CBD For Your Furry Loved Ones

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

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Daily Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Canine Osteoarthritis

Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs

Seizures

Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy

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.