The Benefits of Medicinal CBD Products for Animals
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Cannabidiol or CBD is a concentrated extract of the Cannabis Sativa or Indica plant. It generally contains high concentrations of cannabinoids (but low concentrations of THC). Therefore, CBD is not capable of giving your pet or any animal a “high”. CBD for animals is still fairly new; therefore, many people are uncertain about its therapeutic properties on animals. The good news is that although the American Veterinary Medical Association has not sanctioned the use of CBD in animals yet, there have been many successful cases of the use of CBD products to help animals with illnesses and conditions.
Both CBD and THC are non-toxic, which means that they cannot kill you, your child or your animals. Below are the benefits of medicinal CBD products for animals:
CBD is an effective painkiller
Since cannabidiol interacts with brain receptors, it can help with pain management. CBD temporarily halts the absorption of anandamide in the animal’s body. High levels of anandamide result in pain relief.
CBD is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. By reducing inflammation, CBD is also able to relieve pain in animals. A study carried out and published in the journal Pain, helped in the relief of joint pains and swelling in rats with osteoarthritis.
CBD helps reduce anxiety
Just like people, animals also suffer from anxiety. The cause of anxiety may differ in animals. This anxiety will, however, lead to stress and may trigger certain physical reactions just like in human beings.
For example, in dogs, anxiety may arise from traveling, noise or even separation. These dogs then exhibit behaviors such as;
- Chewing shoes, furniture, and other items.
- Increased aggression
- Tremors
- Insistent barking
In cats, symptoms of anxiety can be;
- Meowing excessively
- Increased aggression
- Loss of appetite
- The cat will always hide
- Restlessness
If you use feminized cannabis seeds for the extraction of CBD, it helps reduce anxiety in cats and other animals.
CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory agent
CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This inflammatory effect is the main reason behind the use of CBD in managing many conditions. CBD normally interacts with CB2 receptors of the immune cells hence eliciting a wide range of immune responses. One of these immunity responses is easing of inflammation in the body.
Many conditions will cause inflammation in various body parts, for example, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. CBD can, therefore, be used in animals with these conditions to provide relief.
CBD is an anticonvulsant
CBD helps in the control of muscle spasms, seizures, and tremors. Various studies have proven the fact that CBD helps in reducing seizures and spasms caused by epilepsy and other conditions such as multiple sclerosis. In fact, the anti-convulsion properties of CBD first came to light through the story of Charlotte Figi. She was a young girl suffering from epilepsy and her seizures were effectively managed by use of CBD rich cannabis.
CBD, therefore, can help in managing tremors and tics in animals.
CBD is an anti-emetic
CBD is also used in the control of nausea and vomiting in humans as well as animals. Nausea and vomiting are serious symptoms which often lead to a reduction in appetite and ultimately loss of weight and dehydration.
Studies show that CBD is not only effective in managing nausea and vomiting but also helps in stimulating appetite. Since CBD is a natural medication, it does not come with side effects associated with other medications. Common anti-emetic drugs elicit adverse reactions such as;
- Diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling
- Sedation
- Lack of appetite
With the use of CBD, such reactions are avoided.
CBD aids in homeostasis
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain internal stability and adjust to changes in the surrounding environment. A perfect example of homeostasis is the way by which humans are able to maintain a body temperature of 98.6 degrees regardless of the changing environment.
A scientific study by Dr. Perry Solomon shows that the CBD from cannabis seeds aids in promoting homeostasis in the body. This is actually why many choose to use CBD not only to treat particular conditions but also as regular supplements in animals to promote their overall health.
CBD helps in managing tumours
It is a known fact that animals are also susceptible to the growth of tumors. While currently there is no known definite cure for cancer, treatment often focuses on the reduction in the growth rate of tumors and pain management. In animals, the most common treatment regime for tumor growth in chemotherapy.
Unfortunately, chemotherapy has various side effects including;
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite.
Fortunately, CBD can be used to counter all of the above effects.
New studies have also shown that CBD helps in slowing down the spread of cancer cells and the growth of tumors.
If an animal suffers from any of the above conditions and symptoms, you should give CBD a try. It may just be the answer to the animal’s ailments. Also, giving regular CBD supplements to animals will go a long way in improving the overall well-being of the animal.
Note: In the UK it is now illegal to sell CBD marketed directly at pets, and CBD products should currently be prescribed the cannabinoid by their vets. However, information is lacking, so much like with humans, owners are choosing to treat their pets with CBD. Make sure you research the condition thoroughly and learn about the products you are using, and keep it natural and full spectrum where possible