CBD has exploded in popularity over the past year or so. Nowadays, it’s pretty much in everything—in wine, coffee, even ice cream!
Why is it so popular? Because of its therapeutic effects. For one thing, it can be used to treat certain ailments such as chronic pain.
But did you know that the same thing goes for pets? That’s right—you can use it for Fido! The compound behaves very similarly in animals, so it has many of the same benefits.
So, what are the benefits of CBD oil for your dog? How can it help from a health perspective?
Do you want to know? If so, be sure to read the rest of this post!
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the many chemical compounds that are present in the cannabis plant. Unlike its sibling, THC, it is not psychoactive—that is, it does not produce the sensation of getting “high.”
As a matter of fact, CBD can actually counteract the effects of THC. It does this by binding to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system.
What makes CBD so appealing? It can help with a variety of conditions with minimal side effects—this makes it suitable for both humans and pets.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural product that is extracted from the cannabis plant.
The actual extraction consists of several steps. First off, an individual must harvest plants that have high levels of CBD.
From there, certain solvents are added to separate the compounds. More specifically, they are forced through the ground plant material. This yields oil that contains high concentrations of CBD.
Should You Give CBD To Your Pet? 10 Benefits of CBD Oil For Your Dog
CBD products have invaded the pet industry—and for good reason. As mentioned earlier, they come with a number of health benefits! Here’s what you need to know.
1. It Can Reduce Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a relatively common behavioral issue. Dogs with this condition hate being alone, and it’s not uncommon for them to whine or be destructive.
Fortunately, there are ways to treat this problem. For instance, you can modify their behavior with desensitization techniques. Some dogs, however, won’t respond to such treatment.
Does that apply to your dog? If so, you might want to try using CBD oil. As it turns out, the product can help reduce their anxiety—just like in humans!
2. It Can Help Treat Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition seen in dogs. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, it affects up to five percent of the canine population!
An inherited disorder, it often causes sudden and recurring seizures. Symptoms can include jerking, collapsing, muscle twitching, tongue chewing, or drooling. In some cases, they might also lose consciousness.
While certain medications may help to control the seizures, they can be harmful to your pet’s organs over time.
Instead of that, why not try CBD oil? Studies have shown that it is effective—even for drug-resistant epilepsy!
3. It Can Help to Fight Cancer
Cancer is relatively common, especially in older dogs. To give you a better idea, approximately 50 percent of canines over the age of 10 will develop tumors at some point.
While any dog can develop cancer, some breeds are more prone to the condition than others. For instance, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers have greater incidences than other breeds.
Treatment-wise, there are several options. Depending on how advanced the cancer is, a vet may opt for radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.
While it isn’t officially endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, CBD oil can also help fight against cancer.
Preliminary studies have shown that the product has an anti-tumor effect, which prevents cancer cells from growing.
4. It Can Help Relieve Pain
Certain conditions can be painful for your pet. For instance, it’s not uncommon for hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, arthritis, and pancreatitis to cause them great amounts of pain.
More often than not, a dog in pain will exhibit some degree of agitation. Certain symptoms such as trembling, snapping, or reduced appetite are also common in those with chronic pain.
Fortunately, there are drugs available that can help. Sometimes, however, that’s not enough.
Are the medications not working for your pet? If so, you might want to consider giving them CBD oil as the cannabinoids in the product can help relieve pain.
You don’t have to use the oil either—there are other products that you can try. For instance, some treats contain CBD for dogs with arthritis.
5. It Can Prevent Autoimmune Disease
There are a number of autoimmune diseases that can affect canines.
Some of the most common ones include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP).
While they all exhibit different symptoms, they do have one thing in common—they are all caused by a faulty immune system in which the body attacks itself.
According to recent studies, however, CBD can help to prevent this. How? By suppressing a compound called Th17.
A part of the immune system, these pro-inflammatory cells play an active role in the recruitment of white blood cells.
6. It Can Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s reaction to infection and illness. It can be caused by a variety of conditions from arthritis to a fractured bone.
Generally speaking, the affected area will be red and swollen. Depending on the underlying cause, there might also be other symptoms.
Fortunately, there is a type of medication that is effective for reducing inflammation—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Veterinarians often prescribe it for ailments such as arthritis.
Drugs aren’t the only thing that can help, though. Believe it or not, cannabinoids can also reduce inflammation.
How? They inhibit the production of inflammatory white blood cells. Not only that, but CBD also decreases the release of inflammatory cytokines.
7. It Can Protect the Nervous System
Neurological disorders are those that affect the nervous system.
Some of the most common ones found in dogs include vestibular disease, epilepsy, and intervertebral disc degeneration.
While it depends on the specific condition, neurological disorders often result in seizures, tremors, unsteady gait, and problems with urination. There’s also a chance of paralysis if it involves the nerves.
While CBD might not cure these conditions, it can help to prevent them. Researchers have found that cannabinoid can protect the brain from cell death caused by toxins and free radicals.
8. It Can Help With Nausea
Nausea and vomiting can arise from various causes. For instance, it might be due to eating too much food, parasites, infection, or even pregnancy.
Unless your dog vomits frequently, however, it’s probably nothing to worry about—they might have just gotten into something that they shouldn’t have.
If it’s happened more than once, though, you might want to bring them to the vet for an examination.
As you might be aware, there are certain medications that can help with nausea and vomiting. Don’t want to go that route?
There’s always the option of giving them CBD oil. That’s right—the cannabinoid is known for helping with nausea, even in small doses.
9. It Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Humans aren’t the only ones that can get heart attacks—dogs can too. This occurs when blood flow to the heart’s muscular wall is blocked.
With that said, they are quite rare. Want to reduce your pet’s risk? Consider giving them CBD oil.
The compound not only protects blood vessels from damage, but it also reduces blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are beneficial from a health perspective.
In some cases, CBD can reduce damage from damaged vessels as well!
10. It Promotes Homeostasis
What is homeostasis? You can think of it as the proper functioning of the body. When this balance gets thrown out, diseases strike.
There are ways, however, to protect this balance. Does it surprise you that taking CBD is one of them?
It’s true—it can promote homeostasis in the body. In other words, it’s good for your pet’s overall wellbeing.
CBD Is Beneficial For Dogs in Many Ways
And there we have it—10 ways that cannabinoid can help your pet! As you can see, the compound is beneficial to their health in many different ways.
Hopefully, that gives you a better idea of the benefits of CBD oil for your dog.
What’s your experience with the product? Let us know in the comments below!
