Cannabidiol, or CBD, can provide many of the same benefits to our pets as it does for us. Animals like dogs and cats have a similar endocannabinoid system in their bodies to humans, allowing them to process CBD oil the same as we do. This translates into a variety of effects on their quality of life, including alleviating anxiety, easing muscle and joint pain, and even lessening seizures.
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. Often, CBD is confused with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. THC is what gives cannabis its famed psychoactive properties. CBD products, on the other hand, are derived from hemp and not cannabis.
CBD products are a rapidly growing market. They are used recreationally by many people as a mood stabilizer and a pain reliever. Since mammals like dogs and cats have similar endocannabinoid systems to humans, they can process CBD like we do, and experience some of the same effects.
How Does CBD Help Pets?
Giving CBD products to your pets can help address a wide variety of maladies. It can be used to reduce anxiety, encourage their appetites, and promote healthy skin. In older animals, CBD can decrease arthritis pain and allow them to move comfortably. CBD can provide all of these benefits without the debilitating side effects of other pet drugs, including weight gain and lethargy.
Is CBD Safe For Pets?
The full range of CBD’s effects on pets is still a developing area, but early results are promising. A Cornell University study gave sixteen dogs CBD oil every twelve hours for four weeks, and most of the animals demonstrated “significant improvement in pain levels and quality of life without discernible side effects.” A study by the Colorado State University found that CBD can even help reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs suffering from epilepsy.
How Can I Introduce CBD To My Pet?
There are a wide variety of pet-friendly CBD products available. The two most popular are oils and infused pet treats.
Be mindful of the dosage when introducing CBD to your pet’s routine. A small cat needs a much lower dose to feel the effects than a large dog. Most manufacturers offer oils at different concentrations tailored for specific animals. Ensure that you have the right one for your pet’s needs.
When you buy, look for organic products. Non-organic products may contain traces of harmful pesticides, solvents, and additives. Also, be sure the oil or treat is THC-free. Treats can be given directly to your pets. For oils, add several drops to their food. Start with small amounts, then gradually add more.
CBD provides a variety of benefits for your pets, without the potential side effects of drugs. While the full scope of their benefits has yet to be fully determined, current studies show great promise. If you’d like to learn more about the effects of CBD, and how your pets can benefit from it, contact us with your questions today.
Emerald Health Advocates
Phone: (240) 477-8158
Url: https://emeraldhealthadvocates.com/
Laytonsville, MD 20882
