CBD is not just for humans. As it turns out, every creature with vertebrate has the ability to absorb and benefit from cannabinoids. And that means CBD may be the right natural solution for your furry friends. Let’s take a closer look.
Why is CBD Good for Pets?
Pets can absorb cannabinoids like CBD just like we can. Like us, they have a fully functioning endocannabinoid system (ECS) — and this system is working to maintain balance throughout every part of the body, all the time.
Talking to Project CBD, veterinarian Gary Richter explains the commonalities between the pet and human ECS. “In the big picture, they’re very similar. One striking difference is there appears to be a greater concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the dog’s brain than there are in most other animals.”
In an ideal world, the endocannabinoid system would function perfectly on its own.
But our world today is anything but ideal, and when this important system is faced with all the stressors of modern life it can quickly get overwhelmed. Pets who face separation from their owners and long periods of confinement might just have it worst. Throw in nutrient-deficient diets, and it’s not a pretty picture.
Now for some good news. CBD may address the problem of chronic stress at its roots by strengthening the endocannabinoid system. Some research shows CBD may boost anandamideand 2-AG— internal cannabinoids — by helping the ECS work better.
Translation: CBD’s gentle inner impact could trickle down to positive changes in our pet’s behavior. Just like certain pharmaceuticals boost mood by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, CBD may boost your pet’s full-body balance by inhibiting the reuptake of endocannabinoids.
What You Can Expect
My vet suggested I try CBD formulated for my dog. I really love Pavate, as everything is organic and the CBD is medical-grade.
Maya Anastus
New York City, NY
When your pet’s endocannabinoid system is healthy, good things happen. Many pets experience more vitality, mobility, and even joy. A lack of clinical research means these changes are hard to quantify…but they seem to be happening regardless. “The case reports and anecdotal evidence about the efficacy of cannabis medicine are already overwhelming,” Dr. Richter attests.
And there’s one area where CBD’s impact on pets really stands out: anxiety.
CBD and Anxiety
Is your pet always hyper or anxious? If so, it may be time to help them adapt to their environment — by giving their endocannabinoid system a little help.
“Stress-induced down-regulation [of] endocannabinoid signaling may contribute to problems in behavioral flexibility,” explains one study; another describes how the “endocannabinoid system is an important mediator of stress habituation.”
What’s the implication of all this? A healthy ECS = a healthy pet able to adapt and thrive within their current lifestyle. And by giving your pet CBD, you’re giving them access to a fully natural endocannabinoid boost.
CBD may impact other receptor systems, too, including the serotonin receptors overseeing anxiety. So if your furry friend gets noticeably calmer and less anxious, don’t be surprised!
Getting Started: Dosing is Everything
The trickiest thing about CBD is often figuring out what dose to take. Dosing it important for your pets, too. Because they weigh less, they won’t need nearly as much CBD as we humans do.
Here are some guidelines dosing guidelines for pets taking our Pet Chews:
- 1 to 25 lbs: 1 whole piece daily (5mg of CBD)
- 25 to 50 lbs: 2 whole pieces daily (10mg of CBD)
- 50 lbs and larger: 3 whole pieces daily (15mg of CBD)
Another good rule of thumb? Start low and go slow with dosing. Your pet may end up needing more CBD than expected…so consider beginning at the recommended dosage and slowly ramping things up from there if improvements aren’t seen.
One more thing: you may need to make sure your pet doesn’t over-indulge on the Pet Chews. We designed them to be tasty, after all.
To the health of you and your family, pets and all
-Pavate