While marijuana itself is toxic to pets, CBD oil however, isn’t. CBD is the essential oil extracted from the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties, so you don’t have to worry about your pet getting “high” from CBD-infused pet products. Also, more CBD studies are showing that pets can benefit from the medicinal properties of CBD oil as well.
How CBD Interacts Within The Body
CBD interacts in the body in two ways. When introduced into the body, it immediately sends signals to the brain or the CB1 receptors along the nervous system that pain relief is present. The brain then declines to send pain relief signals to the immune system. The immune system will not send inflammation to the site of the pain to prevent further injury and to speed healing.
The second way is interacting with the CB2 receptors at the site of the pain. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties immediately soothe the painful area sometimes for hours. Believe it or not, inflammation actually one of the immune system’s methods of healing, but it can be very painful in and of itself. CBD trades that for more immediate pain relief.
How CBD Interacts In Your Pet’s Body
Every living creature has an endocannabinoid system in its body. This system interacts with cannabinoids, the active components in the cannabis plant. Dogs and cats have more endocannabinoid receptors in their brains than do humans. This means that CBD oil can interact more quickly and efficiently with the brain, nervous system, and immune system. It works for pets the same as it does for humans as described above.
What Health Issues Does CBD Treat?
Depending on the pet’s size, weight, and health conditions, CBD oil may be able to help with the chronic pain of arthritis, dogs suffering from seizures, as well as skin conditions such as rashes and dry skin. It’s also been recommended for joint pain, allergies, anxiety, nausea, and inflammation. As with any medication, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to advise on possible treatment as well as recommend dosages before offering CBD oil to your pet
Noticing the signs of a sick pet is early is can be vital to an effective treatment. For example, if your pet seems to more often lie down, instead of being active as they normally would, this could mean that that they’re not feeling well. Another tell-tale sign of illness may be a decrease in their appetite or lack of water consumption, which can cause dehydration. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your pets and pay attention to any significant changes in their behavior.
While research into CBD and its health benefits is ongoing, it is known to be a therapeutic option for treating pets that may be suffering from a variety of ailments. If you’re looking to explore CBD oil for your furry friend it’s helpful to find a local vet who has experience in it to treat pets.