Intro
It’s well documented that CBD (Cannabidiol) can have beneficial effects, such as pain relief and reducing anxiety, in human beings. But did you know that CBD also offers an array of potential benefits for our four-legged friends? Here’s a few highlighted so you can decide if it could be trying with your pet…
Reduction in Anxiety and Stress
If you have a pet that suffers from social anxiety, CBD could very well be a solution worth exploring. A randomised controlled trial (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20829306/) has shown that CBD can markedly reduce social anxiety. Whether it’s refusal to leave your side or continual vocal distress, CBD could be the solution leading to a calmer and more peaceful pet.
Just like you and I, our pets can also experience high levels of stress. Release of cortisol (colloquially known as ‘the stress hormone’) can be prevented through the use of CBD, leading to chilled out Collies and tranquil Tabbies.
Treatment of Seizures
It’s common (especially in old age) for pets to suffer seizures due to a variety of medical conditions. Whether it be epilepsy or brain conditions, the most common treatment prescribed by vets is phenobarbital. Barbiturates are known to cause severe and long-term side effects with extended use, so safe alternates should be explored.
CBD has been known at positively impact both humans and pets in terms of reducing seizures.
Autoimmune Disease and Pain Relief
Academic studies have shown that CBD is effective at reducing multiple forms of pain, including neuropathic, chronic and inflammatory pain. Arthritis is common is both older humans and pets, and CBD can help relieve associated chronic pain to improve quality of life.
Although studies are ongoing, initial results also suggest that CBD can suppress Th17 (helper) cell dominance linked with a variety of autoimmune disease. Although there is no definitive cure for lupus, multiple sclerosis and other AI diseases, it may be worth exploring CBD to help reduce symptoms.
Helping in conjunction with cancer treatment
A study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5009497/) highlighted, through in-vitro study, the potential for CBD to aid anti-tumour treatments. Research is still in it’s infancy, but alongside anti-nausea and proven pain relief, CBD may be worth giving to pets during treatment for cancer and associated complications.
Quality is Key
Ultimately if you decide to explore CBD usage for your pet’s conditions, it’s critical to invest in a trusted and quality product to get the best results. Although a crowded market, excellent products always have one thing in common, open and clear lab results highlighting the purity and reliability of their CBD. We at Target Labs work with a variety of trusted vendors, and our rigorous and accurate testing procedure guarantees that a consumer can trust approved products, for both human and animal consumption.
If you’re interested in high-quality laboratory testing to show your CBD product is a cut above the rest, please contact us.