CBD Oil can be just as useful for keeping your four-legged friends happy, healthy and well
Many people consider pets a part of their family. When it comes to nutrition, we feed them only the best. And when it comes to caring for them (whether they’re physically ill or have anxiety or behavioral problems), we want to do that thoughtfully and healthily.
As many of us are turning to alternative medicine and treatments for the care of our children and ourselves, it makes sense we would do the same for our pets.
What is CBD oil?
Found in the hemp plant, cannabinol or CBD represents one of the most potent and healing cannabinoids in the hemp plant. CBD contains no psychoactive properties and will not make you or your pet high.
Though hemp and marijuana both derive from the cannabis sativa plant, a plant with less than .3% of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol or THC falls under the hemp category. For a plant to be considered marijuana the THC level must measure between .5% and 30%.
CBD oil or serum derives from the seeds, flowers, roots, or a combination of all plant parts of the hemp plant. There are different methods in which to extract the oil:
- Olive or almond oil serves as a base to extract the plant material into oil.
- CO2 extraction isolates the CBD by using oxygen.
- The ethanol process represents a more dangerous method and is primarily only used for vaping.
CBD and the endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system or ECS was discovered in the 1980s as a result of research conducted to determine why cannabis assisted with relieving so many ailments and their symptoms. Made up of small endogenous molecules (referred to as “endocannabinoids”), homeostasis or balance makes up the primary function of the ECS.
The ECS runs throughout the entire body and covers all the systems in all mammals. These mammals include humans, of course, but also our pets such as dogs and cats. The ECS works at the cellular level by penetrating C1 and C2 receptors and sending signals through DNA to turn off the acid which causes pain, inflammation (chronic and acute) and other problems.
Conditions which compromise the ECS include poor lifestyle habits, aging, autoimmune diseases, and other inherited disorders. Cannabis presents an ideal solution to assist the ECS because the cannabis plant possesses the same system that controls its health and growth.
Though there are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plants, THC and CBD represent two of the most prevalent when it comes to assisting the ECS. Both CBD and THC have their place when alleviating ailments in human patients, but for pets such as dogs and cats, CBD represents the practical choice. CBD binds with the C2 receptors which help with disorders involving pain, inflammation, digestive conditions and autoimmune concerns.
Conditions in which CBD may help pets
There are many conditions which may benefit from CBD oil:
- Anxiety
- Aggressive behavior
- Arthritis
- Cancer
Correct dosing represents a vital component of administering CBD oil for pets. Due to CBD’s biphasic compound, a low or high dose of CBD oil brings about very different results.
Consult the manufacturer and your veterinarian for guidelines. Consider increasing the dosage incrementally and slowly until the unwanted symptoms are alleviated.
Animals that benefit from CBD oil
Dogs and cats are the most obvious candidates for CBD, but any animal or mammal with an ECS may respond to CBD oil treatment. CBD has been used on large cats, horses and other mammals, but also lizards, snakes and other exotic animals not falling under the mammal categorization.
Again, though CBD shows significant promise in treating animals, THC or marijuana doesn’t present a viable option. Cats especially don’t respond well to THC. Keep the catnip handy for excitement.
Why CBD may represent a better choice than pharmaceutical treatments
Pharmaceutical treatments for pets come with possible adverse side-effects. CBD oil doesn’t present serious safety concerns such as kidney or liver damage.
You should always consult your veterinarian regarding dosage. Also be sure to inform your vet of medicines your pet currently takes to avoid toxic contraindications.
Don’t consider CBD oil a substitute for life-saving medicine dealing with respiratory or heart conditions.
Not all CBD oil is created equal
Make sure you choose high-quality CBD oil for your pet and avoid buying a product with deficient levels of CBD and contain harmful additives, pesticides and even mold.