CBD oil is one of the most talked-about health and wellness products today. Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a compound found in the hemp or cannabis plant. CBD oil doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component that gives marijuana its “high.”

CBD’s projected five-year growth is remarkable, with product sales predicted to reach over 20 billion USD by 2023. What’s interesting is that one of the fastest-growing CBD market segments is the veterinary sector. There are currently limited formal studies supporting using CBD’s benefits for pets, but it’s still worth looking into. Just like humans, CBD oil for pets stimulates your digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Here are six conditions that CBD can help manage:

Joint Issues

If your dog is experiencing joint pain, the vet typically will prescribe pain medication which, while providing relief in the short-run, can result in other issues such as deteriorating soft tissues and joints and liver damage.

CBD, fortunately, has anti-inflammatory properties and binds to your pet’s CB1 receptors in the brain. These CB1 receptors reduce inflammation by stimulating the immune system. Additionally, these receptors also impact how the brain reacts to pain.

Furthermore, CBD also binds to CB2 receptors in the immune and nervous systems, which prompts the body to produce more cannabinoids, reducing pain and inflammation naturally. CBD is an excellent treatment option to consider for arthritis, strains and sprains, and torn ligaments due to these properties.

Cancer

There is considerable research to support that CBD has cancer-fighting properties. A study conducted in mice highlighted that CBD slowed down the growth of mammary cancer cells and also increased survival time in mice suffering from pancreatic cancer. 

Cannabidiol eliminates cancer cells by blocking their ability to produce energy. Additionally, it stimulates the immune system to create cells that kill cancer cells. CBD also helps manage nausea and pain resulting from cancer treatments.

Anxiety

Anxiety in pets can occur in several forms, including fear, aggression, noise phobia, and separation anxiety. While you can opt for anti-anxiety drugs, these also come with harmful side effects, so CBD is a suitable option. It effectively relieves pain, depression, and anxiety. It is also known to manage anxiety and insomnia related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Animal studies demonstrate that CBD’s antidepressant effects extend to animals. When given over time, CBD helps manage anxiety if your pet is prone to stress.  While how it works exactly is still questionable, CBD is believed to regulate serotonin, regulating your pet’s appetite, digestion, mood, social behavior, and sleep.

Epilepsy And Seizures

Experiencing seizures can be a scary experience for pets and humans alike, resulting in severe anxiety. Most vets prescribe antiepileptic drugs, which can damage your pet’s liver and other organs. 

CBD interacts with your pet’s endocannabinoid system to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures. Research suggests that abnormal electric charges of neurons in the nervous system result in seizures, and CBD binds with brain receptors to improve the nervous system’s functioning.

Allergies

Skin conditions and allergies are relatively difficult to treat in dogs. The same endocannabinoid system that interacts with CBD is also present in your pet’s skin which ensures this natural treatment helps relieve itchy and dry skin and promotes healthy skin cells.

CBD is available in multiple treatment forms, such as ointments or tablets. How you choose to give it to your pet depends on the condition. An oral dose is recommended for allergies, while, for external issues like hot spots, consider forms like creams.

Pain

Pain relief for your pet is one of the most promising ways CBD can help. It can relieve the pain caused by several conditions, which is why it’s preferable over pain medication that can cause other side effects.

CBD binds to the CB2 and CB1 receptors in your pet’s brain and nervous system, impacting the way your pet responds to pain. Additionally, it can help manage acute pain from injuries and other symptoms due to pain, including nausea and sleeplessness.

Choosing The Best CBD Oil

It’s critical to choose the CBD product carefully to ensure your pet’s getting maximum benefits. Opt for broad or full-spectrum oil, which contain other cannabinoids as well such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC).

Additionally, the product you choose should have a certificate of analysis highlighting the type and amount of cannabinoids in the CBD product. These certificates are typically provided by a third-party lab and protect your pet from low-quality products that could potentially harm your furry companion.

Lastly, it’s always better to opt for CBD products that use CO2 extraction since this method results in oils that have a higher concentration of CBD. While these products will typically be more expensive, it also means the dosage will be more potent and have greater benefits for your pet.

Side Effects Of Using CBD For Your Pet

Like any other treatment, using CBD may come with its side effects. These side effects typically include sedation, an overactive appetite, lack of energy, dry mouth, lack of energy, vomiting, and nausea. They are quite manageable and worth it due to the benefits CBD leads to.

Final Thoughts

Using CBD to treat your pet’s underlying condition is definitely worth considering. However, do keep in mind that if your pet is currently taking medication or isn’t, it’s always better to consult your vet to determine the best way forward.

This doesn’t mean you’ll have to give up other medications and treatments; it simply means that you need to figure out the adjustments you’ll need to make. Either way, CBD can result in lasting benefits for your pet’s health and help it live a long life.