CBD and Pets Research
New studies are emerging that CBD can be of use not only to humans but to animals as well. We know that CBD has many healing properties, but what can it do for our companions that are also suffering? Well, new evidence suggests that CBD oil and other forms can be used to provide a better quality of life to our beloved pets.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound that is derived from the Cannabis plant, more specifically, the hemp plant. The hemp plant contains less than 0.3% THC. Many people associate the feeling of being “high” when they hear about Cannabis or CBD products, but it is quite the contrary. THC does indeed have psychoactive properties but CBD does not; in fact, it is very easy to consume CBD without any mind-altering side effects. When discussing the option to treat your pet’s ailments with CBD, it is important to note that they should under no circumstances receive a product that contains substantial levels of THC. This could be very upsetting to them and would be counterproductive to any form of relief that the owner is pursuing.
What can CBD do for pets?
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that are excellent for pets that have osteoarthritis. CBD can be used to reduce the swelling of the joints which will, in turn, alleviate pain and stiffness as well. The exact dosage that your pet will take will depend on their specific needs. While it is not legal for a veterinarian to prescribe any CBD products to your pet, they may be knowledgeable about specific products that are useful. If you choose to devise a plan or a regimen using CBD, be sure that you have done your research to understand if the product is all-natural and organically grown.
Sometimes pain causes anxiety as it is our body’s response to discomfort, especially when we don’t receive relief. The same is true for our pets such as cats and dogs; they too can experience anxiety as a result of external stimuli and pain that they feel from health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or injury. Research shows that CBD can also help modulate the endocannabinoid system in animals and enhance their moods while helping them to relax. If they are experiencing pain the CBD can alleviate any additional symptoms such as anxiety or stress.
Additionally, CBD can help to control seizures, which has been proven to be effective also with adults and children. There is one CBD product, and one in the process, that has been approved for use by the FDA for two rare forms of epilepsy. If your pet suffers from seizures CBD is an excellent treatment option.
As further research is conducted, health professionals will be able to test the limits of CBD to discover its efficacy in the field of healthcare.