Around the world, pet owners are turning to medicinal marijuana to alleviate their pet’s pain and anxiety. Marijuana is not just for humans anymore. Domesticated pets like cats and dogs are considered members of the family in most households. Regardless of the problem or ailment, watching our beloved animals experience severe anxiety by loud fireworks, thunderstorms or suffer from an illness and excruciating pain is heart-breaking.
When a person’s pet is dealing with arthritis, anxiety or pain due to sickness, more people are seeking natural treatments through the use of medicinal marijuana and CBD oil.
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the 104 chemical compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main mind-bending cannabinoid found in cannabis that leads to the sensation of getting “high”. This feeling is often associated with marijuana. The difference with CBD is that it’s not psychoactive.
CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant which is then diluted with a carrier oil such as hemp seed or coconut oil. CBD has become a popular choice amongst pet owners seeking relief from anxiety, chronic pain and other illnesses without the effects of pharmaceutical drugs or the hallucinatory effects of marijuana. CBD oil is gaining a steady stream of followers in the health and wellness sectors, with growing testimonies of how CBD oil has helped cure a variety of ailments.
CBD Oil and Sick Pets
A recent study conducted by the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine states, administering CBD oil to sick pets helped provide moderately good results. It also revealed that 89 percent of dogs who received CBD in a clinical trial had a decreased frequency of seizures.
Success stories for both humans and their pets for a number of conditions has pushed more people to pursue CBD oil treatment. It may not only ease the pain but can also slow down the growth or even destroy cancer cells.
An ailing senior dog named Aspen through the help of regular CBD treatments is able to live the remaining years of his life relatively pain-free and with no recurrence of cancer after having his leg amputated due to a tumor.
The best CBD oils for dogs are safely formulated to help diminish pain and inflammation from arthritis, treat seizures and reduce pet anxiety. CBD oil for dogs also provides relaxation without the intoxication. It effectively reduces a dog’s heart rate that is caused by separation anxiety or trauma due to loud noises.
Research demonstrates how CBD oil and cannabis have anti-tumor properties that have shown to stop the growth of cancer cells. It also serves as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the nervous system and regulate the spread of neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Cornelia Wagner, head of the Hawthorne Veterinary Clinic in Portland, OR, is one of many veterinarians who recommend the use of CBD oil as a safe and effective alternative pet treatment when used properly. “The upper dose limit for CBD products recommended is around 1 mg/kg/day orally, but one should start with a much smaller fraction of this dose such as 0.05 mg/kg/day,” states Dr. Wagner on the Hawthorne Clinic’s online website. “For THC products, start with an oral dose of 0.1-0.25 mg/kg THC once or twice daily.” If no side effects such as disorientation, or excitement are seen, the pet dosage dose can be slowly increased every 5 days until the desired results are seen.
Animals are more prone to feel the effects faster than humans and have a lower toxic threshold for THC. It is still wise to consult one’s veterinary doctor for the advised dosage, especially if your dog is on other medications.
CBD oil is a natural life-saving treatment for your dog. More pet owners and veterinarians who believe in holistic medicines are drawn to its diverse health benefits. The side effects are minimal and animals don’t seem to build up a significant tolerance to it.
The healing oil has allowed countless numbers of family pets across the globe to stay comfortable. It has also aided in their recovery, to keep them the way we want them, healthy, loveable and happy.