CBD is one thing that has earned quite a name in the health and wellness industry. It is useful for humans as well as pets. How is it so? The reason is the working mechanism of CBD that interacts with the endocannabinoid system found in humans and animals.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Cannabis has been popular in ancient medicine for its multiple therapeutic effects. All of the effects are attributed to the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds contained in the plants.
How Does CBD Help Your Pets?
Pet parents are taking interest in giving CBD to their pets because the compound helps address the following conditions of dogs and cats:
- Pain
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Anxiety
- Autoimmune diseased
- Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Inflammation
Although CBD is not a replacement for doctor-prescribed medications for these conditions, it may help handle the symptoms of the conditions.
Why Does CBD Work For Pets?
CBD works in the body of humans and animals by interacting with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Two major receptors of the ECS are CB1 and CB2. Although CBD does not bind directly to these receptor sites, it influences the functioning of these receptors indirectly.
The endocannabinoid system determines various body functions including appetite, sleep, pain regulation, and more. Although many species have an endocannabinoid system, it has differences between the species. A dog’s endocannabinoid system has endocannabinoid receptors majorly concentrated in the brainstem and cerebellum.
How To Choose Pet CBD Products?
When choosing pet-CBD products, make sure that you get high-quality products. Do not settle for products of low quality only because they are offered at low rates. Research pet CBD brands and make sure that the Certificate of Analysis of the products is satisfactory.
According to the Federal guidelines, CBD products should be derived from CBD and should contain less than 0.3% THC. Even though that is the case, you have to check the product label to make sure it does not have more than 0.3% THC.
How To Dose Pet CBD?
We recommend starting with a small dose and increasing it gradually until you figure out the dosage that works best for your pet. Before administering CBD to your pet, ask the opinion of a veterinarian.
If your pet is suffering from some medical condition, understand that the treatment drugs cannot be replaced with CBD.
