There are now several categories of products intended for the consumption of premium CBD consumption for animals. Often considered a natural alternative for preventing and relieving certain illnesses, cannabidiol is a great ally for the health of any pet.
What is CBD? How does it work? What are its benefits for animals? What types of products and what quantities of CBD should you choose for your dog or cat? In this article, you will find all the information you need about CBD for animals.
What is CBD?
Discovered in 1940, CBD is a cannabinoid molecule found particularly in industrial hemp or Cannabis sativa. It should be noted that this plant is not the same as the one commonly referred to as "cannabis." Industrial hemp and cannabis are both from the same family, but with an almost entirely different chemical composition.
Industrial hemp is very rich in CBD, as well as other cannabinoids. However, it contains very low amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). In contrast, THC is present in large quantities in the cannabis plant and has psychotropic properties that are used to get high.
Before being cultivated and classified as industrial hemp within the European Union, hemp plants must contain less than 0.3% THC. Otherwise, the products are considered narcotics. CBD, or cannabidiol, is neither a psychoactive molecule for recreational use nor a narcotic. It does not cause any dependence or addiction. Instead, it has other positive effects on the human and animal body.
How does CBD work on animals?
In the 1970s, researchers in Israel established that all mammals have an endocannabinoid system that serves to keep their bodies healthy. This system plays a vital role in regulating several activities at the cellular level and maintaining homeostasis.
This system has a large network of CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. These can be activated by naturally produced endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2AG. They can also be activated by external compounds such as cannabinoids found in hemp, particularly CBD.
However, cannabinoids produced in the body are quickly synthesized. As a result, they are mostly insufficient. This is where external cannabinoids such as CBD come in. CBD can activate CB1 and CB2 receptors to maintain homeostasis at the cellular level. Cannabidiol mimics the natural cannabinoids found in animals and provides the same therapeutic effects.
The benefits of CBD for animals
CBD has many therapeutic effects that can help not only humans, but also animals. In particular, it has the ability to reduce or stop seizures and relieve anxiety, stress, digestive disorders, arthritis, memory, mood, and sleep problems. Here are its main benefits for animals.
Combating stress and anxiety
In animals, aggression, persistent barking, recurrent trembling, and destructive behavior are signs that your dog or cat is suffering from stress or anxiety. As in humans, stress in animals can cause serious psychological and physical consequences.
In this case, administer CBD to your pet can be a natural and effective solution to help them relax. It is said to have a calming effect on animals. A good dose of cannabidiol on a regular basis can affect serotonin levels and act as a brain chemical that promotes well-being. This natural calming agent will help your companion get through difficult times by overcoming everyday anxiety and stress.
Combating certain skin problems
The risks of an animal developing skin problems are too high. It is not always possible to follow it everywhere to know what it touches or eats, which means that it may end up with skin conditions. These can manifest themselves differently from one animal to another. For example, while one animal may develop redness, another may experience hair loss.
In this specific case, CBD can provide relief. Topical application of THC-free CBD ointment is a non-invasive, safe, and effective solution for improving the quality of life of animals suffering from skin disorders. However, it is important to note that CBD alone cannot combat serious skin problems in animals.
Relieves pain and inflammation
CBD is a highly effective pain reliever, so much so that it can treat chronic pain in animals. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, cannabidiol is a natural and effective solution for reducing nerve pain by decreasing the pain signals sent by damaged cells.
In addition, CBD is capable of reducing general inflammation, even in cases of acute pancreatitis and intestinal inflammation. Some pet owners have applied the same treatment to their furry friends, and the results have been remarkable. CBD can therefore significantly improve your pet's quality of life if they suffer from any kind of chronic pain.
Accelerates wound healing
Whether large or small, animals love to move around. For them, movement makes their daily lives enjoyable and exciting. However, in the process of moving back and forth, they can injure themselves. Most of these injuries have one thing in common: the sooner they are properly treated, the faster they heal.
To make things easier for you and ensure your pet's well-being, you might consider using CBD. CBD has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal wounds. However, for serious situations, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Improves appetite and reduces nausea
Just like humans, animals can also suffer from loss of appetite. This can be caused by many factors, particularly stress or anxiety. Once in the body, CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system, which can regulate appetite. In addition, CBD can help relieve nausea and vomiting. There are conventional treatments available, but they sometimes have undesirable side effects. This is why some people prefer natural and organic solutions such as cannabidiol.
In addition, some products containing premium CBD can help combat ulcerative colitis (an intestinal disease that causes inflammation of the colon). Since cannabidiol interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, it can promote improved health in your animals.
Fighting neurodegenerative diseases
Older animals are much more susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. Older dogs, for example, can suffer from degenerative myelopathy and other diseases of the nerves or spine. To protect your pet's brain from toxins, you can use CBD. It can reduce neuroinflammation and DNA damage.
At the same time, you may want to consider slowing down the aging process by helping your pet stay strong. Cannabidiol may support and improve the health of your pet's joints and hips. CBD for pets can therefore help you in this other context.
Relieves epilepsy
Animals can also suffer from epilepsy, which is why there are treatments specifically designed for them. However, these may not work or may have negative effects on the animals' health. These reasons lead some people to opt for alternative solutions.
In this regard, CBD is not a conventional treatment for epilepsy and its potential seizures. However, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsive properties, it can help reduce the frequency and duration of epileptic seizures.
Which CBD products should be given to animals?
To administer high-quality CBD to your pet, you can choose between capsules or CBD oil. However, cats and dogs, for example, are very clever and will not be fooled when you try to make them swallow an unfamiliar substance. To make it easier for you, pour a little CBD oil on their food.
The product will be absorbed by the stomach and intestines, but it will take some time for the effects to appear. If your pet will allow you to apply a few drops of oil CBD under the tongue, the soothing effects will be felt more quickly. With both oil and capsules, it is essential to know that all cannabidiol products for animals sold in CBD shops are:
- specially designed for animals;
- natural, and contain no trace of THC;
- laboratory tested and undergo strict controls.
All of this guarantees their quality and effectiveness.
How much CBD should you give your pet?
In animals, as in humans, cannabidiol does not cause any psychoactive or harmful effects on health, even at low doses. However, it is necessary to adhere to a dosage based on certain criteria. In animals, for example, it is necessary to:
- 4 to 6 drops of CBD oil per day for a 10-kilogram animal;
- 8 to 12 drops per day for a medium-sized animal weighing between 10 and 25 kilograms;
- 15 drops per day for an animal weighing less than 10 kilograms.
Please note that all these recommendations are given as examples. If you are unsure about the right dosage for your pet, seek professional advice and always start with a low dose. If you are lucky enough to find a better CBD store CBD store in UK, you can benefit from this service free of charge.
Tips for choosing CBD for your pet
To get the best results with CBD for animals, it's a good idea to learn how to select the products available in CBD store. It is also crucial to know what your pet is suffering from. This will allow you to determine which CBD product is particularly suited to the situation.
Choosing a reputable CBD brand
For all CBD purchase for your pet, it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain your products from professional and reputable brands. On the UK CBDmarket, many sellers have actually entered the cannabidiol for animals market with the aim of making money at the expense of animals. So avoid the pitfalls by taking the time to research the brand thoroughly and read as many reviews as possible.
Opt for a CBD product without THC
The THC is not only an illegal cannabinoid at certain doses, but it is also toxic to animals. Therefore, it is imperative to give your dog or cat a CBD-based product that does not contain this substance. To do this, check the label. Professional and reputable brands always specify that their product is THC-free.
Don't hesitate to go one step further by asking the brand you want to choose if their CBD products have been tested by a third-party laboratory. If they have, ask for the analysis report. Only reputable brands will be able to provide you with this document.
Buy CBD for animals
It is not uncommon to find some pet owners giving their animals CBD intended for humans. This is very dangerous, as there are ingredients that are safe for humans to consume but toxic or deadly to animals. To be sure you find CBD that is safe for your pet, be sure to clearly explain your request to the seller. You can also opt for a brand specifically designed for animals.
