CBD in human medicine has already generated a buzz, but not many know that cannabidiol is also beneficial for pets. So, if you’re looking for ways to care for and pamper your furry friend, read on!
There’re numerous pet wellness trends out there, but CBD has managed to grab the attention of thousands of people and consumers alike. The question that may come to your lips is, “If CBD helps me feel better, why wouldn’t it do the same with my pup?” But learn that it does! Individuals consuming cannabidiol often see results relating to medical conditions such as pain, seizures, and even cancer. Therefore, veterinarians and researchers started considering CBD products like treats and oils for animals.
It’s hard to see your beloved pet in pain or crying tears, and the sensation of helplessness in this regard is even harder to handle. But you can now explore the various medical benefits of CBD on dogs and cats, from helping them recover after a surgical intervention to treating arthritis, seizures, irritable moods, or neurological disorders.
Keep reading for more insights into CBD for pets.
CBD and Pets
CBD is one of the most prevalent compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its “cousin,” tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties, meaning it won’t produce a “high.” That’s one reason CBD-related products are so loved among consumers. But the research on CBD also found that it could be beneficial for pets in treating conditions from pain and arthritis to seizures and cancer. Pet parents are now curious about using CBD for their furry babies and thus in search of answers. Proper information about this compound is crucial to helping people make an informed decision regarding their pets’ health, so if you’re looking for ways to treat your dog or cat naturally, don’t skip this step. Fortunately, here are enough facts about CBD for pets to help you make a pertinent decision, so stay tuned.
Ways to Give CBD to Animals
The range of CBD for pets is vast. You can find everything from creams and oils to treats and capsules. Obviously, what you choose depends on the specific needs of your pet and your lifestyle. Some products can also be more effective than others, so take your time to research what each product implies and its uses. For example, a study conducted by Colorado State University discovered that oral CBD oil is more efficient than a gel capsule or cream for dogs with epilepsy.
The same study found that the dose is critical for dogs with osteoarthritis. But this should come as no surprise since the same is true for humans. So, the recommended dose for dogs with this medical condition is about 2 mg per kg of weight. However, every pup responds differently to a particular dosage amount, so it would be better to start with a small dose and adjust it accordingly after carefully checking your furry companion’s results. If you feel you can’t handle this, you can look for products with dosing suggestions or, even better, consult a veterinarian.
What to Look for When Choosing a Product
It’s understandable to be a bit disoriented when selecting a CBD-related product. The market diversity and uncertainty regarding quality are two impediments in this sense. But if you follow some simple rules, there’s no chance of going wrong. First and foremost, look for “certificates of analysis,” which should be found on the manufacturer’s web page. This is substantial evidence that the product you’re going to purchase is heavy metal- and pesticide-free, and clean from any other toxins. Second, verify the label to ensure the product doesn’t contain THC. Or, if it does, make at least sure it’s in a very low amount. The same applies to humans. When purchasing CBD products like flowers, gummies, vape carts, or tinctures, ensure they’re highly qualitative. For example, brands like Organic CBD Nugs provide consumers with premium-grade, organic products based on legally and sustainably grown hemp.
Medical Conditions CBD Can Help With
CBD use for its therapeutic and medicinal properties is not uncommon for humans, but throughout time, this cannabinoid has proved beneficial for pets, too.
Here are some of the most frequently encountered conditions in pets that CBD can successfully address:
Seizures
Seizure control is often easier said than done. Various medical conditions can cause seizures, including epilepsy, one of the most studied issues in humans and dogs. In the latter case, the study previously mentioned showed that CBD can diminish seizure frequency in dogs. More precisely, pups subject to this research experienced 33% fewer seizures than dogs taking a placebo. Of course, the results are not clear as of the day, and more research is necessary to determine the exact dosage a dog with seizures may need to feel better, but with so much hype around CBD for pets, there’s hope more studies are going to be carried out.
Arthritis
CBD is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s no wonder it can help with arthritis, a common inflammatory condition in dogs. More than that, experts reveal that one in four pups is likely to be diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime. CBD can provide significant pain relief in pets with degenerative joint disease, which is encouraging news. Also, a National Library of Medicine report addressed CBD treatment’s safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical effectiveness in osteoarthritic pups and yielded positive results.
Itchiness
This is an irritating sensation that dogs frequently feel due to various causes like insects, dander, or plants. While it’s pretty difficult to prevent your pup from coming into contact with such factors, you can still help them fight skin irritation or allergy. CBD is an efficient treatment for skin conditions, including itchiness, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Not for nothing it started to be widely used in the skin care industry as an active ingredient for acne, psoriasis, skin irritation, and many more.
But CBD’s health benefits don’t stop here. Other conditions this cannabinoid can help with include pain, anxiety, and even cancer. It’s, without a doubt, a promising treatment that can be taken either alone or as an adjuvant. Just ensure you consult your pet’s veterinarian for an expert opinion.