The medical cannabis industry has taken huge steps in the recent past. With improvements in its legal status, the industry has become more accessible to those looking for an alternative or complementary form of therapy. CBD therapy and treatment works through the endocannabinoid system that is found naturally in the brain of not only humans but also our pets.
The physical and mental improvements seen with CBD oil and tincture use in humans could very well work and prove to be highly beneficial for our furry friends. So why not use CBD oil as a form of relief for our pets too?
CBD for Pets
Much like us humans, our pets experience feelings of stress, pain, anxiety and even depression. CBD is becoming more widely accepted as a form of relief for a myriad of ailments, illnesses and discomforts – CBD for pets could have the very same effect!
The endocannabinoid system is wired with three important components, primarily endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and fatty enzymes. When these all work in the same system, the body regulates and controls aspects such as sleep, memory, appetite, mood, reproduction and fertility. Keeping the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in check will allow all systems to function in our, or our pets favour.
It’s important to note that the ECS will still be present and function naturally, even if THC and CBD are avoided in the body, but studies have shown that the introduction of such terpenes could stimulate the system to improve its performance, especially when feelings of imbalance are experienced. CBD for pets could greatly help with anxiety, fear and feelings of abandonment. Here’s how CBD would interact with your pet’s ECS:
The Endocannabinoid System
The ECS is broken down into three sections as discussed above, but going into greater detail about each component could help us to understand how to give our pets the best form of treatment. Buying and using CBD oil for pets could be a great solution, resulting in more swaying dog tails and cat cuddles throughout the day.
The primary parts of the ECS are the endogenous cannabinoids, identified as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). Scientists have only discovered two cannabinoids in the ECS thus far, but they have clearly identified that the cannabinoid receptors as CB1 and CB2, found in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system respectively. These receptors work in tandem with the two enzymes in the ECS, fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase. These fatty enzymes activate the effects of CBD in our pets’ brains. And work in the same way with humankind.
When CBD is introduced into the body, through oral or topical consumpution, the ECS is sparked and relief starts to take place. What if we could simply make the switch and buy CBD dog treats instead of regular snacks? Wouldn’t using CBD oil for dogs suffering from travel anxiety be a whole lot more effective than sedatives?
Well, there’s been a lot of debate around the topic, both for humans and man’s best friend, but overall, the results have been positive – with CBD for pets showing zero negative symptoms. So how can CBD actually help your dog, cat, hamster or horse?
How does CBD interact with the ECS?
Deciding what course of treatment to choose for your pet is always a tedious decision. We all want the best for our pets, hoping that our care and attention will help them live a longer and fuller life – CBD for pets could improve their comfort and happiness, especially if our dogs and cats tend to feel anxious or in pain.
Much like in human use, the different strains of cannabis that we consume can help combat different discomforts, the same goes for the pets, most commonly dogs and cats, that we keep in our homes as part of the family. Every strain contains different terpenes, most commonly, Myrcene, Pinene, Linalool, Limonene and B-Caryophyllene.
These terpenes work in different ways once they reach the endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Mycene has the power to alleviate pain, while Limonene helps reduce inflammation in the joints and nerves, Pinene is noted for its gastrointestinal prowess, Linalool helps with anxiety and boosts the mood while scientist dub B-caryophyllene as a dietary cannabinoid.
Furthermore, the CB1 and CB2 receptors work together and independently to target different functions of a mammal’s body:
CB1 receptors in a dog’s body work on the:
- gastrointestinal tract
- vascular system
- reproductive organs
- lungs
- heart
- muscles and
- vascular system.
CB2 receptors in a dog’s body work on the:
- skin
- lungs
- bones
- spleen and
- parts of the brain.
While CB1 and CB2 receptors target the:
- liver
- brain stem
- bone marrow
- pancreas and
- gall bladder.
How to choose the right CBD for your pet
Much like every other consumable foods we feed our pets, CBD for dogs and cats needs to be chosen according to their required benefits. CBD oil for dogs and other pets can be administered orally or applied topically, depending on the treatment needed.
Benefits of CBD for dogs
Buying the right CBD oil for dogs could help with their neuroinflammatory system, aid with epilepsy to reduce seizure intensity and frequency as well as help with osteoarthritis in older pooches.
So the question remains, where to buy CBD for dogs? Whether it’s CBD dog treats, CBD oil for dogs or CBD lotions for dogs, consult your veterinarian before buying CBD for your pet.
Benefits of CBD for cats and other mammals
Reducing daily stressors in life is the goal for most living things, mammals tend to take longer to adapt to their surroundings but there are certain practices you can follow to ensure that your cat, dog or any other pet adapts to his indoor routine. CBD can help to reduce:
- stress and anxiety: CBD oil is a great relief for vet stress, travel stress, separation anxiety and other triggers.
- sleep quality: CBD oil can help your pets have a deeper and more restful sleep – here CBD oil for pets works in the same way as it does for humans.
- general wellness: this wellness boost could be considered as a supplement to their daily nutrition, and taken together with a balanced diet.
- discomfort: especially in older dogs or cats, CBD oil can help reduce swelling, joint pain and inflammation.
Is CBD safe for my pet?
The quick answer is yes. It is always advised to consult your vet before you buy CBD for pets and administer it, learning the proper dosage and recommended allowance for your cats or dogs could help them improve their wellbeing a lot more effectively. CBD is not considered a harmful complementary treatment for any mammals.
Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, finding the right balance between a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, CBD treatment and a whole lot of playtime could help your pet live a longer and happier life.