The topic of this story was provided by our review partner, Originated Media; SagaCity Media has editorial oversight over specific content.
Does joint pain make it hard for your dog or cat to get up and down stairs? Does driving during rush hour on I-69 make your pet even more stressed out than you? If so, it may be time to look into the growing number of pet-care products containing CBD, or cannabidiol.
CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids mimic the endocannabinoids — produced naturally by vertebrates —that keep the body’s systems in balance by regulating physiological functions like sleep, appetite, and pain sensation.
Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids are absorbed by the same receptors in the body, each with a different effect. For example, unlike THC—another cannabinoid—CBD does not cause a “high.” Rather, the compound has been used for decades by people to treat pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Increasingly, it’s also being used by pet owners looking to ease the ailments of their beloved Fido or Cleopatra.
Is CBD Safe? Does It Work?
There has not been enough research conducted on CBD to speak with certainty about risks or recommended dosages. But there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of the benefits of CBD pet products. And much of the early evidence from studies of CBD’s health benefits is promising, especially for treating anxiety, arthritis, cancer, itchiness, and seizures.
For example, in a Cornell study, 80 percent of dogs with osteoarthritis exhibited a reduction in pain. Another study, by CannPal, an Australian company, found that CBD caused a decrease in itchiness of 50 percent or more in almost two-thirds of dogs with atopic dermatitis, a skin allergy—and that treatment with CBD completely eliminated itchiness in half of those. And another Cornell study found that CBD helped more than four out of five dogs to exhibit reduced anxiety in stressful situations.
Choosing the Right CBD Product
CBD pet products come in a variety of topical and oral treatments, from oils, creams, and drops to edibles like gummies. Figuring out which kind of treatment will work best for your dog is the first step to choosing the right CBD product. Be sure to administer the correct dosage; follow directions carefully.
It’s also important to understand that the market for CBD pet products is a bit like the Wild West right now: utterly unregulated. There is no systematic process in place to verify that these products contain the ingredients they claim to, or that manufacturers employ adequate quality control measures. There’s no way to know if a pet CBD product is contaminated with heavy metals, for example, or contains any THC, which can make dogs sick even in small doses. For this reason, it’s crucial to purchase CBD pet products from providers you trust.
Additionally, CBD may be contraindicated for your pet’s current medications—meaning that using pet CBD products might hurt your furry friends more than it helps.
The bottom line is that you should talk to your vet before using pet CBD products. They’ll know what’s best in your specific situation.
The following link will take you to products related to this story that may be of interest. If you choose to purchase a product, we may receive an affiliate commission. houstoniamag.com/advantage
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
