Animals and CBD - Does It Do Anything Good For Them?
CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant that has been shown to have significant beneficial effects in treating and reducing pain, stress and anxiety, seizures, and other neurological issues in dogs and cats.
Here are some of the things to know about CBD.
- Contains THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that induces a "high" in users. Scientific studies and data on the effects and risks of CBD are still evolving, but so far the results are looking very promising for a variety of medical and general conditions.
- Reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis and promotes physical activity in pets whose mobility has been limited by pain, inflammation and stiffness, has a calming effect in pets prone to stress, anxiety and hyperactivity.
- May reduce the occurrence of seizures in pets with epilepsy or other serious neurological disorders.
- Relieves symptoms associated with intestinal disorders, asthma, nausea and many other common pet health problems.
Here is why you have to be careful when buying CBD for your pets. Up to 40% of CBD products contain THC, which can be harmful to pets.
What are the effects of CBD on cats?
Cannabinoids like CBD unleash the endocannabinoid system responsible for maintaining your cat's bodily functions like appetite, sleep, pain relief and even mood.
CBD research is still in its early stages, but some studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that it may be helpful in treating conditions like
anxiety, pain, cancer, and arthritis.
CBD pet products are marketed as a natural way to treat these conditions in dogs
Active CBD pet product marketing has intriguing pet owners to learn the potential risks and benefits in order to make an informed decision. And the Hudson Activity Scale, another study, found that epileptic dogs given CBD in addition to drugs had significantly fewer seizures than dogs given pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD for dogs comes in many forms, including treats, oils, and creams, but research on the effectiveness of each method is scarce. A 2018 Trusted Source Colorado State University study of dogs with epilepsy found that orally administered CBD oil was more effective than a cream or gel capsule. However, more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
French Bulldog photo provided by master1305 - www.freepik.com