Beloved pets are an important part of family life. An abundance of food, comfy beds, and plenty of attention are needed to protect one’s pets. As well as financial security, pets need to be cared for from a health and wellbeing perspective.
The sudden rush of adrenaline with the CBD supplements can be an instant pick me up for anyone, and even for our fluffy friend! CBD oil is a popular remedy for dogs and cats, though many people aren’t entirely sure what CBD is or does. In this article, we delve into CBD specifics and how CBD products can be beneficial for your dog.
What Is CBD & How Does It Work?
Scientists discovered that our bodies have endocannabinoids that are regulated by an endocannabinoid system. This system regulates essential processes in the body, such as sleep, mood, and homeostasis. Recent research revealed that endocannabinoids have similar characteristics to phytocannabinoids. This finding triggered in-depth research on phytocannabinoids like CBD. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural, non-addictive, and non-psychoactive substance found in Cannabis Sativa plants. After intake, CBD is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system to sustain a relatively stable internal state.
But CBD is not limited to human usage. It is safe to use on mammals like dogs, cats, and horses, as it does not bind CB1 receptors which have a negative impact on brain activity. Therefore, dogs and cats are considered the target market for CBD animal products. They come in a variety of tasty flavours that appeal to a mixture of palettes. Tinctures, hard chews, and peanut butter are examples of the most prominent products. There are several known benefits of CBD oil for dogs:
Effective Painkiller
Pain in animals can affect their social behaviour, happiness, and overall quality of life. While traditional pain management is performed by various medications, such as NSAIDs, opioids, steroids, and antihistamines – all of them, have a variety of side effects stashed away.
Due to the lack of severe adverse effects, CBD oil can be considered as a natural and generally safe alternative to conventional medications. CBD possesses anti-Inflammatory and antioxidant qualities and can minimise signs of inflammation and pain in dogs such as limping, stiffening of muscles, arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Clinical trial in dogs has shown that oral CBD oil can reduce arthritic pain with no effect on weight-bearing capacity or limb mobility. Even though there are no studies in dogs for these specific conditions, rat and mice studies suggest that CBD can help to decrease inflammatory pain and swelling, nerve pain, and bone cancer pain.
Natural Anticonvulsant
Seizures are believed to be instigated by the rapid, uncontrolled release of neurons in the brain. Preliminary research suggests that CBD can help to restore order to these neurons, activating them to fire normally and prevent the onset of seizures. Anticonvulsant properties of CBD might help to control seizures, tics, spasms, and tremors within dogs.
Anxiety Reduction
Just like humans, dogs are also subjected to suffering from anxiety, stress, or even certain phobias. Whether it is tense situations like hearing firework and loud noises, absence of an owner, being in an unfamiliar environment, or travelling, CBD can be useful in managing the symptoms of a variety of mental conditions, including anxiety.
CBD tend to target a type of serotonin receptor known as 5-HT1A to boost serotonin levels in the brain. This may help to lower feelings of anxiety or fear and improve mood. So, if your dog experiences panic disorders or post-traumatic stress disorders, CBD can be a great way to keep your pet relaxed when he or she is uncomfortable.
Antiemetic Properties
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms both in humans and dogs, which can be caused by a specific condition, treatments or medications. Also, this issue often leads to decreased appetite, dehydration, rapid weight loss, fatigue, and more.
CBD is known as antiemetic, encouraging appetite in dogs while simultaneously reducing the risk of vomiting and nausea. By stimulating 5-HT1A receptors (same receptor responsible for anxiety), CBD can help to reduce feelings of nausea and also inhibits the following vomiting reflex. What’s more, prolonged activation of the CB1 receptor in the brain might be beneficial in decreasing nausea and vomiting.
Anti-Cancer Treatment
Until now, there is no cure for cancer while treatment usually aims at slowing the growth of a tumour, reducing pain and other symptoms. The most common treatment for cancer and malicious tumours in pets is chemotherapy, which can trigger different side effects, including tiredness, fatigue, and lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
CBD and other cannabinoids can improve the effectiveness of traditional chemotherapy by enchasing the rate by which cancer cells absorb chemotherapy agents and simultaneously protecting healthy cells. Additionally, studies have proved that CBD can help to protect against colon cancer in rats by preventing the development, growth, and spread of malignant tumours.
Homeostasis Promoter
Dogs can be given CBD oil, even if they are not currently experiencing painful symptoms. It can be taken to promote overall health by ensuring the proper functioning of the body. Since CBD supports the endocannabinoid system, which affects the brain, skin, heart, eyes, stomach, and mood, many pet owners prefer to use CBD not only as a product to help in treating particular diseases but also as a supplement to promote better health and wellbeing of their dogs.
However, owners should be mindful to ensure that their pets start with a lower dosage intake, alongside taking veterinarian advice as and when required. CBD supplements should be taken in conformity with animal welfare guidelines.
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