CBD and Pets

CBD-based products may improve your pet’s quality of life if they suffer from a variety of common ailments.

CBD and cannabis products in general are relatively safe so you shouldn’t feel worried about trying them. Cannabis has been used for millennia not just by humans but also on animals. It’s been used by ancient and modern civilizations for animal nutrition and medical treatment. Ancient Greeks and WWI soldiers used cannabis-based ointments to treat military horse wounds on the front lines of battle. Today, these cannabis products are being refined by modern science and scientific medical data is being produced with positive results, especially for the Cannabinoid CBD. 

Using CBD on your pets does not mean running to your local dispensary (if you live in a legal state) and purchasing products usually meant for a recreational or medical cannabis user. These products may contain THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) and give your pet a high. Many reputable companies are offering products specifically manufactured for pets. These products tend to have all the THC removed, and are supplemented with only the nutritionally rich CBD oil that will not make your pet high as a kite. 

CBD is Growing in Popularity

Pet owners are turning to cannabis-based products to treat a host of pet maladies such as seizures, inflammation, anxiety, and pain. PubMed has published over 2,000 peer-reviewed studies, half of which have been tested on animals, and there have been no severe side effects reported.  The overall results are looking promising and CBD appears to have potential for positive therapeutic benefits for our pets with little to no risk of side effects. If you want an alternative to traditional medicine or have exhausted treatment options for your pet’s health or comfort, consider trying CBD to see if it is right for your pet. Below is a list of CBD’s potential benefits and a link to our favorite CBD oil for all pets. 

CBD Oil to Help Treat Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats 

Risky medicines such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide are often given to dogs suffering from seizures and epilepsy. This results in unwanted side effects such as anxiety, nausea, vomiting, anemia, and liver damage. CBD is being regarded as a beneficial treatment for these conditions in pets without the unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. As an added bonus, CBD is also easy on livers, unlike traditional pet medicines. 

CBD is Well Known to be a Remedy for Pain Management

Studies show animals responding well to CBD when used to treat mild pain. The oil may also help diminish neuropathic pain and nerve-related agony.  CBD is also being used to treat pain related to sprains, muscle pulls, broken bones, and torn ligaments in a range of pets and livestock. 

Cannabis Products Can be Appetite Stimulants for Pets

The ‘munchies’ is a concept that applies to pets as well. Human patients undergoing treatment for cancer use cannabis to increase appetite and so can your pets.  CBD is often infused into pet treats to help return pet appetites back to normal during illness or pain management. CBD is a great nutritional supplement for boosting your pet’s appetite and assisting in bringing their bodies back to homeostasis. 

It is good for Pet Hearts and Stress

Aging pets suffering from anxiety and fear may find relief in CBD oil supplements. for stress and relaxation. Reports from owners using CBD oil to manage these symptoms have been overwhelmingly positive. It’s no surprise that veterinarians using CBD as a treatment for stress are observing reductions in heart related issues as well. 

Even with all the potential benefits to pet health, it is important to note that in most of the United States it is illegal to give your pets cannabis. Only give your pets cannabis products that are meant specifically for pets and includes dosage information. Dogs and cats have smaller bodies than humans and their systems are not designed to handle normal human doses. Always seek a veterinarian’s advice before giving your pet cannabis products.  If you make the decision to try CBD oil, we recommend NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil shown below, and for human use check out our 3 Favorite CBD oils.