by Canna America | May 2, 2023 | CBD
If you are struggling to help relieve your furry bestie’s anxieties, external aches, or medical ailments, CBD may be the natural remedy you are looking for.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis. While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant or manufactured in a laboratory. One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause any feelings of being “high” on its own (Peter Grinspoon, 2021). However, studies suggests that the non-psychoactive part of the plant provides a range of health benefits (for both you and your pets).
Research Regarding the Effects of CBD on Dogs
In recent years, studies involving the effects of CBD on dogs have increased. One of the first CBD studies was done at Cornell, and it showed that CBD helped with pain management in many dogs with osteoarthritis, allowing them to be more active and comfortable (Cornell University, 2016). Colorado State University has an ongoing study where the use of CBD is a supplemental aide in epilepsy control in dogs. Another study byCannPal, the Australian animal therapeutics company, tested a CBD product for its potential to help dogs with a skin allergy that causes unwanted itching and chewing (Cornell University, 2016). There are also studies involving CBD as an additional treatment for dogs with cancer. Evidently, CBD has been proven to provide positive healing effects in a range of medical modes for our canine friends.
How does CBD Help Dogs?
If you have ever had the honor of being a dog owner, you understand that your dog’s well-being and happiness is a top priority. The results of these studies proved that CBD does in fact alleviate a variety of medical ailments and physical discomforts in dogs and may aide in keeping your furry family member happy. In a couple of Cornell studies, the medical issues at focus were osteoarthritis and anxiety-inducing events. The results showed that more than 80% of the dogs with osteoarthritis experienced a decrease in pain, and 83% of dogswho were given CBD chews prior to a stressful event, showed a decrease in stress or anxiety-related behaviors (Cornell University, 2016). In the Colorado State University studies, the intended outcome with introducing CBD as a supplement to seizure medications was to gain control of seizure activity while having minimal side effects and maintaining good quality of life. Their research demonstrated that combining CBD with traditional seizure medications could successfully help dogs suffering from epilepsy (Cornell University, 2016). The results of the CannPal study showed that 65% of the dogs had a substantial, if not complete, decrease in itching and chewingwhen given a CBD product. Although more research needs to be done, studies show that, independently, CBD may even be able to affect cancer cell growth (Cornell University, 2016). From personal experience, I have witnessed first-hand the beneficial effects CBD has had on our elderly boxer. She suffers from severe arthritis in both of her hind legs, and we have been adding CBD oil to her food twice a day for years. Her old age generally surpasses the average life expectancy of boxers, and we’d like to think the supplemental CBD is partly to thank for that. Don’t get me wrong, she still struggles with arthritis and is unable to support her bodyweight with her hind legs, but her quality of life (and bloodwork), aside from the arthritis discomfort, is that of a healthy canine.
Takeaways to Pawnder On
Considering the variety of research and the significant numberof beneficial results, it is evident that CBD does provide healing effects amongst a range of physical and mental ailments that occur in dogs. Whether it is easing your furry friend’s anxiety orreducing the activity of their seizures, CBD is a proven valid alternative if pharmaceutical options are not your first choice.Multiple credible educational institutions and other revered facilities have provided relatively sufficient evidence to show that CBD, incorporated with other supplements, can help your pets without any noted negative side effects. Still, researchers suggest being cautious when choosing a specific CBD product for your pet. It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian and always do your own research regarding certain ingredients within the CBD products you are choosing to administer to your pets. At the end of the day, no one knows your canine companion like you do. Be mindful of the dosages you are giving, where the product is coming from, and always monitor your pets when introducing a new supplement. Based on personal anecdotes, I know that CBD has significantly improved the quality (and maybe even quantity) of my own dog’s life. She has never suffered a negative reaction from a CBD product and willfully ingests it while eating her twice daily meals without any acknowledgement of its addition to her food. After reading through the studies and research regarding CBD products’ effects on dogs, and considering my own experience with the budding supplement, I support the idea that CBD can enhance your dog’s happiness and overall quality of life.
Sources:
CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2022, December 1). Retrieved May 2, 2023, from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy#:~:text=Anecdotally%2C%20many%20dog%20owners%20have,stress%20or%20anxiety%2Drelated%20behaviors.
Peter Grinspoon, M. D. (2021, September 24). Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't. Harvard Health. Retrieved May 2, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
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