· By Elsa Linsky
CBD for Your Pets!
Your pets are your family - we get that. We want the very best for our furry friends, so when we learned that CBD benefits don’t only affect humans, but can also positively affect our dogs/cats, the Bizzy Furbaby was born.
We know you have questions - so here’s what we know.
Just like humans, your dogs and cats also have an endocannabinoid system. This system is what allows CBD to interact with the body. There are many benefits of giving CBD to your pet, but we always recommend checking in with your veterinarian first! We found some interesting things - here are some reasons why your furbaby may benefit from CBD use.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Just like us, animals can experience stress and anxiety. Maybe your dog becomes stressed when you leave them in the house. This may show in the form of howling/crying while you’re gone, or in them chewing up the couch cushions in an anxious fit. Or maybe your cat struggles when going into the car or visiting the vet, leaving you with scratches all over and stressing you both out further.
We LOVE our furbabies - so how can we help calm them down? CBD, when used alone or in combination with traditional medication, may be exactly what your pet needs to feel more relaxed. CBD has been found to activate serotonin in the brain - the hormone that helps us feel happy and chill. It’s important to note that CBD is most effective when used regularly. Be sure to find the proper dose for your pup or cat (or horse!).
Relieving Chronic Pain
CBD may play a role in lowering inflammation and relieving pain. It’s currently believed that CBD affects the ECS(endocannabinoid system) and other nerves which create pain sensations. A recent study shows that reducing this joint inflammation relieves osteoarthritis aches and pains in pets.
Reducing Seizure Frequency
CBD has been shown to help with epilepsy in dogs by lowering the frequency of seizures when combined with traditional anti-seizure meds - amazing!! Although it’s not yet known just how CBD treats seizures, it is thought to prevent nerves in the brain from firing too much and lower the number of electrolytes (which are believed to have a role in seizure conditions).
So, what are the risks?
As noted, we’ll always recommend checking in with a veterinarian before giving CBD products to your pets. Animals are complex, just like us, so you’ll want to make sure that CBD is appropriate for your pet. Potential drawbacks of CBD for animals include:
- Drowsiness/fatigue (which could lead to weight gain)
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
While these may be potential side effects, there is not yet any conclusive evidence that CBD can cause any harm to your pet.
Which CBD is best for animals?
You won’t want to share your own CBD products with your pet. There are many CBD products that have been designed specifically for dogs and cats and other animals (like our Bizzy Furbaby). If you plan to try CBD for your pet, you’ll surely want to consider these pet-specific products.
Typically, CBD in oil form is best. This is because you can administer small doses, and you can easily mix it into food or treats.
Our pets are everything to us. We’ll do anything to keep them happy and healthy. Many pet parents already use CBD with great results, so discuss CBD with your vet, conduct your own research, and help your pet stay chill. You may discover that CBD products are a helpful tool in giving your pet its very best life - which is all we strive to do. :)
“My 16 year old dog Shanti has the classic hip problems that come with an older, bigger dog. She was really slowing down around age 14 until we started adding CBD into her food. Now she runs up and down the stairs and acts like a puppy again, it’s amazing” - Max B.