CBD Benefits For Animals

Many people are already aware of CBD oil and its therapeutic benefits for people, but "CBD oil for animals?" Yes, animals can benefit from CBD too!

Many people do not realize that cannabidiol (CBD) works by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors that exist in ALL mammals - dogs, cats, horses, rabbits etc. From a physiological standpoint, CBD for animals functions in much the same way that it does in humans. As a result, people are turning to CBD as a holistic approach to supporting their animals health and well-being. Unlike many traditional veterinary products, CBD has a positive safety profile according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Further, since endocannabinoid balance can influence our sense of overall well-being, many pet owners choose CBD to reduce their dogs’ temporary symptoms of mood swings and anxiety. This is especially helpful for animals who get nervous during travel, storms, fireworks, or vet visits.

For horses, CBD oil is used to help manage a variety of health issues. Although much of the research has been on people, dogs, and cats, more studies are now researching the benefits it may have for horses and other animals.

CBD can be used to manage pain, inflammation, stress, mood, digestion, and more. Unlike other treatment options for these issues, cannabidiol has been found to have no serious side effects.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a plant-based cannabinoid, a naturally-occurring organic compound that is not intoxicating. CBD is the hemp plant’s second most abundant cannabinoid. It acts on a mammal's own endocannabinoid system.

CBD oils is similar to traditional vitamin supplements. Just as you take a Vitamin E supplement to support your heart and skin health by increasing your body's Vitamin E supply, CBD gives your general health a boost by giving your ECS system cannabidiol to stimulate your cannabinoid receptors.

Giving your horse, dog or cat CBD isn't much different than giving them a traditional vitamin supplement.

How CBD Works

ECS receptors are found in the organs, immune system, glands, connective tissues and the brain. The receptors are involved in a number of physiological processes including pain sensation, memory and appetite and provides an essential bridge between the body and mind. “relax, eat, sleep, forget, and protect.”

The ECS in mammals is part of what maintains the natural balance in the body and is stimulated by endocannabinoids, which are produced internally. However, the ECS can also be stimulated by external cannabinoids, such as Cannabidol (CBD). Much like humans, dogs and other animals can become deficient in endocannabinoids contributing to a variety of health issues.

Common Uses for CBD in Dogs

CBD can be used to safely treat or manage a variety of problems in animals without the side effects associated with many conventional medications. Your dog may benefit from CBD oil for:

Acute or chronic pain
Seizures
Arthritis and inflammation
Psoriasis or sensitive skin
Itching from allergies
Inflammatory bowel disease
Lack of appetite
Glaucoma
Separation anxiety
Situational anxiety from loud noises, car travel or bad weather
Chemotherapy-induced vomiting
Motion sickness

Reports show that up to 5% of dogs suffer from seizures. Most dogs with seizures are given medications such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide, which may help control the seizures. However, they can damage your dog’s liver and other organs and they are not always an effective treatment.

The cannabinoids in CBD have also been shown to work well for pain. Studies show CBD to be effective for reducing pain (including neuropathy and nerve-related pain); reducing the impact of inflammation on oxidative stress (which causes degeneration and premature aging), inflammation in acute pancreatitis, general inflammation and intestinal inflammation (associated with irritable bowel disease).

If you are having trouble getting your dog to eat, CBD oil may help to increase his appetite. Further, studies show that CBD for dogs can help with vomiting and nausea, even when it is the result of toxins and drugs.

Researchers have found that CBD has been linked to heart health. Studies show it can: reduce the damage from damaged blood vessels and irregular heart rates, protect blood vessels from damage and dilate the arteries, reduce heart rate and blood pressure associated with stress and anxiety.

Common Uses for CBD in Horses

Chronic pain and arthritis
Inflammation
Chronic anxiety & depression
Digestive health
Gastrointestinal issues
Reduce negative side effects of cancer treatment
Improving overall health

Horses commonly have issues with inflammation. Because of their size, a lot of stress is put on their tendons and muscles when rigorously exercised, and this leads to inflammation. Long-term inflammation can cause arthritis, chronic pain, and other problems.

Although inflammation lets you know that your horse's immune system is working properly, over long periods it could have damaging effects.

Using CBD to manage your horse's inflammation may prevent more serious health issues. It reduces the immediate pain and discomfort that comes with inflammation.

Although rare, possible negative side effects may include lethargy, depression, agitation, or other unusual behaviors. If you notice any of these, speak to your vet before continuing with CBD.

For informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian.

Ready to find out more?

For more information or to order pure, high quality CBD for your horse, dog, cat or other animal, please contact us.

Resources:

For additional links for CBD and Animals, visit our Links & Resources Page

Hemp, Marijuana, and Cannabis: what do they mean?

Hemp, marijuana, and cannabis are often used interchangeably, however they do not mean the same thing. Hemp and marijuana are separate strains of the cannabis plant.

Marijuana, the strain you are probably most familiar with, contains the compound THC. THC is what produces a psychoactive effect, which has led to its popularity as a recreational drug. Marijuana also contains CBD, so those who use it recreationally can still benefit from the effects of CBD.

Hemp, on the other hand, is a strain of cannabis that contains less than 0.3% of THC, which is too low to have any psychoactive effects on the user.

While marijuana is currently illegal in many parts of the United States, hemp is legal in all 50 states.

Choosing the right CBD oil for you and your animals is ESSENTIAL to getting the best results from your CBD. Not all oils are created equal so please be sure to visit Choosing The Best CBD Oil For You & Your Pets.