How CBD Can Benefit Your Pet

You’ve probably heard about CBD, but do you know CBD can benefit your pet in their everyday life? CBD is a special compound that offers a variety of therapeutic benefits for both humans and pets! Ailments from seizures to separation anxiety are common reasons why pet owners have given CBD a try. Think it could be beneficial for your pet? Here is everything you need to know when selecting the right CBD product for your fur baby.

What is CBD? 

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the active ingredients in cannabis. This compound is found in many plants in the cannabis family, including hemp and marijuana.

CBD should not be confused with THC, which is the active ingredient responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. Instead, this compound produces pain-relieving and inflammation combating effects that can be helpful for alleviating symptoms of many health conditions.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD interacts with the body via the endocannabinoid system. This system consists of a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that control several different bodily functions. 

When CBD is consumed, it doesn’t bind to these receptors, but it does alter their ability to bind to other cannabinoids and raises the body’s natural endocannabinoid levels. This produces a variety of therapeutic effects throughout the body for both dogs and cats!

What is CBD Used for?

CBD helps alleviate symptoms for a variety of health conditions including:

Arthritis 

Studies have found that CBD can reduce the production of inflammatory molecules and immune cells linked with arthritis. Owners of dogs with arthritis have reported that their pets’ overall quality of life improved following treatment with CBD. 

Anxiety

CBD is believed to reduce the symptoms of anxiety in both cats and dogs. This compound affects areas of the brain responsible for causing panic disorder, which make it especially useful for treating anxiety. 

Seizures

Many studies have found that CBD can reduce the frequency of seizures for patients with epilepsy. A similar effect has been observed for epileptic pets that were given CBD. Consult a veterinarian to find the best dosage to treat seizures in your pet.  

Types of CBD products

CBD can be extracted from cannabis plants and mixed with other ingredients to create CBD products. Here are some of the most popular CBD products available.

CBD Oil CBD oil is one of the basic CBD products available. It is made by extracting CBD from the plant and diluting it in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. CBD oil is sold in small bottles with droppers. Simply place a few drops of the oil under their tongue! 

CBD TopicalsCBD is also combined with other ingredients to produce topical products, such as lotions, balms, and sprays. These products can be applied onto skin to help with arthritis swelling and certain skin problems. If your dog or cat suffers from arthritis, applying a CBD topical lotion or spray near their joints may help relieve their painful symptoms.

CBD TreatsIf your pets don’t prefer the oil drops, CBD is also available in treat form! These treats make it quick and easy to give your pets the dosage they need. Feed the treats directly or add them to their meals. 

Is CBD right for my pet?

Before giving your pet any kind of medication or supplement, you should consult your veterinarian to help you decide what is best for your pet. CBD has been a great product for pets and their owners alike, it’s important to talk to your vet to decide the right treatment plan for your pet’s situation.

Excellent pet care is our #1 priority. Little Friends in Charlotte, NC provides professional pet sitting & dog walking as well as an extensive resource page including a wide variety of pet related products, businesses and organizations in the Charlotte area. With services from quick daily walks to live-in care, Little Friends has been proudly serving Charlotte’s pets for over 10 years.