Are CBD Treatments Good for Pets? A Holistic View
Posted by Jewel on Nov 22, 2023
Did you know that CBD compounds are so similar to neurotransmitters found in our bodies, that they swap out one for another with no side effects? These biological compounds, called endocannabinoids, are responsible for regulating the body’s functions and maintaining a state of balance.
Isn’t it amazing that we have a plant that’s purpose-built to help with homeostasis and balance in our bodies? It’s incredible how we had forgotten the use and benefits of hemp and cannabis for so many years and we’re only just rediscovering these things.
What’s more, CBD is a natural, healthy substitute for many of the pharmaceuticals we have today. We and our furry companions can use CBD extracts to treat a wide range of diseases and health conditions, all without expensive and toxic chemicals.
What I find even more mind-blowing is that full-spectrum CBD has a holistic, whole-animal effect. It doesn’t just treat the physical symptoms—it also works to reduce psychological issues like anxiety and depression. CBD can restore complete balance, health, and vitality when used in the right way.
We’re only just starting to discover all the wonderful benefits of hemp and cannabis extracts for ourselves and our pets. Let’s share some of what we know to help you get your dog, cat, or farm animal to stay healthy and HighVibe.
What Is CBD and What Does It Do?
Both humans and animals have a biological system called the endocannabinoid (ECS) system that is very similar to the central nervous system. The ECS was only discovered in 1988, but we know that it regulates some of the most critical functions in the body. These include learning, memory, emotions, sleep, temperature, pain, immunity, inflammatory responses, and appetite.
The ECS works through a vast, incredibly complex system of chemical receptors and cells throughout our bodies and the brain. It helps to police the main nervous system by controlling the activity of neurotransmitters in the body, such as turning up or down certain transmitters to signal hunger, cold, or attentiveness.
The really interesting thing is that animals also have an ECS, including mammals (like cats and dogs), birds, fish, and even invertebrates like worms and nematodes. Just like in humans, CBD compounds can affect animals and help restore a state of homeostasis and balance.
CBD vs THC for Pets
There are about 100 known CBD compounds, but the main ones are CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is a psychoactive compound, that is, it alters the mind and can cause effects like euphoria, and hallucinations. It is what makes you get “high” when you consume cannabis products.
CBD and the other cannabinoids are not psychoactive. This is important because high doses of THC can cause disorientation and is very scary for pets. You shouldn’t give your pets THC except in very controlled amounts.
That being said, THC is extremely useful for dealing with pain and mental issues, but it needs a lot of care especially when feeding it to small animals.
Hemp vs Cannabis
Lots of people get confused about hemp and cannabis. Both plants are the same species and belong to the same family However, cannabis contains much higher amounts of THC. Modern cannabis plants have been selectively bred to contain 15% THC or more, which is extremely potent.
That’s why you shouldn’t give your dog, cat, or other animal cannabis products like cookies, cakes, or drinks that are meant for human consumption. This is the type of cannabis that’s strictly controlled in much of the world.
On the other hand, hemp contains 0.3% THC or less. This means it’s not psychoactive, but it still contains all the CBD goodness. Hemp is a major agricultural product with endless uses in producing plant fibers for textiles, biofuel, paper, animal feeds, and more.
Hemp is also a bona fide superfood, given the amazing nutritional value of hemp seeds. For now, we’ll discuss the fabulous benefits of hemp extract in pets.
What is Full Spectrum Hemp Extract?
When you extract the cannabinoids from hemp, you want to make sure that all the cannabinoids are there. Some people separate out cannabidiol and a handful of other compounds they think are the most important, but this is wrong.
In fact, hemp extract works best when all the CBD compounds are present. The cannabinoids all work together in a synergistic effect that vastly increases the effectiveness of hemp extract. This is known as the entourage effect.
For this reason, any CBD oil or hemp extract you buy should be full spectrum. This means the extract contains all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, as well as other compounds known as terpenes. It will also contain a tiny amount of THC, but this is good because it also helps your pet to get maximum benefits from CBD.
When it comes to CBD products with THC, A 20:1 (CBD to THC) tincture is non-toxic and non-psychoactive for pets. It targets anxiety, arthritis, mild pain, hip dysplasia, and inflammatory issues (such as pancreatitis), as well as seizures.
A more potent 1:1 ratio for pets is non-toxic and non-psychoactive only when used in tiny, small doses. This ratio can target appetite stimulation, cancer, kidney/liver function, glaucoma, and end-of-life care & comfort.
Benefits of CBD for Pets
There are so many wonderful benefits that CBD and hemp extract provide to our furry babies that’s it would be impossible to describe all of them. I’ll only briefly explain a few of them, assuming that you will only give your pet full spectrum hemp extract only.
Relieve Pain and Inflammation
Hemp extract is very good at relieving pain and inflammation from injuries like sprains, torn ligaments, joint pain, arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, and many others. As we have seen, CBD affects the pain and inflammation responses in the body and provides relief to the patient.
In fact, CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This makes it particularly suited to treating chronic pain and conditions that involve inflammation. As you may already know, arthritis is directly caused by inflammation in the joints.
Dogs that receive regular doses of full-spectrum hemp extract do not need to take conventional medications like NSAIDs, which are extremely harmful over the long term.
CBD Oil for Gastrointestinal Issues in Pets
A lot of gastrointestinal problems also come from unregulated inflammation in the gut. There are cannabinoid receptors in the gut, which is significant because up to 80% of the body’s immune system is thought to be based in the gut.
Not only does CBD treat inflammation in the digestive system, but it also helps stimulate the bowels, improve digestive health, activate enzymes, and improve appetite. It also creates a sense of calmness, vitality, and well-being.
CBD even helps your pet’s body absorb more nutrients from food. This is the kind of whole-body wellness I was talking about, which helps bring about the HighVibe state of balance that we all aspire to.
CBD for Improved Immunity and Allergy Treatment
Endocannabinoid receptors have been found in the brain, gut, spleen, spinal cord, and many other places. This distribution helps the ECS modulate immunity in the body. Rather than creating negative immune responses like inflammation, CBD stimulates more positive immune responses.
For example, it helps white blood cells to kill invasive bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. Research shows CBD has anti-cancer properties in animals and humans alike and can help with cancer treatments.
These properties are also what makes hemp extract great for animals with allergies, especially dogs. The ECS has receptors in the skin, which means it reacts to CBD even when it’s applied on the skin (topically). It can help with conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, infections, lumps, and more.
Treat Your Pet’s Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety is a major problem in dogs, manifesting in symptoms like phobia, aggression, fear, and separation anxiety. CBD extracts, especially those that contain some THC, are very good at calming pets.
Humans take CBD for the same reason, it is highly effective at treating anxiety, depression, and other mental issues. CBD is also used for more serious issues like seizures and epilepsy. One trial found that 89% of dogs treated with CBD got better, including those with drug-resistant seizures.
How to Find a Trusted Source of Hemp Extract
Hemp extract is truly a miracle cure, but there’s one big problem. The CBD industry is unregulated, which means it’s very difficult to get a source of consistently pure, unadulterated, full-spectrum hemp extract.
Some producers use industrial solvents like butane and propane to extract CBD from the plant. However, these petroleum products leave a harmful residue in the final product. You shouldn’t use any CBD product processed with solvents, no matter the perceived benefits.
I won’t go into detail on the various processes and methods used to extract CBD. Suffice it to say that the best method is either cold pressing or supercritical CO2 extraction. Look at the label and do your research to find out how your supplier of choice gets their hemp extract.
Secondly, you also need to make sure that the hemp used has been grown organically and contains no pesticides, herbicides, or other agricultural chemicals This is slightly more difficult to do since most hemp in the US is grown on a commercial scale.
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