Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant. CBD, unlike THC, is non-psychoactive and does not cause your pet to get high. Dogs, cats, and other pets can safely consume CBD. Moreover, CBD in pet supplements is procured from hemp, a cannabis variety that has THC in low amounts.
The endocannabinoid system, a biological system in mammals, processes cannabinoids like CBD that enters your body. The ECS helps manage sleep, memory, and other biological processes.
The naturally-occurring compound CBD benefits pets in a number of ways.
Powerful Painkiller
CBD is well-known for its painkilling properties and can manage pain effectively.
According to numerous studies, CBD can inhibit the absorption of the chemical anandamide that helps reduce pain signals in your body.
Further, evidence shows that CBD has the potential to decrease arthritis-induced inflammation and the painful symptoms associated with the condition.
Natural Anticonvulsant
A natural anticonvulsant, CBD has the potential to regulate spasms, tremors, and seizures.
The chemical compound has been found to manage epilepsy-induced seizures.
According to many studies, THC and CBD can help manage multiple sclerosis-induced spasticity. Additionally, CBD can effectively manage the symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome. Tics and tremors are the hallmark signs of this neurological disorder. These symptoms may hamper the quality of life.
However, researchers are still clueless about how CBD functions as an anticonvulsant. Experts believe that uncontrollable discharge of neurons in the brain causes seizures. Research suggests CBD can avert the onset of seizures by restoring order to these nerve cells and causing them to discharge normally.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
CBD has the ability to treat a plethora of health conditions thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. CBD interacts and activates CB2 receptors, stimulating a range of immune responses, such as fighting inflammation. These receptors are found in the immune cells.
Irritable bowel disease, arthritis, and other conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation.
Sometimes, chronic inflammation can arise as a result of immune system dysfunction and target healthy cells. CBD can help lessen inflammation, thereby reducing pain and other symptoms of arthritis, IBD, and other conditions.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
CBD can help reduce the symptoms of mental conditions like anxiety, according to several studies. Pets, like humans, can suffer from stress, phobias, and fear. Further, anxiety can lead to physical reactions and stress in pets. Travel anxiety, noise anxiety, and separation anxiety are some forms of anxiety that affect pets. Dogs suffering from anxiety can show symptoms, such as aggression, chewing, incessant barking, and tremors.
It’s unclear how CBD helps reduce anxiety and its symptoms. Generally, anti-anxiety medications target 5-HT1A, a kind of serotonin receptor in the body, and increase serotonin levels for a short period of time. This leads to mood enhancement and reduction in feelings of fear or anxiety. Experts theorize that CBD may function in the same way and raise serotonin levels in the brain temporarily.
Successful Antiemetic
Vomiting and nausea are serious symptoms in pets and result in weight loss, decreased appetite, fatigue, and dehydration. Antiemetic medications, such as aminopentamide, chlorpromazine, and acepromazine, are effective in treating vomiting and nausea in pets. However, they have their own share of side effects such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, hypotension, lethargy, and strong sedation.
On the other hand, CBD has been found to be beneficial in controlling vomiting and nausea. In addition, it increases appetite. CBD can reduce feelings of vomiting and nausea by activating 5-HT1A receptors. Yes, these are the same receptors that can help manage anxiety effectively.
What’s more, CBD is deemed to be a better antiemetic than other medications. On top of that, unlike modern antiemetic medicines, the compound does not produce serious side effects.
