If you have had a pet, you know how much they mean. Seeing your pet friend sick is heartbreaking. Dogs are one of the most common pets that people breed. These friendly creatures normally offer great companionship. They can also serve as protective and service dogs. But what happens when your dog is sick? Well, you can give it a prescription drug. However, the effectiveness of conventional drugs isn’t guaranteed. To ensure that your dog recovers fully, you can use alternative medicine. CBD is one of the best forms of alternative medicine and below is its overview.
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Introduction TO CBD and CBD for Pets
Cannabidiol also referred to as CBD is an organic compound that’s found in cannabis. The non-psychoactive compound has potent characteristics. As a result, it has become a popular remedy for several illnesses.
When people think about cannabis sativa, they mainly think of marijuana. Additionally, they have a misconception that all marijuana extracts are psychoactive. Well, this isn’t true because CBD doesn’t alter the mind. Its effectiveness plus availability is the reason why people administer it pets.
How CBD Affects Your Dog
Generally, CBD has positive effects. When you give it to your dog, it may help to treat inflammation. Additionally, it helps to minimize the severity of pain. This is because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS helps to maintain homeostasis. On the other hand, CBD helps to enhance its effectiveness. As a result, it produces a calming effect. You can use CBD for dogs to treat ailments such as:
- Seizures
- Sleep-related disorders
- Anxiety and depression
- Inflammation
- Pain
Health Benefits That Come With CBD
CBD for dogs has lots of health benefits. The organic compound is perfect for treating a myriad of illnesses. Whether its chronic pain or everyday condition, this substance is effective. Its main health benefits including:
Treating Epilepsy
This is a condition that’s mostly characterized by recurring seizures. It may cause your dog to collapse and jerk. Conventional treatment options include antiepileptic drugs. Sometimes surgery might be done. However, CBD oil has anticonvulsant properties. So, it helps to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
Cancer
Cancer not only affects human beings but also dogs. If you take it to the vet, it might be taken for radiation therapy. Additionally, they might conduct immunotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Although these conventional treatments are good, they aren’t 100% effective. But by giving your furry friend CBD, you can minimize the spread of tumors. This chemical compound has anti-cancer properties. It can slow down the spread of the cancerous cells. Additionally, it can also kill cancer cells.
Treating Autoimmune Diseases
It should be noted that dogs are affected by a wide range of diseases. The most common ones are autoimmune diseases. They include type 1 diabetes, arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and lupus. Clinically, these conditions are normally treated with antibiotics and steroids. However, CBD can help to alleviate pain and inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties which are highly effective.
Easing Pain
There are several ailments which can cause pain. Their effects can make it difficult for your dog to walk or run. Clinically, canines suffering from pain are normally treated with NSAIDs. Besides that, the vet may prescribe steroids and opioids. But there are studies which suggest that CBD can help to minimize pain. It works by enhancing the effectiveness of anandamide. This is a neurotransmitter which helps to combat pain. When anandamides are produced in high quantities, the dog ends up feeling less pain.
Possible Side Effects to Consider
CBD has a good safety profile. This is because it’s an organic compound that’s non-habit forming. However, this low-risk product can still cause negative effects. If you are a dog owner, some of the possible side effects are:
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Change in appetite
- Change in sleep patterns
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
Even with its good safety profile, it’s important to exercise caution. First, do your research. Secondly, seek the advice of your vet. Remember that all cannabidiol products are not the same. Ensure that you purchase it from a legit manufacturer. Besides that, it’s important to check the manufacturing process. This helps to ensure that the CBD dog treats are not contaminated.
Where Can You Get CBD for Your Dog
You can buy CBD dog treats from many retailers. They include online retail shops which are popular. For instance Amazon, Macy’s, Walmart, and eBay. Alternative, you can get CBD for dogs from local pharmacies and designated dispensaries. It should be noted that CBD oil is almost everywhere. So, you can even find these products from your local supermarket.
Conclusion
Giving your canine friend this organic substance can help improve its health. CBD contains a wide range of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatories as well as antioxidants. As a result, it helps to fight various forms of inflammation.
If your dog is suffering from arthritis or epileptic seizures, you can give it. Alternatively, it’s a great remedy for anxiety and sleeplessness. However, before you give your pet this compound, consult with your vet first. This is because it can change the body’s metabolic state. Furthermore, the organic compound normally interacts with certain medications.
Resourceful Links
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5109620/
- https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/cases-of-marijuana-intoxication-in-pets-get-higher/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
- https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cbd-oil-for-dogs/