CBD has become very popular in many households over the last couple of years due to its tremendous health benefits to humans. However, as a pet owner, you might wonder if CBD can also benefit your dogs. Well, yes. CBD works in several ways for dogs, just like for humans. Let us look into 5 ways CBD can benefit your puppy.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of several cannabinoids found in cannabis. However, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical that gets people high, CBD isn’t psychoactive — at least not when consumed sufficiently. Instead, CBD is famous for having powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects without making users feel “high.”
Several CBD oils are available today and come in various forms, such as tinctures, gummies, capsules, and topical creams.
If you plan on using CBD oil on dogs, read on to learn about 5 conditions this plant would treat better than other conventional medicines.
How CBD Works in Dogs
The first thing to note here is that CBD doesn’t work the same in all animals. In some species, including humans, CBD acts primarily through CB1 receptors; however, in others, such as dogs, it seems to work more directly on CB2 receptors.
In any case, there’s no doubt that CBD affects your pets’ endocannabinoid system. This means it interacts with the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain, spinal cord, and immune system.
As a result, CBD helps reduce inflammation, anxiety, seizures, and even cancer. It also improves sleep quality and reduces pain.
5 Ways CBD Can Benefit Your Puppy
Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time, but some animals suffer from anxiety more often than others. Dogs with chronic stress or fear may develop anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias. Don’t fret, as CBD can treat these disorders.
Studies have shown that CBD reduces anxiety in humans and animals. For example, some researchers conducted a study that administered CBD to mice suffering from social isolation. The results showed that CBD reduced anxiety levels. In another study, scientists discovered that CBD could reduce anxiety in rats.
Reduces Seizures
Seizures occur when uncontrolled electrical discharge in the brain causes involuntary muscle contractions. These are usually short, sharp jerks that occur suddenly and can range from a simple flinching motion to a full-body convulsion lasting from seconds to minutes.
The most common type of seizure seen in dogs is grand mal. When you notice your puppy is convulsing or has lost consciousness, it’s probably suffering from a grand mal seizure.
According to studies, using CBD for your dog at that moment could save the day. One study even proved that CBD was able to stop seizures entirely.
Nevertheless, if you notice your dog experiencing frequent seizures, seek veterinary attention. You’ll want to ensure your dog isn’t suffering from another medical problem, such as kidney disease or liver failure. Your vet will perform blood tests and check your dog’s heart, lungs, abdomen, muscles, and bones.
Treats Bowel Diseases
Bowel diseases are a significant concern for pet owners. They include diarrhea, constipation, and intestinal inflammation. If you’re wondering how CBD oil can help your pup, here are two reasons:
1) It treats diarrhea.
2) It treats constipation.
Both of these conditions are caused by an imbalance in the gut microbiome. This means there aren’t enough good bacteria to keep bad ones out. As a result, toxins build up inside the intestines.
CBD oil contains some fatty acid compounds that bind to receptors in the body. Once attached, the fatty acids activate specific proteins that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestine. This process helps balance the gut microbiome, reducing the risk of bowel problems.
It’s important to note that not everyone who takes CBD oil experiences relief from their condition. However, many do.
Treats Joint Pain
One of the benefits CBD can serve your pup is curing its joint pain. According to research, CBD can relieve arthritis symptoms in people and pets.
In one study, scientists found that CBD relieved pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. Another study revealed that CBD helped alleviate pain in dogs with hip dysplasia.
If your dog suffers from joint pain, talk to your veterinarian about whether CBD oil will suit them.
Enhances Sleep
If you’re looking for a way to improve your pet’s life, CBD oil can do it. It can even help pets fall asleep faster and better. Scientists report that many dogs and cats suffer from insomnia due to anxiety, stress, pain, and digestive problems. These symptoms can make it difficult for your furry friend to sleep comfortably and soundly, but CBD oil can help.
A recent study found that CBD oil improved sleep quality in healthy and anxious animals. This suggests that CBD could be used to treat insomnia in humans too.
While there isn’t much research into how CBD affects sleep in people, one thing is clear: CBD does seem to work.
Conclusion
The above list only scratches the surface of what CBD oil can do for your dog. There are so many other health benefits that we didn’t cover. However, we hope this article gave you more information on how CBD oil can benefit your furry friend.
