You’re probably aware of the many possible health benefits of CBD for humans, but did you know it may also help your furry companions? Our pets are an extended member of the family. When they are stressed or ill, we will do everything we can to help them find relief.
Research points to our pets possessing the same receptors in their body that interact with CBD, just like humans. In fact, some animals, like dogs, have more of these receptors, making them even more sensitive to the compound. Let’s take a closer look at just a few of the ways CBD can be used to help your four-legged friends!
1. CBD might be a natural painkiller.
CBD interacts with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is found in mammals and manages a variety of responses within the body such as memory, sleep, and immune response. Recent studies have shown the ECS is also interlinked to pain management and using CBD can help manage discomfort. But how, you ask? Well, it works one of two ways.
First, studies have indicated that CBD is effective at temporarily stopping the absorption of a chemical called anandamide. This temporary reduction has a few different effects, but one of them is subduing pain sensations. Secondly, CBD may possess anti-inflammatory powers causing long term relief. Any pain in your pet's body caused by inflammation can be reduced, possibly easing conditions like arthritis.
2. It may help relieve stress and anxiety in your pet.
Many pets suffer from stress or anxiety. New surroundings, lots of noise, travel, or even separation can cause pets emotional distress. The stress response within our animals closely mimics the same stress response within humans.
Using broad-spectrum CBD oils may help. How CBD effectively reduces anxiety is still a little unclear. But, research suggests it works in similar ways as prescribed anti-anxiety medications. Pharmaceutical grade anti anxiety medications bind to GABA receptors while anti-depression medications were developed to interact with a serotonin receptor called the 5-HT1A. Targeting this receptor boosts serotonin in the brain, improving mood and reducing anxiety over a longer period of time. The binding of GABA receptors provide a more immediate calming and relaxing state. Instead of relying on more expensive prescription medications with harmful side effects, you can administer NexxGen's CBD oil as a natural alternative that is free from THC and healthy for your pet.
3. Using CBD may soothe nausea and vomiting.
Our pets occasionally experience upset stomachs. It can start for a variety of reasons such as travel, taking medications, or a result of specific conditions. Nausea and vomiting are serious problems and can often lead to other issues like reduced appetite or increased heart rate, something none of us want our pets to suffer through.
Prescription antiemetic drugs are helpful but come with several side effects including lethargy, diarrhea, and even hypotension. Studies have shown that CBD is an effective, natural alternative for reducing nausea and vomiting without suppressing appetite. In fact, some researchers argue it's better than antiemetic medications. By interacting with 5-HT1A receptors, it can reduce feelings of queasiness and suppress the urge to vomit. Additionally, CBD modulates the CB-1 receptors in the brain causing "relaxation" of GI muscles, such as the stomach and intestines. Prolonged modulation allows other active neurotransmitters to work correctly, thus lowering the seizure threshold; explained in more detail below.
4. CBD may help manage neurological disorders.
Back in 2013, a story broke about a young girl with epilepsy who suffered from roughly 300 seizures. Having exhausted all other treatment options, her parents opted to treat her with a high-quality CBD tincture. Within the first hour, her seizures stopped, and this continued for an additional seven days.
Since this story broke, researchers have gone on to believe that CBD may help treat tremors, spasms, and tics, and even manage some of the effects of Tourette's syndrome. How and why is still being determined. It's believed CBD helps restore balance to the neurons that fire in the brain; look at this simply as controlling the brain's electrical current. The achieved equilibrium helps prevent the onset of seizures, spasms, or tics in your pet by regulating this electrical current. At this point, this is just theoretical and more research is being done.
To gather more conclusive research and data, The AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF) recently announced a major clinical trial to study CBD as a treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs.
5. CBD may act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
We've already addressed some of the anti-inflammatory benefits and managing pain. Most researchers and health care professionals believe the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD on the body is what makes it such a potentially powerful agent for overall health. Inflammation is the body's response to injury. After injury or trauma, the body tries to signal to the immune system to help heal and repair damage to the area. It's also asking for assistance against viruses and bacteria. The inflammation is essentially a protective barrier. However, if the inflammatory response continues for too long, it becomes problematic and could potentially cause conditions in our pets that are harmful. CBD interacts harmoniously with CB-2 receptors that are found throughout the body and inside immune cells. Once the CBD stimulates the receptors, it might help fight inflammation and restore the balance in your pet.
Giving Your Pets CBD Oil
If your pet suffers from any of the conditions above, CBD oil may help. It's suggested that you give 0.5 to 5 milligrams of CBD for every 10 pounds. Start with the suggested amount for three days and watch your pet for improvement of symptoms or any side effects. If they haven't improved, you can adjust the amount by 0.5 milligrams until the desired results are seen. Please note: Always start the suggested amount and instructions recommended by your veterinarian.
But, it's not just the dosage you need to consider. The quality of the product itself plays a critical role in the effectiveness of treatment. For too long, Americans were required to import CBD, and without regulation, you could purchase products that weren’t pure, high-quality, or THC free. Today, cultivation is now legal which allows us at NexxGen to produce the highest-grade, pure CBD oil right here in the U.S. All of our products are third-party tested with the highest of standards and under quality control to ensure you receive nothing but safe, effective, and exceptional products.
Share the incredible benefits of CBD with your pet. Simply click here to shop our high-quality CBD oils and products.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.