WHAT IS CBD?
The therapeutic properties of hemp oil or CBD in veterinary medicine are not new. In fact, several studies have shown its effectiveness as an alternative treatment in cases of arthritis, cancer and idiopathic epilepsy. However, scientific advances also leave some open questions: What is CBD for pets, for example for dogs and cats, and how is it used?
CBD (cannabidiol) is an active compound in the cannabis plant, also known as Cannabis sativa , hemp or marijuana. Thanks to its therapeutic properties and benefits, this plant-based cannabinoid has become popular as an alternative treatment for pain in both traditional and veterinary medicine.
The cannabis plant has a large amount of cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the substance that generates the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, is known for its therapeutic properties. Hence, it has become an effective treatment against chronic pain and other diseases.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CBD FOR PETS
Pain relief . The effect of hemp oil as a chronic pain reducer has been demonstrated in the treatment of pets with back pain, disc disease and other similar conditions. CBD for pets has also proven to be useful in managing emotional symptoms, such as irritability and aggression.
Seizure control . CBD for pets with idiopathic epilepsy, a neurological pathology of unknown origin, helps reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.
Anti-inflammatory for arthritis . CBD helps reduce inflammatory processes in animals. Hence its value as an alternative treatment against arthritis or IBD (inflammatory bowel diseases).
CBD for pets. Treatment in cases ofcancer. There have been no studies yet on the effects of CBD on pets with cancer. However, researchers hope that it can serve to reduce certain symptoms associated with cancer or its current treatment, such as nausea caused by chemotherapy in humans.A study carried out in Texas, United States by the Baylor College of Medicine school of medicine determined that CBD for pets decreases the production of inflammatory molecules and immune cells associated with canine arthritis.
CANNABIS FORMATS FOR PETS: CBD OIL
The most used medical cannabis formats in the veterinary field are CBD oil and hemp oil treats. However, liquid oil has proven much more useful . This is due to two factors: the ease of calculating the dose prescribed by the veterinarian and the speed of absorption of the active components. CBD for pets.
To eliminate the psychoactive effects of cannabis, manufacturers make CBD oil using hemp extract, a high-quality oil rich in cannabidiol with low concentrations of THC. This natural hemp oil can have up to 3% CBD content and less than 0.05% THC.
Regarding the formula, experts have been clear in prohibiting the replacement of CBD for pets, dogs and cats with foods with cannabis for humans . The brownies ,chocolatesand sweets with cannabinoids far exceed the recommended doses for domestic animals.
Additionally, CBD for pets has its own manufacturing process. This allows manufacturers to eliminate those components that could be harmful to the animals’ bodies; substances that do not affect human beings.
HOW DO PHYTOCANNABINOIDS WORK?
Phytocannabinoids are responsible for stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) present in all mammals. Upon entering the body, they activate two receptors (CB-1 and CB-2) to regulate various aspects of the central nervous system, peripheral system, immune system and other organs.
These receptors influence various physiological processes such as inflammation, anxiety and stress management, learning, mobility, nausea that induces vomiting, appetite, emotions, aging, dermatological problems and allergies.
CBD for pets. This is why the benefits of CBD, already proven in humans, have been extended to the treatment of dogs and cats, mainly to relieve pain. Based on the premise that animals also produce endocannabinoids, it is believed that they respond in a similar way to the action of CBD.
USE OF CBD IN VETERINARY TREATMENTS
Veterinary medicine has advanced significantly in recent years. The development of more effective treatments and medications has even increased theLife expectancyof pets, although there is still much to do.
It is a fact that conventional veterinary medications prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain, seizures, among other conditions (such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide) negatively impact the immune and digestive systems; also causing damage to the liver and kidneys.
Because of this, the development of alternative therapies, such as the use of CBD for pets, has brought new hope for dogs and cats. Although much data remains to be confirmed, it could become aproper treatmentto increase animal welfare.
RECOMMENDED CBD DOSAGE FOR PETS UNDERGOING TREATMENT
Just as all the benefits of hemp oil in the treatment of veterinary diseases are not yet known, there are some doubts about the recommended doses.
Veterinarians who prescribe CBD treatments for dogs use observation as a monitoring and dosing method. In other words, they continually adjust the dosage until a satisfactory result is achieved .
Although there is a long way to go, it is expected that both CBD for pets and otheralternative medicines. They will play a fundamental role in increasing the quality of life of pets in the near future. CBD for pets.
