Whether in edible, topical, or smoking format, CBD will continue to dominate the wellness industry in the upcoming years. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the leading components of the hemp plant known to have numerous health benefits, which makes it a sought-after ingredient in self-care products. Its potential positive effects on animals have also been recognized recently, which gave rise to a new trend in veterinary medicine. Read on to learn how CBD is revolutionizing vet care and how your pet can benefit from this natural remedy.
What Is CBD Pet Oil?
CBD oil is a liquid containing cannabidiol derived from the hemp plant, a variety of cannabis boasting high CBD and low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. THC is a psychoactive compound extracted from marijuana, which causes the high but has numerous side effects and contraindications. Unlike its toxic relative, CBD does not have psychoactive properties and is generally well-tolerated by humans and animals. Therefore, it is used as the major component in CBD pet oils. Other ingredients include the following:
- Coconut-derived MCT Oil
- Flavors
- Phytocannabinoids such as cannabigerol and cannabinol
How Exactly Does CBD Affect an Animal Organism?
Before we dive into how CBD is used in vet care, it’s important to explain the pathways through which this chemical affects an organism. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is found in both humans and animals. This system is responsible for numerous body functions and regulates body homeostasis. In other words, it helps the body operate effectively, respond to stress, and resist diseases. CBD helps this system perform its functions more effectively by binding to endocannabinoid receptors. As a result, positive effects can be observed in the following areas:
- Stress control
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Mood
- Behavior
The multi-directional effect of CBD makes it a great addition to any animal’s diet, even when no apparent health problems are present.
No significant side effects of CBD consumption in animals have been reported. Some animals may feel drowsiness, dry mouth, or lowered blood pressure, but these effects disappear after decreasing the dosage. In other words, CBD is well-tolerated and can serve as a great alternative to traditional drugs.
CBD Pet Oil Application in Veterinary Medicine
Extensive research has been conducted recently to explore how CBD pet oil can be used in veterinary medicine. Results are staggering and point to the necessity of considering CBD as one of the safest and most effective chemicals for animal treatment.
Pain and Inflammation
Dogs with osteoarthritis suffer from significant pain and inflammation that affect their quality of life and activity levels. A recent study has found that incorporating CBD into osteoarthritis treatment may help decrease pain due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Older dogs suffering from various joint diseases or cancer can also benefit from CBD oil because it decreases pain levels.
CBD’s advantage for pain management consists in its delicious flavor that increases the pet’s appetite. In contrast, traditional drugs may be difficult to administer when an animal is in pain and does not eat much. Moreover, many animals hate taking medications, so stuffing a pill into their mouth becomes an ordeal and a source of stress for both the animal and the owner. CBD pet oil is more convenient because it can be added to food or administered quickly on the tongue.
Behavioral Problems
Stress-induced behavioral problems are a common concern among pet owners. Scared and stressed animals can become aggressive and uncontrollable and may even harm themselves. Such problems are usually addressed by prescribing benzodiazepines, tricyclic anti-depressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, many owners are hesitant to administer these drugs because of the following:
- High cost
- Fear of side effects
- Personal bias against drug use
CBD oil is a great alternative to traditional drugs because it is natural and raises fewer safety concerns. Thus, CBD oil for pets goes hand in hand with owners’ preference for natural remedies with a low risk of side effects. This treatment helps decrease stress and reduce the incidence and severity of undesirable behavioral responses, such as barking, obsessive jumping, aggression, etc.
Behavioral problems also often occur in shelter animals, which makes it difficult to care for them and poses a risk for volunteers and vet doctors. Animals experiencing stress due to a new environment, a lack of space, the presence of other animals, and interaction with humans may bite other animals and people, exhibit obsessive behaviors or, on the contrary, become lethargic and unresponsive to stimuli. CBD may help regulate shelter animals’ behavior and improve their overall well-being. Due to its soothing, calming effect, animals can pass their shelter time with fewer long-term consequences for their mental and psychological health.
Stress Control
While behavioral problems directly result from stress, this state itself poses significant risks to animal health. It can decrease appetite, affect sleeping patterns, and make animals more susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, vet doctors have been applying CBD to decrease stress in cats and dogs. Research shows that this hemp-derived component can positively affect the following parameters:
- Body temperature
- Cortisol levels
- Heart rate
So, CBD pet oil has been used as a natural remedy against stress in animals undergoing separation from their owners, traveling long-distance, or moving to a new place.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy treatment is another area of vet care where CBD has shown promising results. This hemp-derived compound has already been used in epilepsy treatment in humans, where it demonstrated a positive effect on seizure frequency and severity. However, scientists warn that more research is needed to determine animal dosage regimens and potential drug interactions.
The listed applications of CBD oil in veterinary care are not exhaustive. This product has also shown a positive effect on:
- Gastrointestinal function.
- Nervous system function.
- Immune system support.
- Sleep problems.
Ongoing research may uncover new applications of CBD oil in vet care, but more evidence is needed to make it a mainstream treatment.
Does My Pet Need a CBD Pet Oil?
Whether or not to include CBD oil in your pet’s diet depends on many factors, such as:
- Presence of diseases
- Behavioral problems
- Major life changes (e.g., moving to a new place)
- Age and overall health status
If your animal needs extra care due to diseases or stress, incorporating CBD into its care is always a good idea. To select a product that works for your pet, visit this website https://askgrowers.com/cbd/cbd-products-for-pets/pet-cbd-oil.
Some veterinary doctors may hesitate to prescribe CBD pet oil, but it does not necessarily mean your pet cannot benefit from it. The problem is that vet specialists in the USA are expected to follow standard treatment guidelines, which may not reflect the recent findings on CBD oil use in veterinary care. Oftentimes, it’s up to you to discuss the CBD topic and encourage the vet to share their ideas on CBD treatment.
How to Choose the Best CBD Pet Oil?
CBD oils for pets normally have simple and safe formulas. These usually have a minimum of ingredients to decrease the risk of side effects and allergies. However, dishonest manufacturers may add harmful chemicals to CBD oil, so we recommend steering away from oils containing artificial flavoring, preservatives, and solvents. Look for the following characteristics on the label to choose high-quality oils:
- GMO-free
- Vegan
- Organically grown
- Lab-tested
- THC-free
Although CBD oil for pets and humans may look similar, don’t use human products on your animal. Pet oils are specifically designed to suit the pet’s taste, nutritional requirements, and unique organisms. Human ones, in turn, may contain chemicals such as THC, which are toxic to pets.
Summing Up
CBD oil opens up numerous possibilities for improving vet care. This hemp-derived compound is non-toxic, non-psychoactive, and completely safe for animals. It can help fight pain and inflammation, improve behavior, increase stress resistance, etc. Although more research is needed to determine how CBD can be incorporated into evidence-based vet care, you don’t have to wait to uncover the wonderful properties of this natural remedy. Explore what the CBD market has to offer now and help your pet live a healthier and happier life.
This post was created by Denys Svirepchuk, an AskGrowers expert passionate about cannabis products and their exciting benefits. Denys keeps up with mounting research on the advantages of consuming cannabis for both humans and animals. He is eager to share this passion for marijuana with readers looking for ways to diversify their wellness routines.
