With new regulations and more research into its health benefits, the CBD market exploded in the last couple of years. Only in the US, the market grew over 700% in 2019 and experts predict it will reach around $23.7 billion by 2023.
This level of growth is mainly due to CBD’s versatility and widespread use. Cannabidiol is derived from the famous Cannabis plant, but unlike its cousin THC, it has no psychoactive effects on users. Its effect is mainly therapeutic as it helps people relax and release stress, which may also help with pain relief and other health conditions.
Nowadays, CBD can be found in a wide range of products from cosmetics to oils and beverages to dog treats. And this leads us to the topic of this article – CBD and its use on animals. We will discuss its effects and the science that says CBS products are safe for use on animals (according to specifications).
Treatment for Pain Management and Other Health Problems
According to scientists, CBD is a compound that resonates well with cannabinoid receptors in the human and animal systems. These receptors have a variety of functions in the body, but when things go wrong they can produce inflammation in the body and affect the digestive system.
As a result, a product like CBD oil for dogs with arthritis can indeed help your dog feel better as the CBD in the oil will reduce the pain, allowing your furry friend to move more freely. Of course, the oil is only for pain management and cannot cure de effects of arthritis, but it is a way to offer Pluto a better life.
Seizure Control
Pets who suffer from seizures seem to also react well to CBD treatments. According to a small study performed at the Colorado State University, CBD products can help reduce seizures, but there is a need for further observation.
Improved Quality of Life
Older pets or those who suffer from an inflammatory disease (like arthritis) may benefit from CBD treatments. According to owners who use these products, their pets seem to enjoy life more, which is incredibly good news.
Anxiety
Whether it’s separation anxiety or because of a trauma, the signs are quite clear. Your pet tends to be shy and shacky around new people, other pets, and even new toys. You may also notice they do their business in unusual places (on the carpet/floor, in your laundry, and so on).
As we already mentioned, CBD is a relaxant and can help reduce stress in humans and animals. Therefore, if the vet agrees, you may want to try a few products designed for relaxation purposes.
How to Choose the Right CBD Product
When it comes to animals, the CBD industry offers three options:
- Oils or oil tinctures
- Capsules
- Treats
The oils are great when you need to measure the exact dosage (they tend to come with a dropper) and you can administer it directly in the pets’ mouth or by using an absorbing treat (like a muffin or a cracker). Capsules on the other hand may be more difficult to administer, but the advantage is the dose is already measured.
Lastly, treats may be the best option for a fussy pet as they are tasty and infused with the specified amount (on the package) of CBD. Still, treats are not an exact science, so you can’t measure the dose very accurately.
In summary, the few studies that have been done up until now show CBD products are beneficial for pets with various health problems. Still, just like us, each animal is different. So, it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and notice any changes before and after the treatment.
