CBD and animal health: What is the potential use of CBD products in the veterinary industry?
What is CBD?
CBD is a safe substance that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. Unlike other cannabinoids, it has no psychoactive effects. Extraction of CBD is most often done using carbon dioxide. The cannabis plant is placed in a closed source, into which carbon dioxide is then injected. The result is a concentrated oil that is further processed.
Humans and animals have much in common. This includes the endocannabinoid system, which is part of the nervous system. The endocannabinoid system performs a number of important functions in the human and animal body. In particular, it maintains the balance of the internal environment and influences the body's ability to fight disease and other adverse influences. CBD also interacts well with this system.
What do scientific studies say about the potential of CBD in the veterinary industry?
There have been a number of studies in the scientific community in recent years that have looked at the potential of CBD in the veterinary industry. Most of the relevant ones have been based on testing in dogs and horses. In 2018, research, was carried out at Cornell University in New York State, USA, in which researchers compared the effects of the cannabinoid CBD with a placebo. It showed that in dogs with painful joint disease, treatment with CBD oil led to a reduction in pain and an increase in overall activity.
A similar study was conducted in 2020 in Houston, Texas. Back then, researchers focused on large dogs weighing over twenty kilograms that had reduced mobility due to joint problems. For the duration of this study, cannabidiol CBD was administered to the sick dogs for thirty days. There was a significant reduction in pain symptoms and the effects persisted for another fifteen days after the research was completed.
CBD and joints
Degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis can affect animal companions at any stage of their lives. The development of this disease can occur due to infection, a problematic immune system, or due to developmental or hereditary abnormalities. Statistics show that arthritis mainly affects dogs and leads to chronic pain or lameness. This is also why it is important to think about prevention. CBD oils are also used for this purpose, as they can reduce pain and overall suffering of the animal.
CBD and epilepsy
In 2019, researchers at Colorado State University looked at the potential positive impact of CBD in treating epilepsy in dogs. The cannabinoid was administered as an adjunct to conventional treatment, in the form of an oil for twelve weeks. It showed that the number of seizures in the affected dogs decreased dramatically during the duration of this treatment.
CBD helps protect the nervous system
The scientific findings so far show that the cannabinoid CBD in pets helps to protect the nervous system from damage as well as fight various inflammations. More and more pet owners are therefore seeking CBD for its anxiolytic properties.
CBD has been shown to successfully combat stress, anxiety and other chronic problems. Thus, CBD for dogs and CBD for cats can be an option for a range of problems.
The cannabinoid CBD successfully helps animals cope:
- anxiety
- stress
- pain
- inflammation
- epilepsy
- food aversion
CBD can significantly improve the quality of life for pets. CBD is an ideal choice, especially for those animals that suffer from chronic ailments.
CBD products are also recommended for animals that suffer from recurrent or chronic vomiting or diarrhea. These illnesses often lead to weight loss and food aversion. Any breed of dog can be affected, but German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels are the most susceptible to gastrointestinal disorders.
What CBD products come into consideration?
There are a variety of different CBD products on the market recently that are a natural choice for helping with anxiety, pain or other inflammation. A big advantage of the cannabinoid CBD is that the compound is neither toxic nor addictive.
CBD oils or capsules
For pets, the administration of CBD oils is offered. You will not encounter the cannabinoid THC with these oils. CBD isolates, which are more than 99 percent pure CBD, are also recommended.
Another option is CBD capsules, which are easier to dose than CBD oil. It is possible to either open the capsule and mix the contents with your pet's regular food, or wrap it all up in a treat. There are also various treats containing CBD.
How much do Czechs spend on their pets?
The veterinary industry in the Czech Republic has a lot of potential. Czechs are often willing to spend more money on their pets than on themselves. Statistics show that about 40% of people in the Czech Republic own a dog and about 20% of others have at least one cat at home. According to a survey conducted by Nielsen for iDNES.cz, Czechs spend CZK 2,000 per month on their pets.
Nielsen's 2022 data also shows that Czechs will spend about CZK 5.6 billion on food each year. On average, a dog costs about CZK 16,000 per year, and a cat about CZK 4,000 less. They spend on pets especially in big cities, where owners are not afraid to invest in premium food. If CBD products can attract them, they can also direct their funds in this direction.
Conclusion
It is clear from the scientific studies to date that the cannabinoid CBD has huge potential in the veterinary industry. It is a safe and legal substance that is a suitable alternative to relieve anxiety or pain. In the future, cannabidiol could also be an adjunct to conventional epilepsy treatment. The great advantage of CBD products is that they are over-the-counter and therefore may be in high demand in the years to come.
CBD can improve the quality of life for pets. It is an ideal choice for animals that suffer from chronic ailments. This is because CBD makes their daily life more bearable.
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