For many pet owners, their pets are a part of the family, so it's only natural that they would want to do anything in their power to make sure their beloved animal is healthy. One thing on top of that list is CBD oil. But how does this new trend measure up? Is it safe and effective for pets? Keep reading!
The blog post will go into detail about why there is so much interest in CBD products and help you decide if it's the correct medicine for your four-legged friends as well.
The Endocannabinoid system
Before we start, we should specify what kinds of pets we're talking about here. Pets that we're referring to in this piece are dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and most mammals. These species all have something in common: they all have a particular endocannabinoid system (ECS), just like humans do.
The endocannabinoid system is a network of neurotransmitters located in the brain, nervous system, connective tissues, and organs that regulate just about every single physiological process that occurs in our body.
This includes appetite, inflammation responses, sleep patterns, and even tumor suppression. CBD acts on this network of natural chemical neurotransmitters, and it is helpful for many conditions.
Note* CBD products that contain THC are not recommended for pets because they will get high, not understanding why.
What is CBD Oil For Pets?
As mentioned above, pets cannot tolerate THC well, so the product you buy must contain pure CBD without any traces of THC. THC products for pets offer this guarantee as well, all while having a consistently precise dosage tailored to your companion's weight.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
As proven with countless laboratory studies, animals have a similar endocannabinoid system as humans and the rest of us. This has led some scientists to believe that they can also benefit from CBD products just like we do and that it affects the system in similar ways to ours.
To clarify, CBD is safe for your pets to consume because it is a natural medicine with no known side effects. CBD oil doesn't make your pet feel drowsy or fuzzy like many other medications do; it simply acts on their body in the same way as it does ours.
How Does CBD Benefit Pets
Cats
The advent of CBD is excellent news for cat owners because kitties prefer to be alone and quiet most of the time, making them a challenging target for giving medication or taking care of their health in general.
CBD oil's lack of taste makes this process much easier for its owners. It is also said to have similar effects as antidepressants, which could be a wonderful treatment option for cats with anxiety disorders and depression.
Dogs
Just like humans, dogs that are healthy overall can benefit from CBD oil in several ways. As it regulates brain function in your pup, it will help them feel more relaxed, less anxious, and overall happier.
It also helps relieve aches and pains, making it great for older dogs who are starting to show more signs of their age.
Horses
If your horse has a case of chronic pain, CBD oil could be the answer to their problems. Some horses have joint issues caused by years and years of damage done to their muscles and bones, which many veterinarians treat with powerful medications like morphine derivatives or steroids.
However, CBD can provide relief without any side effects, so you can begin to see an improvement within days.
Rabbits and Ferrets
Similar to cats, rabbits and ferrets are naturally very anxious and hyperactive creatures. Their prey instinct makes them perceive everything as a threat, which can take a toll on their nerves and make them aggressive when you least expect it.
Because of this, they can benefit from products that calm and relax them as CBD oil does. You'll be able to see the difference in your pet's behavior and well-being very soon after beginning treatment with CBD.
Do I Need CBD for My Pet? Know What Signs are Pointing to a Problem
The best way to find out how your pet is feeling is by paying attention to subtle signs that might not seem like such a big deal but could indicate something more serious. Here are some common symptoms to look for.
Lethargy
Dull and listless behavior is quite common among animals, especially in older dogs. But if it's part of a long-term pattern, then there might be something more serious going on.
After determining the cause, you may find that CBD is a suitable treatment.
Bouts of Anxiety
If your pet is showing symptoms of extreme anxiety like fur loss, seizures, disorientation, hyperactivity, and trembling, you should schedule a visit with your vet as soon as possible.
If diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder or nervousness, your pet could benefit from CBD, as it is often used to combat the same kinds of symptoms in humans.
Limping
If you notice your dog limping around, avoid waiting a whole day to check it out. Limping is usually caused by an injury of the nerve, muscle, or bone somewhere in the body.
A visit to your vet might turn up a condition like arthritis that could be alleviated with CBD for dogs as well. CBD products are known to reduce both pain and inflammation, making this product perfect for treating mobility issues.
Allergies
Due to this anti-inflammatory feature, CBD could be the key to lessening your pet's allergic reactions. You might also see quick results in reducing their overall anxiety, which would definitely make them feel better and more comfortable.
How Do I Give My Pet CBD Oil?
CBD oil for pets is available in liquid, capsule, or treats form. It can be given to your pet both orally and sublingually, whichever the vet recommends. CBD oil is the most popular form of pet medication out there, and it can be added to their food bowl, as well as directly into their mouths.
Conclusion
Yes! CBD oil is extremely safe for pets and has no psychoactive properties so that they won't get high. Now that cannabis is legal in Canada, more and more pet owners are turning to CBD as a safe option for pets, especially for older dogs.
The benefits of CBD for pets are numerous, and improved quality of life is something everyone wants. If you're CÀainterested in trying it out yourself, Wacky Tabacky offers a line of pet products specially formulated to alleviate common issues.
Happy Healing!