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CBD oil refers to the oil that’s extracted from Cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabidiol is the most popular extract obtained from the cannabis plant, which medical experts recommend for the prevention, treatment, or management of various diseases.
You can use CBD oil to treat illnesses symptomized by pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc.
While CBD oil is mostly prescribed for human conditions, it can be just as effective in relieving various diseases in animals.
CBD in Animals: How Does It Work?
Cannabidiol works in the body of animals the same way it does in the human body. Like humans, animals also have an endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a system in the body that maintains homeostasis balance. It plays a crucial role in relieving conditions whose clinical presentations include pain, inflammation, seizures, or anxiety. The system also regulates an animal’s circadian rhythms, while keeping its mood, appetite, and energy levels in check.
To perform all these functions, the ECS relies on its system of endogenous cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors. The two common endocannabinoid receptors include CB1 and CB2 receptors. You can find CB1 receptors in the animal’s central nervous system and the brain, while the CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral regions of the body.
Now, the effectiveness of the endocannabinoid system comes down to two factors – an animal’s overall immunity and the severity of its medical condition. For instance, the system may not be so reliable if your dog is suffering from severe separation anxiety. And this is where cannabidiol comes in.
You’re literally introducing more cannabinoids into the animal’s body by administering CBD oil to an animal. These cannabinoids are known as phytocannabinoids and complement the functions of the endogenous cannabinoids.
Essentially, CBD binds to endocannabinoid receptors in a manner that changes the chemical structures of these receptors. Therefore, endogenous cannabinoids can bind more readily to these receptors, resulting in a faster relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation, or whatever medical condition the animal was suffering from.
What Conditions Can CBD Oil Treat In Animals?
Pain is the most common medical condition for which medical experts prescribe CBD oil. CBD can make a world of difference, whether an animal is suffering from a chronic pain condition like arthritis or pain occasioned by a physical injury. Indeed, numerous studies on the effectiveness of CBD for pain have yielded some positive findings.
Anxiety is another medical condition in animals that cab be managed by CBD edibles for anxiety . In humans, cannabidiol has been shown to help treat the symptoms of various forms of anxiety, like post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD also happens to be a common concern in animals, particularly those who may have gone through traumatic experiences in the past.
There are many other animal diseases that CBD can help with, including seizures, inflammatory conditions, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal issues. All you have to do is ensure you buy CBD that your dog will love! But how do you know that an animal will love CBD? Well, that comes down to how you administer the substance to your furry friend.
The following are some tips and tricks on how to give CBD oil to picky pet eaters.
- Offer CBD Oil before a Treat
Animals love treats, especially if it comes in the form of food. Animals also understand that treats aren’t easy to come by and that they only get them after doing something that they would otherwise not comfortably do.
As a pet parent, you should know exactly what treats your pet loves the most. Each time before serving the treats to your furry friend, open the animal’s mouth and squirt a few drops of CBD oil. Then, immediately follow with a yummy reward.
Your pet will find the hemp aftertaste to be unsavory. But the thought of snacking on its favorite food will see the animal willingly accepting a dose of CBD oil each time.
- Sprinkle CBD Oil Over Your Pet’s Regular Food
Another way you can get a picky pet eater to consume CBD oil is to sprinkle the oil in the animal’s regular food. You only have to make sure you add the oil in moderation.
Remember that the goal is to ensure the animal doesn’t pick the somewhat bitter taste of hemp. Otherwise, it may develop disinterest in its meals.
To go about this, add CBD oil to the top layer. If your pet is hungry enough, it will gobble down the food before it can pick up the strange taste.
- Buy CBD-infused Edibles
The petcare industry teems with hundreds of CBD-formulated treats. One of the benefits of CBD-infused pet edibles is that there are virtually no traces of the bitter hemp aftertaste. That’s because most of these products comprise natural sweeteners that neutralize the bitter taste of CBD oil.
As your pet savors the delectable taste of these edibles, it will also be seamlessly enjoying the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil in the product.
- Use the Bait and Switch Approach
The bait and switch approach is pretty simple. It involves giving an animal a plain treat, then following by one that contains CBD oil.
For instance, during your dog’s regular feeding hours, start by offering the dog a plain tasty piece of turkey or chicken. Keep the portions low. The dog will gulp down the food and come begging for more.
Now, offer the dog a piece of meat containing CBD. Similarly, keep the piece small, so your canine friend keeps coming back for more. Then, carefully switch between plain and CBD-infused pieces of meat.
- Add CBD to Fish Oil or Peanut Butter
Cats and dogs love fish oil and peanut butter, respectively. The smell of fish oil is so pleasant that your feline friend will dig into it even before it can pick up the taste of CBD oil.
Similarly, dogs have an unrequited love affair with peanut butter, thanks to the incredible smell and taste of the food.
However, you may need to consult your vet before adding CBD oil to fish oil or peanut butter, especially if your pet is presently battling a gastrointestinal condition.
Administering CBD oil tinctures to a dog
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CBD is highly beneficial to animals. But unlike humans, you may need to think outside the box to get your furry companion to consume CBD oil. The tips and tricks we’ve highlighted here will help you integrate CBD oil into your pet’s health and wellness routine.
