What the World of CBD Has to Offer Our Pets

Do you have a furry companion who could use a little help? Many of us have found tremendous bliss or euphoria after discovering cannabidiol (CBD), and now, research is showing that that same hemp-based compound can help our precious pets as much as it can help us. Because of this, there is a growing market for CBD-based 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 select the absolute best formula for their bodies.

Is it Actually Safe or Wise to Give a Pet CBD?

One of the first things that people ask is whether or not cannabidiol is actually proven to be safe for pets. By now, a lot of research has been done regarding CBD’s effects on mammals, and it’s widely considered safe, even in high doses. This has to do with the unique way in which cannabidiol interacts with the body, more on that in a bit here.

Keep in mind that every pet has a different bodily chemistry. Meaning, in rare cases, a pet may have a poor reaction to cannabidiol. That’s why it’s always best to start with the recommended dose and monitor its effects throughout the day. And, we always suggest giving your vet the heads up that you’ll be administering CBD to your pet.

How Does CBD Affect Pets?

Interestingly, it seems that cannabidiol 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 CBD. Like humans, pets won’t feel high from CBD because it’s derived from the hemp plant which does not contain enough tetrahydrocannabinol (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 way.

Your Furry Friend’s Endocannabinoid System

So, why are cats and dogs affected by cannabidiol 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 twenty 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 endocannabinoid system 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 ECS has what it needs to perform its job effectively.

A Groundbreaking Study on CBD’s Effects on Dogs

As it becomes more popular to give 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 cannabidiol could 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.

Now, more research is underway to further test the potential benefits of giving CBD to cats and dogs.

Ways in Which CBD Can Benefit Your Precious Pet

The trend of giving pets CBD is only going to continue to grow as more studies show its positive effects. So, if your furry friend is struggling, consider giving them the gift of natural relief with cannabidiol, especially if they are going through the following. Please remember, before even doing so, talk you your pet’s veterinarian first.

#1: May Help with Chronic Pain

It’s clear from the study above that cannabidiol can dramatically help your pet with chronic pain. Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing your cat or dog in discomfort and giving them CBD may be a great 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.

#2: May 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. The good news is that 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. Cannabidiol regularly has made them calmer, more resilient and even more friendly. So, if you have a cat who hides under the bed every time friends come over, consider giving her some hemp and see if it helps her calm down.

#3: May 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 cannabidiol can help boost their appetite so that it’s once again normal and healthy. It turns out that CBD has the ability to improve one’s appetite while also making the act of eating food more enjoyable. So, the next time your precious pup turns away from their food bowl, try giving them some CBD and see what happens.

#4: May Prevent Seizures

One of the scariest conditions your pet can have would be epilepsy. Anyone who has watched their cat or dog have a seizure knows how traumatic the experience can be. Well, new research shows that. CBD could help prevent seizures because of its 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 that was designed for pets. Give them a single dose and monitor them for the remainder of the day. If cannabidiol seems to benefit them, continue administering it daily. You might increase the dose as needed and under the guidance of a veterinarian, of course..

The Calm Leaf Has an Excellent Selection of CBD-Based Products

At The Calm Leaf, we carry a wide array of formulated CBD products tailored for cats and dogs. From yummy treats to easy dosing and multiple-use tinctures, to incredible soothing topical-based formulas such as balms, sprays and salves, and even easy to swallow gel caps, our company has a wide range of product types to choose from, all from the most well-known and top-rated brands in this industry today.