflammatory
Another common ailment we come across as we care for our pets is inflammation, commonly in their joints. Many anti-inflammatory drugs on the market have loads of negative side effects. Fortunately, CBD is a natural alternative which works with your pet’s own endocannabinoid system. This just goes to show that CBD acts on a system in the body that is responsible for so many of the common problems we see!
If you do choose to use CBD for your furbabies, it is suggested that you choose an organic, high-quality CBD product in the form of an oil. These products are pricier, but are shown to provide the best results. After learning a few of the benefits of CBD for not only yourself but your pets, I hope that this guide helps you and your fur family stay healthy and happy! Thanks for reading!
Sources
AdKitan, AdKitan. 2020. “CBD for Dogs with Nausea.” | Innovet Pet. September 6, 2020. https://www.innovetpet.com/blogs/recent-articles/cbd-for-dogs-with-nausea.
Animal Wellness. 2019. “CBD May Help Manage Pain in Pets.” Animal Wellness Magazine. September 19, 2019. https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/cbd-pain-pets/.
“Anti-Inflammatory For Dogs: Why CBD Might Be The Safest Natural Option For Your Dog.” 2019. Cannanine. March 1, 2019. https://cannanine.com/anti-inflammatory-for-dogs-cbd/.
April, Jen Philips. 2018. “CBD Oil For Anxiety: Can It Calm Your Anxious Dog?” Dogs Naturally. June 1, 2018. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cbd-oil-for-anxiety-can-it-calm-your-anxious-dog/.
Kriss, Randa. 2019. “American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club. February 5, 2019. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/.
VETCBD. 2017. “CBD for Pets with Seizures | Pet Owner Education.” VETCBD. May 10, 2017. https://vetcbd.com/blog/pet-owner-education-seizures/.
