How to Celebrate National CBD Month with Your Pets

Did you know that January is National CBD Month? Let’s take a few minutes and celebrate the wonders of CBD. Want to share the health benefits of CBD with a special friend? Invite your pet to take part in National CBD Month and start your pet on a road to better health.

Let’s delve into the world of cannabinoids and learn a bit more about CBD for you and your favorite animal friends.

The next time you are shopping for CBD products for yourself, consider picking something up for your pet!

What Can CBD Do

Cannabis sativa is a special plant. There are hundreds of cannabinoids in each strain of cannabis. These cannabinoids are the products of the plant's terpenes (aromatic molecular compounds).

Cannabidiol (CBD) was first characterized in medicinal science in 1963 and is one of the main cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) was classified the following year.

CBD is one of the most common cannabinoids and is one of the non-psychoactive compounds of cannabis. Due to its lack of psychoactive effect, CBD has been a major subject of research and is considered to be a safe natural supplement for elderly people, pets, and even children.

CBD oil for pets can be effective in treating a number of ailments including inflammation, convulsions, anxiety, diabetes, cancer, and muscle aches.

Cannabis For Medicinal Use

The endocannabinoid system helps to explain the medicinal uses of CBD in the human body. This system involves cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an advanced cell-signaling system that regulates sleep, memory, mood, appetite, reproduction, and fertility. This regulatory system was discovered in the 1990s and it is present in all mammals - even those that do not use any cannabis-related products.

Endocannabinoids are molecules produced by the body and they bind to two main receptor systems - CB1 and CB2. The ECS consists of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes.

CB1 receptors are found within the central nervous system and they regulate the following:

• Pain perception
• Short term memory
• Immune cells
• Appetite
• Motor Activity
• Thinking

CB2 receptors are broader and are found in the peripheral system of the body and regulate:

• Cardiovascular System
• Bone
• Body Fat
• Central Nervous System
• Gut
• Immune System
• Eyes
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Reproductive System
• Skin
• Skeletal Muscles
• Tumors

CBD works to prevent endocannabinoids from breaking down within the body. There is research that details clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. Low endocannabinoid levels may contribute to overall dysfunction of the ECS and even lead to conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. CBD has also been shown to help reduce anxiety, depression, and inflammation.

What Can CBD Do For Pets

CBD oil for pets has grown in popularity amongst pet owners and veterinarians. The expanding research has helped solidify it as a useful health supplement for many animals who suffer from a range of illnesses. Most cannabis products for animals are high in CBD or set to certain ratios dependent on your pet’s ailment.

Animal ailments that cannabis can help include:

• Seizures
• Anxiety/Stress
• Nausea
• Arthritis
• Pain/Inflammation/Surgery Recovery
• Symptoms of Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Issues

Pets benefit in similar ways to humans in regards to stimulating the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Show your pet a little extra loving kindness this National CBD Month!

Veterinarians cannot prescribe cannabis for your pets, but they can give you advice for you and your pet. Always check with a professional before administration and get as much information surrounding the process before taking action. If you can't get your hands on cannabis derived products, try hemp instead.

Let’s Celebrate

Now, let’s grab some of our favorites for National CBD Month! Cannabis supplements for animals most often come in the form of tinctures and infused treats. Explore amazing CBD products for pets and choose the one that’s right for your pet!

Cannabis tinctures can be given to pets either directly into their mouths or added into their food or water. Infused treats are usually ingested either on their own or with your pet’s regular food.

Most pets are more eager to take infused treats over tinctures, but tinctures are better absorbed.

Muscle and coat care in the form of lotions or rubs are also available for your pet who may exhibit skin ailments.

How Much CBD Does My Pet Need

To determine how much CBD oil to give your pet, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations that correspond to your pet’s weight.

All CBD pet products should have the legally required information (sometimes even more), located on the packaging of the product. This includes ingredients, cannabinoid ratios/dosage measurements and instructions for administration.

If you’re ever worried that your pet has ingested too much cannabis–below are some tips in case your friend seems a bit too medicated.

If they’re a larger animal and consumed a small dose, a veterinarian visit may not be required. However, if a smaller pet consumes even a small bit of strong cannabis or a product not made for the pet’s consumption, follow precaution and consider taking them to the vet!

The general guideline is: if they can still walk without help, keep them in a safe and quiet space until they’re acting and feeling more like themselves.

If you're caring for a pet at home that has consumed a cannabis product not made specifically for pets, check on them frequently to be sure their condition isn’t worsening.

Have Fun Together

Spending quality time with your pets is a great pastime. This year consider your pet’s overall health and if you feel your pet can benefit from a supplement of CBD oil, give it a try!

Many of the most common ailments experienced by pets are able to be treated with CBD products for animals.

When you are picking up your next supplement of CBD oil, be sure to add your pet to the list!

Take a vested interest in you and your pet’s well-being this National CBD Month!