CBD for Pets
Pets are nature’s most exciting and adorable gift to human beings. However, when most pets experience different diseases and ailments, their owners panic and put them on expensive medicines that have a large number side effects that make the little buddies suffer. With advancing science and technology, researchers have found a new and more feasible way for the treatment of pets.
Apart from being used therapeutically by humans, Cannabidiol (CBD) is now also being used in veterinary medicine. CBD can be used to treat a plethora of pathologies in pets especially dogs and cats. Cannabidiol or CBD is compound which is obtained from the industrial form of Cannabis called as “hemp”. It does not have any psychoactive effects due to its low THC content (around 0.2 %). Thus, it beneficial for therapeutic use without causing any intoxication.
There are different kinds of extraction and purification process that are employed to obtain an OTC hemp Cannabidiol product. The amount of CBD in the final product depends upon many factors. These include environment of the plant, its genetics and cultivation. The viscosity, color and taste of the final product also play a role regarding this. Due to this reason, not all CBD products are equal in composition.
Role of CBD in pets:
Like all mammals, pets also have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which is a regulator of all the psychological processes in the body such as moods, digestion, sleep cycles, circulation, immune function and pain response. It contains receptors for Cannabinoids. In pets there are three types of receptors in the ECS which include CB1, CB2 and CB1+2. CB1 is present in the brain, gastro intestinal tract, reproductive organs, lungs, vascular system and muscles. CB2 is present in the skin, glial cells, spleen and bone. CB1+2 is located in the immune system, liver, bone marrow, pancreas and the brainstem. Of all these receptors, CB1 receptors are the most abundant in body of pets.
If there is an interruption or complete blockage in any of the functions of the Endocannabinoid System, diseases can occur in pets. CBD performs its function by acting on the ECS and its receptors and resumes the normal functions associated to this system. CBD products are given to dogs and cats in the form of tinctures and capsules.
Reasons to use CBD products on pets:
CBD products have proven beneficial regarding ailments associated to pets because of a number of reasons:
- Natural product:
CBD oil obtained from hemp plant is a natural product and does not have any harmful effects.
- Reduces inflammation:
CBD is known to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It functions by working with the CB receptors in the ECS and in this way systemically reduces inflammation in the body.
- Effectively treats arthritis:
Arthritis is a common disease in dogs. “We found encouraging results,” said Dr. Ma Halpert of the department of pathology and immunology regarding a research at Baylor. “Nine of the 10 dogs on CBD showed benefits, which remained for two weeks after the treatment stopped. We did not detect alterations in the blood markers we measured, suggesting that, under the conditions of our study, the treatment seems to be safe.”
- Used to treat mobility issues:
CBD products are ideal for dogs with mobility issues especially dogs in old age.
- Reduces seizures:
One of the most common use of CBD in the form of CBD oil for dogs is in the management of seizures. According to research, CBD is considered incredibly effective in tackling seizures.
- Used in the treatment of chronic pain:
According to studies, CBD helps lower chronic pain by impacting the activity of endocannabinoid receptors.
- Helps lower anxiety:
CBD products are involved in reducing anxiety and aggression. Those who received CBD had reduced anxiety levels.
- Increase appetite and energy.
Legal status of CBD in Canada:
CBD is a controlled substance in Canada according to the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. Therefore, it is subject to all the rules that are applied to Cannabis under the Cannabis Act. The federal legislation related to cannabis is controlled by Health Canada. According to it, there are no approved cannabis or CBD drugs to be used for pets. If you want to access some veterinary CBD products in Canada, you need to make sure that they are approved under the Cannabis Act.
Veterinarians should inform their clients about Cannabis products that have been approved by Health Canada to be used for pets. Although there are no approved CBD products for pets, however, veterinary health products (VHP) with hemp have been approved for sale. These products have a reduced risk and maintain the health of pets. In addition, they do not make any health claims and have a very low THC content of not more than 10ppm which exempts it from Cannabis Act.
