8 Good Reasons To Treat Your Pets With CBD

Cannabidiol or CBD is becoming the go-to solution for various mental and physical health issues. Interestingly, people are also resorting to giving their pets CBD to treat common ailments. Derived from marijuana and hemp plants, CBD alters the functioning of the central nervous system to provide therapeutic benefits. CBD’s action mechanism remains the same for both humans and animals, because of which it gives out similar effects on our furry mates.

This non-toxic, non-addictive chemical compound offers many health benefits to animals with chronic health conditions. If you have a fur buddy struggling with health concerns, explore the following list of 8 good reasons to treat your pets with CBD.

1. CBD can manage your Dog’s Anxiety

CBD works the same way in animals as humans to manage anxiety. The compound targets the endocannabinoid system to alter the functioning of serotonin. We know serotonin as the feel-good neurotransmitter that regulates our mood. CBD works well on anxious animals because it balances the secretion and reuptake of serotonin in their central nervous system. So, the next time you see your dog anxious, you can safely treat it with high-quality CBD dog treats. You can easily find CBD-infused chews and treats in stores. Alternatively, you can also prepare CBD treats for your pets at home.

However, one should remember that anxiety resulting from a more serious underlying condition will not respond to CBD treats. It’s always better to consult a vet if you think your animal is sick and needs a more comprehensive treatment plan.

2. CBD can minimize your pet’s Epilepsy Symptoms and Pain

Research has shown that animals with epilepsy respond well to CBD. Cannabidiol helps in reducing seizure frequency in epileptic cats and dogs by acting on specific brain regions affected by the condition. Randomized control studies also suggest that the use of CBD to manage epilepsy does not prohibit the conventional anticonvulsant treatment.

Popular anticonvulsant drugs like phenobarbital and diazepam can cause side effects in animals undergoing treatment for epilepsy. CBD oil and treats offer a safer alternative to treating seizures with no side effects. Free from harsh compounds like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD also acts as a pain reliever for animals without the high.

3. CBD can reduce Chronic Inflammation

A hyperactive immune response can often lead to chronic inflammation. It happens in animals who have been sick or injured. While inflammation is a normal immune response, prolonged inflammation leads to tissue damage. The longer the inflammation persists, the more problematic it is for our furry friends. Thankfully, CBD can help cats and dogs with chronic inflammation, owing to its immunomodulant properties.

Research has found CBD to effectively regulate cytokine production in dogs, which eases chronic inflammation. Since your pet cannot tell you if it’s feeling any better, you need to observe its behavior to determine whether CBD treats are working fine to treat signs of inflammation. CBD may take longer than traditional medicines to show signs of improvement. Keep a close eye and be patient.

4. CBD can improve the quality of life for animals with Cancer

Cancer is a devastating diagnosis, and no animal deserves to live with it. Apart from traditional radiation therapy, pet owners rarely have many options for improving their pet’s quality of life. In recent times, more people are gravitating toward giving their pets CBD to stop the existing cancer cells from growing further. THC, the second most commonly used cannabinoid, also has anti-cancer properties.

However, even in mild doses, THC can cause poisoning and even death in animals. Common symptoms of THC intoxication in animals include vomiting, paranoia, impaired coordination, and liver failure. Thus, it is highly advisable to stick with CBD treats that do not contain THC, even in traces.

While CBD alone cannot reverse cancer, it works well with other contemporary treatment options to shrink tumors in animals. Cannabidiol achieves this by prompting cancer-cell death, which further prevents metastasis of the diseased cells. Look for organically grown CBD to reap the maximum benefits for your ailing friend.

5. CBD can promote your pet’s Brain Health

The brain is a complex organ that requires specific compounds to join with its receptors to evoke certain behaviors. Because CBD easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, it acts as an effective supplement to stimulate vital regions of the brain. CBD contains terpenes and flavonoids that can boost brain health in animals. Terpenes induce stress-relieving effects, while flavonoids destroy free radicals. CBD, thus, acts as an antioxidant that lowers the effects of harmful free radicals in animals. This not only promotes brain health but also ensures that our best friends cope well with stress.

6. CBD can help control Arthritis in Animals

If your dog is suffering from painful osteoarthritis, you may consider giving it CBD dog treats. Osteoarthritis in animals causes severe pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility, leading to significant impairment and distress. Unfortunately, many dog breeds are highly prone to developing the condition after a certain age. Older dogs are the most susceptible to developing impaired mobility because of arthritis.

Luckily, easy to absorb liposomal formulation of cannabidiol has worked well on dogs with osteoarthritis in various experimental studies. Such findings have led many experts to believe in the therapeutic benefits of CBD in animals living with arthritis and joint aches. CBD has proven to be a safe and effective way to manage pain caused by the deterioration of bone density in animals.

7. CBD acts as an Appetite Booster

Many pet owners report struggling with fussy eaters. Reduced appetite in animals can result from underlying health issues or simply behavioral problems. If your mate is not eating because of an upset stomach or nausea, CBD can help immensely. The endocannabinoid system, which CBD targets, regulates appetite and improves nausea. CBD enzymes are also known to interact with the hypothalamus to induce appetite in sick animals.

Hypothalamus, which is associated with motivation and reward-based behaviors, prompts the rest of the cerebrum to fulfill nutritional requirements, causing an increase in the appetite. However, to rule out any major health issues, it’s always advisable to take your pet to a vet for a comprehensive evaluation.

8. CBD can treat Digestive Problems in Pets

CBD works amazingly well with animals living with digestive issues, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Most gastric concerns result from inflammation of the intestines, which also causes pain and physical discomfort. An upset stomach also makes cats and dogs perpetually stressed and anxious. CBD targets all these areas to ensure that your best friend does not have to suffer.

CBD also acts as a muscle relaxant to soothe the inner walls of the gut. So, if your pet has diarrhea or bloating, CBD treats can resolve it with no side effects. Ensure that you give your pets the highest-quality CBD to eliminate the possibility of side effects. However, remember that an upset stomach could indicate serious problems like liver failure, pancreatitis, heatstroke, and intoxication. If you suspect that your pet might be seriously ill, take it to the vet before looking for alternative treatment options.

Conclusion

Many pet owners attest to the claims that CBD offers several benefits to their pets’ health and well-being. CBD replicates endocannabinoid compounds to restore homeostasis. Non-toxic cannabidiols duplicate the actions of those receptors in the animal brain that control the functioning of vital organ systems. You can purchase CBD treats from authorized shops or prepare them at home to suit your pet’s taste buds.

If you plan to give your animals CBD for health benefits, consult a vet. While it is safe for your pets to consume CBD, you need to ensure that they get the right amount in the correct potency. While on CBD, look out for potential side effects such as dry mouth, altered blood pressure, changes in bowel movements, and lethargy. Such effects can occur if the CBD contains traces of heavy metals and other contaminants. Steer precise CBD products containing THC, as THC can make your pet very sick. 

You can also take measures to curb the chances of undesirable effects from CBD, such as ensuring that your animal is hydrated and eating a balanced diet. If you suspect poisoning, take your pet to the vet immediately. Always check for approvals by major regulatory bodies before you introduce your pets to the world of cannabidiol.


Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I’ve been writing articles for more than 10 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I’m currently writing for many websites and newspaper. All my ideas come from my very active lifestyle. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. In all my years as computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. I believe that any information should be free, we want to know more every day because we learn everyday. You can contact me on our forum or by email at: [email protected].