When you have pets in the home, they become part of the family. When they get sick, it can be very stressful as you seek to go to the vet or search for medicine to treat them. Until they get better, you also become anxious and may feel helpless about their welfare. There are several treatments and medicines available for their ailments, all with different benefits, effectiveness and side effects.
In recent times, a new treatment for pets is doing the rounds among pet lovers. It is known as CBD. Even as research on CBD for pets is increasing, it is being shared as a new solution to treatment for your furry friends.
What is CBD?
The longer name is cannabidiol, and it is one of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis is primarily associated with marijuana. Hemp is the species of the cannabis plant that CBD is extracted from. It is important to note that CBD will not get your pet high as it does not contain significant amounts of THC, which is the compound that makes humans high. When used for medicinal purposes, both for pets and humans, THC is removed from the extract. It is also difficult to overdose as it has no toxicity level.
Benefits of CBD for Pets
The benefits of CBD for pets include:
- Pain killer
CBD has been found to relieve pain in pets by stopping the absorption of anandamide, a natural pain killer. The increased levels of anandamide in the blood alleviate the feeling of pain, improves the effects of arthritis and help with joint mobility, bowel irritation, etc.
- Anti-inflammatory
CBD for pets reduces inflammation by evoking immune system responses.
- Treating seizures and convulsions
CBD has been shown to help reduce seizures and convulsions in pets. Abnormal working neurons that cause epileptic-type fits are restored, maintaining the normal working of the body.
- Anxiety Reliever
CBD targets serotonin receptors which help to relieve anxiety by increasing their amounts in the body. This leads to a reduction in stress and phobias, thereby, relaxing your pets.
- Anti-Nausea (anti-emetic) and Help with Appetite
Pets, especially dogs have been found to benefit from CBD to control vomiting and nausea. This can be a side effect when undergoing certain treatments like chemotherapy. Also, when your pet shows poor appetite, CBD can help.
- Anti-cancer
Preliminary studies suggest that CBD can reduce cancerous tumours and slow their growth in dogs.
The benefits of CBD for pets are still being studied. The compound is known to promote homeostasis which is important in balancing body temperature, thereby, giving a therapeutic effect to the user. If you think that CBD would be beneficial to your pet, consult your vet about it. Be the first to mention it as vets are not yet allowed to bring up the topic until you do. You can easily administer CBD to your pets as it comes in both liquid and solid forms.
Do your research. You should also take measures to get your CBD for pets from reputable suppliers and manufacturers. This is because the CBD industry is still unregulated and there may be many scrupulous people out there. Purchase products specifically created for animals buy online here. There are small amounts of THC in CBD products for humans. Show your pets the love they deserve.