Joint inflammation, anxiety, and pain from aging are all common conditions that CBD can soothe. They’re also three common conditions that often occur in dogs or pets. So, it’s no surprise that its has made its’ leap from treating humans to animals. Although, even now using it for pets hasn’t been a clear-cut or smooth transition. With varying expert opinions and questions on how much you should dose your furry friends…like many pet owners, you may be asking yourself – what are the facts about it and pets? We’ll answer that question and more with our complete guide to it and how to use it best, for your pet pals.
How does it work for pets?
From what we know research-wise, it works in the same way for pets as it does for humans. CBD interacts and binds to a variety of receptors found in the endocannabinoid system, to establish its effects. Dogs also have an endocannabinoid system which is leading experts to believe that’s why it can work similarly for pets as humans.
While research continues to grow, pet owners across the nation must be on to something. In 2018 alone, it pet goods quadrupled in sales from $8 million in 2017 to $32 million. But what conditions are owners using CBD to help with their pets? Let’s learn more on pet problems that the benefits are showing promise for.
Benefits for pets
Through various studies on humans and animals, we know that it is anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, analgesic, and anticonvulsant in nature. Here we’ve broken down how CBD’s natural properties are relieving ailments often found in pets.
Pain
Usually, due to their stature, some dogs or pets endure chronic pain, and specifically in their backs. Intervertebral disc disease is a very common disorder among dogs in the dwarf category like dachshunds, Shih Tzus, basset hounds, cocker spaniels. Even bigger breeds like labrador retrievers and german shepherds can suffer from the condition.
To relieve pressure on these areas of pain, it’s anti-inflammatory properties go to work. With the additional pain relief that CBD can provide, the combination of characteristics can be ultra soothing for pets in any type of pain.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis or arthritis is another prevalent problem for many pets. In fact, 1 in 4 dogs are diagnosed with the condition, and it’s likely that nearly 60% of all dogs show being affected in some fashion. A recent study explored how it can help this condition, specifically. What was found was positive results with an actual dosage recommendation.
In the case study, dogs were given the treatments at varying doses over a 4 week period. At 2mg twice a day, the dogs who were studied found relief for pain related to arthritis. In addition, the owners reported no side-effects at this rate.
Seizures/Epilepsy
Seizures occur in pets due to a number of conditions including idiopathic epilepsy. With the number of successful results in studies for CBD, humans, and epilepsy, recently a study was conducted on a group of dogs with the same disorder. Likewise, results were promising. The research showed that dogs had a ‘significant’ reduction in seizure frequency when administered CBD. Again, owners reported no irregular side-effects or behavioral issues with the dosage.
Cancer
CBD’s effects on tumor growth found in cancer have been widely studied in humans. But cancer widely affects dogs and pets, as well. It’s been found that beyond reducing tumors it has soothing benefits for the effects of chemotherapy. Which dogs also undergo as a treatment for the condition. While little research has been published on CBD helping to address cancer specifically in dogs, we do know it can help ease the side-effects of common medications for the disease. CBD’s anti-nausea traits were proven in a study on rats and could translate appropriately to dogs and pets.
Anxiety
From fireworks to trips to the vet, or thunderstorms, dogs and cats can undergo bouts of anxiety. CBD is highly regarded as an anxiety reducer in humans, so many pet owners have implemented the compound into their pet’s routines when necessary. But these user experiences are about as far as ‘research’ goes for how CBD can actually manage anxious feelings in pets. With that said, the growing amount of support is evident of relief. Because CBD is naturally calming and sometimes sedating, pet owners are seeing positive results in stressful environments.
How can pets take it?
CBD is proving safe for pets, THC on the other hand is not. THC is a cannabinoid like CBD but provides psychoactive effects, unlike others. Legally, products like full-spectrum tinctures or treats can contain >.3% THC. While this should be safe for pets to consume, you may want to consider a broad-spectrum or isolate CBD product for pets in the case that you’re unsure. Broad-spectrum tinctures or treats do not contain THC and will offer additional benefits via whole plant matter like terpenes. While isolates pet products are strictly the CBD cannabinoid removed from all other plant compounds.
Most pet owners dispense it to pets through flavorless oils or tinctures. This allows them to add CBD to their regular diet of wet or dry food, easily. Another option is the recent expansion into pet treats. These treats are accurately dosed pet flavored bites, given just like any other treatment would.
It’s recommended to check with your vet prior to administering any CBD to your pet, especially if they’re on any medication already. Starting with low doses, and increasing over time is ideal but be sure to get the appropriate MG dosage product that fits your pet’s weight. And just how long will it take for CBD to show its’ effects on pets? For anxiety, typically results are shown as quickly as 5-30 minutes. For chronic pain or arthritis, it may take a few weeks with consistent doses to see results.
CBD For Pets
Even though specific research is minimal, the early results of CBD’s efficacy for pets is progressively positive. Pet owners seeking natural methods to alleviate common issues like anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, and seizures are increasingly turning to thsi for relief. Like any new supplement, be sure to watch dosages and results carefully as you begin your pet’s use with CBD. If you have a pet that could benefit from the soothing properties and capabilities of CBD, check out naturespurecbdoil.com pet CBD oil.
