It seems that with the legalization of marijuana around the country, CBD is popping up left and right as a solution for just about anything. While there is an abundance of CBD options for humans, pet owners will rejoice to see the wide availability of CBD options for their pets too. But what is CBD and how does it work? This all-natural supplement is easy to take and is being touted for its effectiveness when used to manage pain in pets. Below, let’s take a closer look at using CBD for pet pain management.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, often abbreviated to CBD, is an active ingredient in cannabis, which is the scientific name for marijuana. CBD is the second most common ingredient in cannabis and can be found in hemp, a close relative of marijuana. CBD is a component in the cannabis plant, but is not responsible for creating the “high” people may feel when using medical marijuana. Instead, CBD is able to help modulate and control various receptors in the body. One of these receptors is the TRPV1 receptor, which is directly related to how people, and subsequently pets, feel pain and inflammation in the body.
What Can CBD Help With?
CBD is able to help with a wide range of ailments, injuries, and conditions. First, CBD can help manage stress and anxiety in pets, allowing them to feel calm and soothed. This is perfect for pets who may suffer from separation anxiety, or extreme levels of fear from loud noises and thunderstorms.
More commonly though, CBD is an excellent choice to help manage your pet’s pain. CBD has been used to help manage pain associated with arthritis, different dysplasias, kidney and liver disease, as well as progressive cancers and degenerative diseases. CBD gives pet owners an all-natural option to help reduce, or even eliminate, you pet’s pain.
How Is CBD Ingested?
There are a number of different forms to give your pet CBD, making it a perfect option for even the pickiest of eaters. CBD can be given as a pill which can be hidden in food or treats. Or, CBD can be given as a chew, masked with different flavors that your pet is sure to love. CBD can also be given as an oil, which can be applied to your pet’s food.
It is important to understand that the format in which the CBD is offered to your pet can dictate how much of the supplement is delivered to your pet’s body. In studies, research has found that CBD oil works the fastest when it comes to helping your pet with pain management. The oil is quickly absorbed by your pet’s body, making it more effective for a longer amount of time. CBD oil can be easy to use and comes in a number of different specifically formulated options to allow you to target your pet’s pain management needs.
Is CBD Safe?
CBD offers an all-natural alternative to prescription medications which can have harmful side effects. While initial studies have indicated that CBD is perfectly safe to give to your pet, the truth of the matter is that the technology for pet CBD is just too new to say definitively. In fact, many veterinarians are waiting to give a definite verdict on the supplement until its effects are supported with more research. The good news though, is that new research is emerging every day which is strongly indicating that CBD for pets is not only safe, but extremely effective to help manage your pet’s pain in a safe and all-natural way.
