8 Important Facts About CBD for Animals

Did you know that CBD is safe for a variety of animals? While there are some precautions to consider, CBD for animals is generally recommended by vets.

The applications for CBD are virtually limitless. CBD is all over the market from health care supplements to beauty products, and its use for animals is becoming more prominent with each passing day. Of course, when it comes to CBD for animals—especially our beloved pets—there's a lot we want to know.

Is it safe? Is it effective? What are the limitations and side effects? What do the veterinarians say? 

Keep reading to learn some of the most important facts about CBD for animals. Trust us, all of your questions will be answered.

CBD For Animals

CBD—cannabidiol—is one of over a hundred chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant. It's applications range from topical to internal, and it's becoming well known for its therapeutic and pharmacokinetic properties. As humans begin to opt for this natural health care supplement, they've also extended its uses to their pets. Of course, CBD isn't just reserved for dogs and cats. There's also CBD for horses, cows, birds, and pretty much every other animal you can think of. Except for fish and insects. The point is, the way in which CBD benefits human beings, it also benefits animals. 

The clinical research on how animals process cannabidiol in their system is still in its infancy. However, animals have an endocannabinoid system that responds to the phytocannabinoids within the cannabis plant just as we do. That means that animals also have both the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout their bodies which bind with and respond to the phytocannabinoids. What that means is that their bodies, just like our bodies, are made for the natural, therapeutic treatment of CBD. It also means that the following facts are true:

1. Yes, It's Safe For Your Pets

As we mentioned above, animals also have an endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining balance throughout all of the body's systems. When this system is thrown off balance, it can cause a lot of negative side effects. CBD can help bring back that balance and naturally support the body in regulating its various systems. It's not the same as your typical pharmaceutical, therefore, it's non-toxic and there are no harmful side effects that you need to worry about. 

2. No, It won't Get Them High

CBD will not get your pets or livestock high. It also won't get you high. This is because CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, unlike its famous psychoactive counterpart, THC. CBD primarily comes from the hemp variety of the cannabis plant, which has a higher concentration of the phytocannabinoid. It also has a minimal concentration of THC. The legal limit for a THC that a CBD product can have is 0.03% or less, which isn't nearly enough to have any psychoactive effects. However, most pet CBD products are broad-spectrum, which means the THC has been taken out completely. This is because animals have a lot more endocannabinoid receptors than we do, therefore, they're more sensitive to THC. 

3. You Can Technically Share Your CBD, But Shouldn't

Once again, the trace amounts of THC in your CBD products won't have any psychoactive effects. Your pets won't die if you give them a little bit of your CBD oil. However, it's not the best idea. The market for CBD products isn't heavily regulated, which means the concentration of THC on your full-spectrum CBD label may be higher than what's stated. Additionally, products made with poorly extracted CBD, chemical additives, and flavoring agents may also be harmful to your animals. Your best bet is to stick with animal-safe CBD products for your pets. 

4. It Can Ease Their Pain

CBD is the perfect natural alternative for older, arthritic animals—or animals experiencing pain of any kind. One of the greatest pharmacokinetic effects of CBD is its ability to lessen inflammation and relieve pain. These effects work both topically for spot treatments and internally for all-over pain relief. 

5. It Has Been Shown to Reduce Seizures

Although CBD is not an absolute cure for epilepsy, it can help manage the common occurrence of seizures in epileptic animals. A recent and promising study showed that 89% of epileptic dogs that received CBD during a clinical trial saw a significant reduction in their seizures. In some cases, CBD may help eliminate seizures altogether. 
 

6. It Has Cancer-Fighting Properties

Having a furry friend with cancer is an incredibly tragic thought. So far, we know that CBD can help relieve the symptoms and pain associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Luckily, CBD is currently being studied for its anti-cancer properties.

The medical community believes that CBD may be effective in preventing cancer cells and tumors from growing and producing energy. It's too soon to say whether it can be a cure, but as of right now it's looking good as a preventative treatment. 

7. It Can Suppress Anxiety

Many people don't realize that a lot of odd animal behavior is caused by stress and anxiety. For example, the constant licking of themselves or other things, chewing up household items, or going to the bathroom in the house can all be signs that your pet has anxiety. CBD is known to slow down the heart rate and calm the central nervous system. That means it's effective at relieving anxiety and stress in both humans and animals.

8. It's Heart Healthy

Cannabidiol is excellent for heart health, in both humans and animals. CBD supports the heart in pumping healthy blood and it protects the blood vessels from becoming damaged. In addition to anxiety relief, CBD can help with irregular heartbeats and bring down high blood pressure.

With CBD for animals on the market, we're another step closer to giving our pets the gift of a healthier and happier life. CBD comes with a serious list of health and wellness benefits that are worth looking into. Adding animal-safe CBD products to your pet's daily regimen can support their overall health just as it can provide them much needed relief during their times of need. For more articles on health and wellness, animals, travel, and other general interests, check out the rest of our blog.