As pet owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. We want to ensure that they are comfortable, happy, and healthy. One way to achieve this is by using CBD, or cannabidiol, on our dogs. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant that has been found to have a variety of benefits for both humans and animals. In this blog post, we will explore the use of CBD on dogs and how it can improve their overall well-being.
First, it’s important to understand what CBD is and how it works. CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant that is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a high. CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating various functions including pain, sleep, and mood. When CBD is introduced to the body, it can help regulate the ECS and improve overall well-being.
One of the most common uses of CBD on dogs is for pain management. Dogs, like humans, can experience pain due to a variety of reasons such as injury, arthritis, and cancer. CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation in dogs. This can be especially beneficial for dogs that are suffering from chronic pain and may not respond well to traditional pain medications.
Another benefit of using CBD on dogs is its ability to improve sleep. Many dogs, especially older dogs, can experience difficulty sleeping. CBD can help regulate the body’s ECS and promote relaxation, making it easier for dogs to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can lead to improved overall well-being and a happier, more restful pet.
CBD can also help with anxiety and stress in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety and stress due to a variety of reasons such as separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, and even changes in routine. CBD has been found to have anxiolytic properties and can help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. This can lead to a more relaxed and calm pet, which can improve overall well-being.
CBD can also be beneficial for dogs that are suffering from seizures. Epileptic seizures can be debilitating for dogs and can significantly impact their quality of life. CBD has been found to have anticonvulsant properties and can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs. This can lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life for dogs suffering from seizures.
CBD can also be beneficial for dogs that are suffering from cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs and can significantly impact their quality of life. CBD has been found to have anti-tumor properties and can help reduce the size of tumors and slow the progression of cancer in dogs. This can lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life for dogs suffering from cancer.
It’s important to note that while CBD has been found to have a variety of benefits for dogs, it is not a cure-all. It’s also important to consult with a veterinarian before starting your dog on a CBD regimen, as they will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your pet’s specific needs. Additionally, it is important to purchase CBD products from a reputable source and to ensure that the products are specifically formulated for pets.
In conclusion, CBD can be an effective tool for improving the overall well-being of our furry friends. It can be used to manage pain, improve sleep, reduce anxiety and stress, reduce seizures, and even slow the progression of cancer. By incorporating CBD into your dog’s wellness routine, you can help ensure that your pet is comfortable, happy, and healthy.
What CBD dosage should be used for pets?
Since there aren’t any FDA-approved products for use in animals, and we don’t have many studies looking at safety and efficacy, further research is needed to determine more exact doses. If your veterinarian recommends CBD, make sure to follow their instructions since dosing may vary depending on why you are using the product.
One study looked at the efficacy of CBD oil in helping to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. Researchers found that 2 mg per kilogram of body weight given twice a day reduced pain without owners reporting any side effects.
However, blood test results suggested that there may have been some damage to the liver. This is why it’s important that your vet is involved in making sure that your pet is being monitored appropriately.
As with humans who have never taken CBD before, it is important to start your pet on a low dose and raise it slowly.
For example, you can start with one-quarter or one-half of the dose on the label to see how your pet reacts to a small amount of CBD. If your pet does not experience symptom relief, your vet may have you give another dose of the same amount in 30 to 60 minutes and continue to see how they respond.
What pet health problems might CBD help manage?
CBD has shown benefit for animals in a range of conditions including, but not limited to, inflammatory problems, seizures, pain relief, and anxiety. Using CBD for pet health problems is based on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The goal of the ECS is to achieve and maintain balance of all processes in the body. This is thought to be the reason CBD may have so many potential benefits.
Keep in mind that every pet’s ECS functions a little bit differently, so CBD may work better for some than others.
Pain
Once absorbed by an animal’s body, CBD may play a role in lowering inflammation and relieving pain. While experts are still learning exactly how CBD may relieve pain, it’s believed to affect the ECS and other nerves that are involved in creating pain sensations. More specifically, studies have shown that reducing joint inflammation relieves osteoarthritis aches and pains in pets.
Anxiety
Much like humans, many pets experience anxiety, leading to several troublesome behaviors like urinating inappropriately. CBD is thought to ease nervousness and provide feelings of calm. Experts believe this is because CBD may activate some of the same areas of the brain as serotonin — the hormone that helps us feel happy and relaxed.
Seizures
CBD has been shown to help with epilepsy in dogs by lowering the frequency of seizures when used in combination with traditional antiseizure medications. Although experts don’t fully understand how CBD treats seizures, it is thought to prevent nerves in the brain from firing too much and lower the number of electrolytes believed to have a role in seizure conditions.
How can I tell if CBD is helping my pet?
Because our pets cannot tell us whether they are feeling better, the most reliable way to tell if CBD is working is to watch them and their behaviors. After giving a dose of CBD, keep a close eye on your pet to see if their symptoms seem to be improving or not. Depending on the condition your pet has, symptom relief may happen in as soon as 30 minutes or take up to a few weeks of consistent use.
As discussed before, CBD impacts every animal differently. If your vet recommends that you give it a try, you may go through several brands, doses, or forms to find what works for your four-legged companion. But even though finding the right product requires patience, it is worth it to see your pet be their best, happiest self.
