CBD has recently exploded into mainstream usage for both humans and pets but with so many companies jumping on board how can you be sure you're getting a safe and effective product? CBD products are made from hemp and are supposed to contain less than 0.1% THC (the psychoactive element from the plant). It can help treat a multitude of ailments: seizures, nausea, stress/anxiety, pain caused by arthritis, GI signs and more! SPEAK TO YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE ADDING CBD OR STOPPING ANY EXISTING MEDICATION. We generally recommend that CBD be used in conjunction with traditional medications.
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Your body (and your pet's) have a natural Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which is responsible for regulating immune responses, communication between cells, metabolism and more. The ECS is made up of a collection of cell receptors and corresponding molecules. Endocannabinoids (ECB) are like your body's naturally made THC (they actually got the name from cannabis!) Endo meaning within. Our body's natural endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers that communicate with the body's main functions (i.e. sleep, appetite, immunity, pain). These messengers let our body know when these functions should start and stop. CBD supplements aid in all of these functions!
One of the main compounds that make up ECBs is the anandamide (or bliss) molecule- it literally works in the synapses of your brain to make you happier, and it helps your body run other systems! Now, your body also has an enzyme FAAH that pulls the anandamide molecule from your body. CBD works against that enzyme to keep all those good molecules available! CBD works as a barrier to prevent FAAH from breaking down anandamide molecules, making more available for your body to use. Omega-3 fatty acids (along with other fatty acids) help your body create ECBs, hemp seeds are a quality source of Omega-3s and occur in almost all CBD supplements. When your body has more ECBs the endocannabinoid system runs more efficiently. It's also a powerful antioxidant!
Where CBD can help: (As noted above- discuss adding CBD or altering any medication with your veterinarian first!!)
-Anxiety and noise phobias
-Pain: nerve related pain, can help reduce inflammation (musculoskeletal and GI) works on both acute and chronic inflammation
-Aids in autoimmune diseases, allergies and hypersensitivities
-Helps with degenerative myelopathy along with other spinal and nerve issues
-Increases appetite and decreases nausea
-Heart health: protects and repairs blood vessels, can also reduce heart rate and blood pressure
Choosing an appropriate supplement for your pet can be difficult since there are so many options available to the public, you rarely have any idea what you are getting! Some good guidelines are to make sure it's organically grown with no pesticides or fungicides and find a company that does lab analysis (you want measured CBD with less than 0.1% THC). You want to avoid any THC for your pets! Most products are available in treats or tinctures but the tinctures are much more accurate when it comes to dosing. Our clinic is currently carrying HempRX from Rx Vitamins after researching their sourcing and testing. We are confident in this product and this company!
Sources:
Herb.co
dogsnaturallymagazine.com
medicalmarijuanainc.com
RxVitamins.com
