You will have probably run into cannabidiol (CBD) as a relatively new hemp-based treatment for a range of human ailments. But did you know that the endocannabinoid system, on which CBD works in the body, exists in most multicellular organisms? While no one would get much fun from a pet jellyfish, even these have an endocannabinoid system in their bodies!
Let’s first of all look at the endocannabinoid system in animals and humans. And then we’ll look at how CBD oil could help treat your cat or dog.
The endocannabinoid system
The endogenous cannabinoid system as it is sometimes known sits in between nerve cells and passes chemical messages across the gap known as a ‘synapse’. Even non-nerve cells have cannabinoid receptors, and this for instance is believed to be the way that CBD interacts with cancer cells, stopping them from growing or even killing them.
With regard to nerve cells, the two endocannabinoids that the body makes (anandamide and AG2) are understood to moderate other synaptic activity. They can increase or decrease the levels of neurotransmitters like glutamate, dopamine, serotonin, and adrenalin that are present around that synapse.
Research into the endocannabinoid system is relatively new. It was discovered as part of research as to how cannabis interacts with the body in the 1960s. Scientists discovered that while THC causes you to get a buzz, CBD seems to dial back the sensation and reduce the risks of psychosis when someone consumes cannabis.
Current research has shown that CBD can really help with inflammation, and may even help with epileptic seizures.
What is very interesting is that CBD seems to have similar effects in nearly all animals. Unlike certain other medicines that can act differently according to what animal they are working on.
Arthritis and inflammation
While there is no specific medicine on the market containing CBD for arthritis or inflammatory diseases, there has been a lot of research published that suggests it can be a real help.
A Colorado veterinary practice website states that in regard to cats CBD oil can help with inflammatory bowel disease and vomiting:
“CBD may have a place alongside other therapies to help reduce inflammation and therefore symptoms.”
With regard arthritis in cats the same vet’s website states:
“Because cats tend to be reclusive and don’t travel as readily, they are less likely to get treatment for their aches and pains. I have found CBD to be an extremely effective anti-inflammatory for these kitties.”
As your beloved furry friend gets older then, it might be an idea to add a few drops of Purfurred: Hemp Oil for Pets to their daily feed to ease the symptoms of old age as time takes its toll on their short lives.
Calming the skitty kitty
Perhaps more peculiar to cats and dogs is that some cats can become very nervous and aggressive. They may lash out when scared of the somewhat ordinary things. And the little guy you love dearly can be a bit of a monster when it draws blood from biting and scratching.
A preparation of Hemp Oil for Cats could help in certain situations such as moving house or when a change comes along. Situations such as a new baby or puppy that would upset the balance of a familiar home for your moggy.
Do remember, however, that CBD can leave them zoned out at too high a dose. So you should test in incremental doses to assess just how much it takes to take the edge off your skitty kitty’s nervousness without sending them to sleep!
Cat and dog medical research
For one reason or another, veterinary medical research has tended to focus on how CBD can benefit dogs more than cats — that is to say research is more mature in the case of dogs than in cats.
According to Dogs Naturally Magazine:
“Among chronic conditions, [CBD oil] can help with arthritis, compromised immune systems, stress responses, aggression, and digestive issues. There are also studies under way into CBD’s effects on Type 1 diabetes, organ diseases, and cancer.”
It is important to reiterate that there is no specific medicine approved by the FDA that contains CBD. That is because it would have to undergo a series of expensive trials before it came to market. None have been successful or extensive enough as yet for it to be termed a medicine.
There is a lot of research at human and animal level into how CBD and hemp oil affects cancer cells. Things are looking promising with some indication that CBD could prevent tumors from growing bigger or could even trigger cancer cell death.
Hemp oil is not poisonous and can be bought over-the-counter and online right across the United States and perfectly legally.
This gives you the option as a pet owner whether or not to supplement your fur baby’s food or medicine regime with hemp oil. There is plenty of evidence that it has a positive impact on the body’s health. That is contrary to feeding your pet some “human” foods that can be both dangerous and poisonous. If you are unsure as to what you can or cannot safely give an animal check this article for some detailed information.
Over time you may see a positive response to them having it in their diet. And if there is evidence that hemp oil can help with their age or illness, then honestly there is no harm in trying it out on them.
The takeaway
For cats and dogs as well as their human keepers there is a lot of evidence that CBD could be the new wonder drug of the future.
Hemp oil supplements in their food could improve their comfort as they deal with different illnesses or even just the coming of old age.
There is very little evidence of it harming man or beast. Quite the reverse.
Indeed, the California Senate and Assembly have both just recently passed legislation expanding the state’s Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) to control and regulate cannabis and cannabis products for use on pets.
So, as long as you use it alongside other therapies prescribed by your vet, there is very little harm to be done in exposing them to what could be the medicine that may even save them.
Here are some of our recommended Pet CBD Supplement suppliers. You will find everything you need for your cat or dog on these sites.
