CBD Oil for Pets – Relief and Testimonials

Does CBD oil for pets work the same as for humans? Previous HealthyTOKYO articles have discussed the benefits of CBD and its potential uses in alleviating the symptoms of diseases such as epilepsy and depression. However, you may not be aware that CBD oil for pets is also a rising trend with similar benefits for our furry friends.

Before discussing the use of CBD oil for pets, let’s cover some background information. CBD (Cannabidiol) is a chemical in a class of compounds known as Cannabinoids. CBD is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant. This plant contains other cannabinoids including THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis and is known for getting people “high”. Although CBD and THC are both cannabinoids and interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD is not psychoactive. Hence, unlike THC, CBD doesn’t result in a high. In fact, CBD is thought to stimulate the endocannabinoid system and promote homeostasis (equilibrium), resulting in benefits including pain relief and reduction in anxiety. For more information on CBD and its potential uses, check out the CBD articles on the HealthyTOKYO website.

As more information emerges on the range of beneficial effects of CBD on humans, the next logical question is, “Can CBD oil produce these effects in pets?” In short, the answer seems to be yes.

As discussed above, CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in humans. In fact, all mammals possess an ECS, including most common pets such as dogs and cats. The ECS regulates a wide range of processes including sleep, pain, inflammation, memory, emotions, and the immune response. Therefore, the ECS is vital in maintaining overall health.

Most scientific studies on the effects of CBD have so far been pre-clinical studies carried out on lab rats/mice or clinical trials on humans. Although scientific research on the effects of CBD on pets is still in its early stages, there are a range of anecdotal testimonies from pet-owners and veterinarians that demonstrate the positive effects of giving pets CBD oil.

For example, CBD has been found to help provide relief to pets suffering from:

• Pain and inflammation
• Epilepsy and Seizures
• Anxiety
• Joint and Mobility Issues, including Arthritis
• Cancer
• Sleep
• Digestive problems
• Autoimmune disease
• Appetite
• Cardiovascular health
• Allergies
• Skin problems
• Bowel disease

These conditions are the same as those that CBD has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of in humans, as the conditions manifest themselves in similar ways in humans and many pets.

Since CBD promotes homeostasis, it isn’t only pets with diseases who could benefit from CBD. Many pet-owners give their pets CBD as a food supplement. Like in humans, CBD acts to supplement the ECS in pets. This stimulates the ECS to keep pets’ functions in balance and therefore promotes the overall health and wellbeing of pets. Several veterinary studies shows that CBD interacts with the ECS in pets and promotes healthy joints, neurological health and emotional behaviour.

Another question that all pet-owners will want to know the answer to: “Is giving my pet CBD safe?” Well, like in humans, CBD is not psychoactive and thus will not make pets “high”. In addition, scientific studies have found that CBD has no known toxicity level so cannot cause an overdose in humans or pets. These studies also show CBD has very few side-effects. Anecdotes from pet-owners who have given pets CBD confirm that there are minimal side-effects, if any.

CBD, therefore, may be a viable natural alternative to prescription drugs for pets, without the high price-tag and common side effects associated with these drugs.

There are a variety of methods to administer CBD to pets, including mixing CBD oil with food or water, administering the oil directly to the mouth, or giving pets ready-made CBD pet treats.

Testimonials

• Denise has a dog called Miles with a splenic tumor, who was given 2 months to live. After giving Miles CBD oil: “Miles has been going to the beach, he’s been running, he’s being himself. If Miles was on the tramadol, he’d be in bed, and he wouldn’t be enjoying anything or eating anything, and he’d probably be dead. I’m just really grateful we found this.”
• Joyce has a beagle named Cinnamon with bad hips. After giving her pet one dose of CBD oil: “She hopped right down from her chair when I called her to go outside. usually I have to call several times and start pushing her off. She came over just to say hi and lick me on the leg. I almost cried, it’s been so long since she’s done that.”
• “My dog has had severe storm anxiety all his life. We have difficulty keeping his weight up because he vomits so much when he is anxious. The oil helps him sleep and helps him to be able to eat without vomiting.”
• “My 12 yr old Leonberger started having seizures. She had a massive seizure and we were losing her. A client of mine suggested CBD so we gave it a shot. Within 3 days she was walking and even trotting. We were able to get the seizures under control.”

In summary:

• CBD appears to cause similar effects in humans and most pets.
• Many pet-owners report their pets have alleviated symptoms for a wide range of conditions when given CBD.
• CBD could be a cheaper alternative to prescription drugs for pets with far fewer side-effects.
• Pets can be given CBD as a regular supplement to promote overall health.