Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Fumipets
Exploring Tranquility: The Potential Benefits of CBD for Your Pet’s Mental Health
In the ever-evolving landscape of pet care, an emerging topic that has gained significant attention is the potential benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) for the mental well-being of our beloved furry companions. As more pet owners seek holistic approaches to address their pets’ mental health, CBD has emerged as a promising avenue.
In this exploration, we navigate through the realms of CBD therapy for pets, shedding light on the potential advantages and considerations for those looking to enhance their pets’ mental wellness.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical named Cannabidiol found in the cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabidiol is a well-known natural remedy for various ailments. It has medicinal properties derived from cannabis. It is a cannabinoid that estimates 40% of the cannabis plant’s extract. CBD without THC is a proactive component of Marijuana. You can find it at CBDistillery at CBD.co.
CBD is found in the aerial parts of the plant, like stems, flowers, and leaves, which are above the soil. It is not extracted from roots or seeds.
CBD and Dogs
Though research on CBD is still in its initial phase, there are shreds of evidence to back the fact that CBD has medicinal properties that are used to treat certain conditions like pain, anxiety, and arthritis.
CBD pet products claim to be natural products that treat these conditions in dogs. There are no CBD products available in the market with FDA approval, but this article will cover the potential benefits of CBD for your Pet’s mental health.
How does CBD work on Your Dog?
Both humans and dogs have an endocannabinoid system that impacts the performance of cannabinoids on the biological functions of the body. CBD acts on the ECS and influences the endocannabinoids of the nervous system resulting in better performance.
It binds them with the receptors of the brain to regulate various biological processes efficiently. ECS consists of both CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 in the central nervous system regulates pain, appetite, hunger, mood, and more, whereas CB2 works through the entire peripheral nervous system that helps to control pain and inflammation responses.
Potential benefits of CBD supplements on your Pet’s mental health
In many circumstances, our pets suffer from situations of stress and fear. The popular products in the pet care industry are made out of hemp oil and CBD. Research has established that CBD helps manage anxiety by working on the brain’s receptors.
To treat your dog with CBD supplements, you need to first understand the underlying cause and how CBD helps deal with the symptom. There are mainly three noticeable causes of anxiety in dogs that are separation, aging, and general fear from everyday circumstances.
1. Help your dog deal with fear with CBD supplements
Dogs are afraid of loud noises of fireworks, thunderstorms, or vacuum cleaners. Another type of fear is noticed in dogs when they are near speeding cars, water bodies, or other animals. Dogs express fear through physical reactions like trembling, hiding, whining, aggression, etc. You need to be patient to help your dog deal with the reason for anxiety.
Try to make him familiar with the fear-causing situation following a gradual process that does not end up making him more impatient. Desensitizing can be an excellent way to overcome fear and phobia.
Numerous products in the market can help ease your dog. A variety of calming soft chews made of CBD can be very effective. These CBD chews come with delicious flavors like peanut butter or bacon. You may get the best one that suits your pet.
2. Ease your Dog’s anxiety about separation
Some pets suffer from panic when left alone. Loneliness can cause them to utter distress leading them to bark, howl, and more. CBD helps calm your pet by affecting the receptors in the nervous system. It produces calming effects that soothe the dog and reduce any feelings of discomfort.
CBD can help the dog remain calm and relaxed and treat other issues like digestion problems, nervousness, and skin problems. CBD works on those receptors that make your dog happier and help them eat and sleep better.
3. Improve your aging Dog’s mobility with CBD oil
Sometimes symptoms of anxiety in your dog can indicate underlying health issues like discomfort, joint pain, chronic pain, and more. If you witness your dog getting slow and lethargic with time, you need to check with the veterinarian.
Studies indicate that CBD oil can treat joint inflammation and enhance an aging dog’s movement. A CBD solution for the treatment of pets does not exceed 0.3% THC. Full-spectrum CBD or hemp oil can treat your dog’s pain. It is easy to give hemp oil to dogs either directly or by mixing it with their food.
Methods CBD oil is used by your pet
· Oral use: In case of oral usage, you need to ensure direct absorption of CBD into the bloodstream. You may mix it with food or treats according to your pet’s liking.
· Topical Use: CBD or hemp oil can be directly applied to your pet’s coat or the affected area during nighttime to provide relief
· You may also mix CBD oil with diluted solutions like chicken broth to make sure that your dog quickly drinks it up
Is CBD safe for animals?
Studies are suggestive that CBD in its pure state is safe for animals. However, a study in 2018 on canines reported an increase in liver enzyme alkaline phosphatase during CBD treatment of pets.
Since CBD products are not well regulated in the market, they come with ingredients not mentioned on the label, like THC. THC is very much toxic to dogs and cats. Hence, you need to pay attention to the quality of products you buy for your pets.
An easy way to avoid potentially harmful ingredients is to purchase products that have a certificate of analysis. A certificate of analysis verifies the product to confirm ingredients and other factors like potency.
Though legal CBD products do not contain more than 0.3% THC, one can try to look for pet products that contain 0% THC and constantly lookout for symptoms of THC poisoning like vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and trouble in mobility.
Conclusion
It is significant to know that there is minimal available research on the effect of CBD on pets. But some anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest that CBD is useful in treating certain health conditions of pets. To keep things smooth, you may decide to start with a tiny dose while carefully monitoring the effects on your pet.
Questions and Answers on CBD for Your Pet’s Mental Health
What is CBD, and How Does it Interact with Pets’ Bodies?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system in pets, a complex network of receptors that play a crucial role in maintaining balance and homeostasis. The interaction with these receptors may influence various physiological functions, including mood regulation.
What Mental Health Issues in Pets Can CBD Potentially Address?
CBD has shown promise in addressing a range of mental health issues in pets, including anxiety, stress, and fear-related behaviors. Some pet owners have reported positive outcomes in situations such as separation anxiety, noise phobias, and generalized anxious behavior.
How Should CBD for Pets Be Administered?
CBD for pets is available in various forms, including treats, oils, capsules, and topical solutions. The ideal method of administration depends on the pet’s preferences and the specific condition being addressed. It’s essential to follow recommended dosage guidelines and consult with a veterinarian before introducing CBD to a pet’s routine.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects or Considerations for CBD Use in Pets?
While CBD is generally well-tolerated by many pets, individual reactions may vary. Some pets may experience mild side effects such as drowsiness or changes in appetite. It’s crucial to start with a low dose, monitor your pet’s response, and seek guidance from a veterinarian, especially if your pet is on other medications.
Can CBD Serve as a Complementary Approach to Traditional Pet Mental Health Care?
CBD is often considered a complementary approach rather than a replacement for traditional pet mental health care. It can be integrated into a holistic wellness plan that includes behavioral training, environmental enrichment, and other veterinary recommendations. Collaborating with a veterinarian ensures a well-rounded approach to your pet’s mental well-being.
