CBD For Your Furry Loved Ones
Updated: Feb 8

CBD, a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis and hemp has become a quickly emerging topic over the past couple of years. More recently, CBD is being sought after by animal-owners seeking relief for their furry loved ones, when conventional options have failed.
How Does CBD Work?
Any animal with a backbone (classified as chordate) has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The Kingdom of Chordata includes amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals, including house pets. The ECS consists of endogenous cannabinoids that they naturally produce, as well as cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2. These receptors bind with cannabinoids, such as CBD to promote balance at a cellular level. The ECS has been shown to regulate mood, immune system, pain perception, body temperature and other bodily functions. CBD also interacts with other receptors such as, Serotonin (helps to regulate mood) and Vanilloid (helps to regulate pain).
The Endocannabinoid System is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. Homeostasis can best be described as the proper functioning of the body. It occurs when the body is in balance, and ensures all our biological systems function to the best of their ability. However, sometimes this balance gets thrown out and that’s when illnesses strike but studies suggest that CBD could help bring back balance.

CB1 Receptor
Brain
Gastrointestinal Tract
Reproductive Organs
Lungs
Vascular System
Muscles
CB1 is more abundant than any other neurotransmitter receptor
CB2 Receptor
Skin
Glial cells
Spleen
Bone
CB1+2 Receptor
Immune System
Liver
Bone Marrow
Pancreas
Brain stem

Benefits Of CBD For Pets
Here are some of the more popular reasons why pet-owners give CBD to their pets:
Joint Pain & Inflammation
Anxiety
Digestive Issues
Seizures
Coat Shine & Thickness
General Health & Wellness
While there is still more research needed to done, what we do know from the studies done on CBD for pets is that CBD is safe for pets to consume and It has been reported that both cats and dogs have experienced increased joint movement, reduced pain, inflammation and seizures after consuming CBD oil.
Studies On CBD For Pets
Pain
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
Seizures
Anxiety
Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, transmit chemical messages in the brains and bodies of dogs and humans and as a result both have the same physiological reactions to behavioral states such as joy, fear, excitement and pain
There hasn't been a direct study on CBD for pets with anxiety but there is a lot of anecdotal evidence from pet owners to support it. Also, studies on humans with anxiety has shown that CBD stimulates 5-HT1A, a serotonin receptor that gives an anti-anxiety effect - this is how CBD works to reduce anxiety. Since dogs and cats have Serotonin receptors in their physiology and produce serotonin naturally, CBD could be a potential benefit to decreasing your pets anxiety and regulating serotonin levels.