Can animals benefit from CBD oil? Yes and we’ll tell you how!
The use of CBD oil is becoming more and more common in everyday life. Did you know that not only humans, but also animals, can benefit from the positive effects of CBD oil? Horses and farm animals, but also pets like guinea pigs, cats and dogs can benefit in different ways from the use of CBD oil. This article will focus on the benefits for the most common and beloved pets: cats and dogs.
Why the use of CBD oil is beneficial for animals
The endocannabinoid system is a biological system that is expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The purpose of this system is to respond to endogenous cannabinoids produced within the human body.
Endocannabinoids interact with receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system and can cause physical reactions and influence biological processes. Research has shown that the system will also recognize and respond to cannabinoids from external sources. Just like humans, animals also have an endocannabinoid system that makes the cannabis components fit like keys to the receptors located in the animal body. Because of this, the use of CBD oil by animals is just as beneficial as it is by humans.
The benefits of CBD oil for animals
Although cannabinoids are produced naturally, in certain situations the production may be insufficient and CBD oil may be a good addition. But what are the benefits of using CBD oil on animals?The most important benefits are listed below:
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Anxiety or chronic stress
Have you ever noticed how frightened your pet can get during New Years Eve? Anxiety is common in animals. The parts of the brain that deal with mood, stress and anxiety are rich in cannabinoid receptors. CBD oil can help to reduce the stress, making your pet calm and relaxed. -
Inflammations
CBD oil can reduce inflammation related to movement such as arthritis. -
Pain
CBD oil can have a pain reducing effect. This is due to the anti-inflammatory effect and the effect that it has on receptors located in the part of the brain that regulates pain sensations.
Which dosage of CBD oil can be maintained for use on cats and dogs?
In order to determine the correct dosage of CBD oil for your pet, it is important to pay attention to their weight. Since a cat is much lighter in weight then a large dog, a cat needs a lower dose of CBD oil.
For each animal it is always advisable to start with the lowest possible dosage and gradually increase it. We have provided you with some guidelines:
- Dogs
For small dogs CBD oil with 2.5% CBD will suffice, while for large dogs we advise to use CBD oil with 5% CBD.
- Cats
CBD oil with 2.5% CBD is sufficient.
Because animals, unlike humans, cannot indicate when they feel that the correct dosage has been reached, we recommend that you consult a veterinarian. This way the veterinarian can advise on the safe use of CBD oil.
How to administer CBD oil to your pet
Pets are generally very stubborn. Especially when it comes to administering a medicine or eating something they don't like: they will not cooperate. The taste of CBD oil is not perceived as tasty by many people and this also applies to animals. So how can you ensure that your four-legged friend still takes the product?
- Give your cat/dog a liquid snack, you can easily put a few drops of CBD oil in the snack without your pet noticing.
- By giving them milk, in which you put a few drops of CBD
- Drip it in their throat - if they let you
- Give them a piece of their favorite meat or fish - with a few drops of CBD oil on it
When is it not recommended to use CBD oil on your pet?
As described above, there are quite a few positive effects in the use of CBD oil on pets. Situations in which it is not recommended to use CBD oil are:
- Without consulting the veterinarian
- When your pet uses other prescribed medication, CBD interacts with many medications, including something as simple as dewormers.
- There is a suspicion of a serious condition and there is no clear diagnosis yet
- The animal is pregnant or lactating
Conclusion
Pets can benefit a lot from the use of CBD oil. The most important advantages are that CBD oil can help pets with anxiety, but also help in reducing pain. Although CBD oil is a natural substance, it is still advised to always consult the vet first. Even if your pet has serious complaints or not, always contact your vet first to see if medical treatment is necessary. CBD oil may interact with other medications.
The information as provided above is purely for information purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice or medication. Please contact a veterinarian for medical treatment.
Source:
Coile, D. C. (2016). Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs. Amsterdam, Nederland: Amsterdam University Press.
Granjeiro, É. M., Gomes, F. V., Guimarães, F. S., Corrêa, F. M. A., & Resstel, L. B. M. (2011). Effects of intracisternal administration of cannabidiol on the cardiovascular and behavioral responses to acute restraint stress. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 99(4), 743–748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2011.06.027
Malfait, A. M., Gallily, R., Sumariwalla, P. F., Malik, A. S., Andreakos, E., Mechoulam, R., & Feldmann, M. (2000). The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 97(17), 9561-9566.