The Growing Trend of CBD for Pets in 2023

Do you have a furry companion who could use a little help? Many of us have found tremendous bliss after discovering cannabidiol (CBD), and now, research is showing that that same compound can help our precious pets as much as it can help us. Because of this, there’s a growing market for CBD products for pets. But, before you run out and grab a bottle of CBD extract to give to your beloved cat or dog, it’s important to know how to administer it, its effects and how to choose the very best formula for their bodies.

Major Question: Is it Safe to Give a Pet CBD?

One of the first things that people ask is whether or not CBD is actually proven to be safe for pets. By now, a lot of research has been done regarding CBD’s effects on mammals, The data has essentially shown the unique way in which CBD interacts with the bod, more om that a bit later.

It’s important to remember that every pet has a different bodily chemistry, meaning that in rare cases, a pet may have a poor reaction to CBD. Hence, why it’s always best to start with the recommended dose and monitor its effects throughout the day. Plus, we always suggest giving your veterinarian the heads up that you’ll be administering CBD to your pet, since they are licensed professionals who are equipped to give you the best advice possible for your pet.

How Does CBD Affect Pets?

Interestingly, it seems that CBD affects pets in the same way that it affects humans, because every mammal has what’s called an “endocannabinoid system (ECS)” that knows exactly how to process cannabidiol. Like humans, pets won’t feel high from CBD because it comes from the hemp plant which does not contain enough THC to deliver psychoactive effects.

If you’ve taken CBD before, you know that it doesn’t behave like a drug. You don’t suddenly “feel” different, but, rather, you probably notice that you simply experience relief. It affects cats and dogs in a very similar facet.

Your Furry Friend’s Endocannabinoid System

So, why are cats and dogs affected by CBD in the same way it affects humans? It all comes down to the endocannabinoid system, which is a bodily system that’s present in every mammal. Researchers say that CBD acts more like a supplement like a drug, and the endocannabinoid system explains why.

The endocannabinoid system was only discovered about 22 years ago, but there has been much research on it since then. This system produces cannabinoids that help regulate the body. These cannabinoids attach themselves to cannabinoid receptors that are found throughout the body, primarily in the nervous system, brain and digestive tract. When this attachment takes place, the body’s many processes are regulated.

Essentially, the ECS is in charge of helping the body achieve homeostasis. When we produce enough cannabinoids, the bodily systems are regulated. These systems include mood, pain, cognitive function, immune function and more. When we aren’t making enough cannabinoids, however, these systems can function at a low level. Taking CBD helps boost the body’s level of cannabinoids so that the endocannabinoid system has what it needs to perform its job effectively.

Therefore, giving your dog or cat CBD is like giving them a supplement. If they’re deficient in cannabinoids, they’ll likely experience chronic symptoms. CBD has the strong potential to provide them with the relief that they deserve so that they can feel as healthy as possible.

A Groundbreaking Study on CBD’s Effects on Dogs

As it becomes increasingly popular to administer CBD to pets, researchers are beginning to study the compound’s effects on animals in clinical settings. A recent study set out to prove that CBD can benefit the health of dogs.

The study found that arthritic dogs who were given CBD daily experienced incredible relief from their symptoms. Their inflammation levels went down, they were in less pain and they were generally happier. Because of this study, the veterinary industry is more open to giving CBD to pets than ever before. And, now, more studies are underway to further test the potential benefits of giving CBD to cats and dogs.

Ways in Which CBD Could Benefit Your Precious Pet

The trend of giving pets CBD is only going to continue to grow as more studies show its positive effects, likes these ones here.

Study #1: CBD May Help with Chronic Pain

Clearly, from the study above that CBD can dramatically help your pet with chronic pain. Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing your cat or dog in discomfort, and thus, giving them CBD might be a nice way to provide them with astonishing relief. CBD might be more risk-free than giving them prescription painkillers, meaning that hemp is a natural way to alleviate their pain.

Study #2: CBD Might Calm Anxiety

Do you have a furry friend who is petrified of thunderstorms, or who starts whimpering when it’s time to go to the vet? Pet anxiety is a very real thing, and what makes it all the more disheartening is that our words of comfort fall on deaf ears. Good news is, CBD might be able to alleviate their anxiety in a gentle, natural way.

You know how CBD is renowned for its ability to calm the nervous system in times of stress? Well, those same stress-busting properties affect cats and dogs as well. Clinical studies are still underway, but many pet owners have found that giving their furry friend CBD regularly has made them calmer, more resilient, and even more friendly.

Study #3: CBD Might Stimulate Their Appetite

Few things are as frustrating as trying to get a pet to eat when they’re refusing their food. What makes this situation so agonizing is that our companion can’t explain to us why they don’t want to eat, so it becomes a guessing game. And, needless to say, if they don’t eat, their health will suffer.

Cats and dogs can lose their appetites for a variety of reasons, ranging from stress to pain. Luckily, it seems that CBD could help boost their appetite, so that it’s once again normal and healthy. Turns out that CBD has the ability to improve one’s appetite while also making the act of eating food more enjoyable.

Study #4: CBD Might Prevent Seizures

One of the scariest conditions your pet can have is something called, “epilepsy”. Anyone who has watched their cat or dog have a seizure knows how traumatic the experience can be. Well, new research is trying to display CBD’s unique ability to protect the neurons in the brain.

How to Give Your Pet CBD

To give your pet CBD, choose a high-quality product, like a tincture, that was designed for pets, such as the selection available here at The Calm Leaf. Simply administer them a single dose and monitor them for the remainder of the day. Doing so is easy, because it just needs to be placed under their tongue or added to their food. The tincture’s natural, earthy taste shouldn’t upset their taste buds, and it’s potent enough to provide those effects.

Finally, if CBD seems to be acting well with their system, continue administering it daily. You may increase your dose as needed and under the guidance of your veterinarian, of course.