CBD is the latest craze in human wellness, but what about CBD for your dog?

When it comes to humans, the benefits of CBD include anxiety relief, digestive relief, an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, and more. But the benefits aren’t for humans alone. In fact, CBD helps dogs very similarly to humans.

The benefits of CBD for dogs include stress relief, an anticonvulsant, a painkiller and anti-inflammatory, an antiemetic, and having anticancer effects just to name a few.

Let’s see just how CBD can benefit your dog.

  1. For Stress Relief

Humans use CBD to reduce stress and anxiety, so it’s no surprise it has a similar effect on dogs. And, since humans aren’t the only ones who suffer from anxiety and stress, adding CBD to your pet’s diet can be extremely beneficial.  How do you know if your dog suffers from anxiety? Some common forms include separation anxiety, travel anxiety, or noise anxiety.  Symptoms can include constant barking, persistent chewing, aggression, or tremors.  CBD helps with stress as it temporarily increases the serotonin levels in their brain.

       2. As an Anticonvulsant 

One of the most well-known medical uses for CBD is as an anticonvulsant – also known as the ability to help control seizures, tics, tremors, or spasms.    While it isn’t clear as to why CBD acts as an anticonvulsant, if your dog suffers from any of these symptoms, adding CBD to their diet can help manage them.

     3. As a Painkiller and Anti-Inflammatory

CBD has become synonymous with “painkiller” thanks to its ability to help manage pain in different ways. CBD can temporarily stop the absorption of a chemical that helps stop pain signals in the brain known as anandamide.  And, CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory, which means it reduces inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis. Therefore, CBD is a great option for dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or any other condition or disease that causes pain.

    4. As an Antiemetic (Drug for Vomiting and Nausea)

Dogs suffering from gastrointestinal problems, with symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, will benefit greatly from adding CBD to their diet.  Excessive vomiting can lead to a decreased appetite, weight loss, fatigue, dehydration, and more.   And while there are numerous antiemetic medications available, many include ingredients such as chlorpromazine, acepromazine, and more. These ingredients can cause side effects including lethargy, a lowered seizure threshold for dogs with epilepsy, lack of appetite, and more.  Thankfully, evidence shows that CBD is an all-natural way to control nausea and vomiting while still stimulating appetite.

     5.Having an Anticancer Effect

Unfortunately, fatal cancer and malicious tumors are common in dogs. And while most treatment options include chemotherapy, this form of treatment can have negative side effects including fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. But, new research shows that CBD can have an anticancer effect by helping to slow the growth and spread of cancer as well as reducing the size of tumors. (For more information on CBD and its effect on cancer, click here). 

If your dog suffers from anxiety or stress, chronic pain, epilepsy, arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, try adding CBD to their diet.  And, similar to CBD for humans, there are several options for how you can incorporate CBD into your dogs diet, including dog treats, tinctures, or capsules.

As always, before you add CBD to your dog’s diet, check with your veterinarian to ensure it is safe to do so.

Will Corrente is a career entrepreneur and trusted authority and expert in the dog care industry. Will has over 15 years of experience as the owner and operator of Very Important Paws Dog Resort in West Palm Beach, FL. Copyright 2020 k9vitatherapy.com