A large demand for pet CBD in NYC in the last year has produced a lot of questions regarding the validity of whether or not CBD can help with pet stress. If you are a pet owner, you already know that loud noises and other instances that can frighten a pet cause a lot of stress for them. Dogs, cats, and many other pets react sporadically when they become fearful, some are worse than others. Dogs can get extremely hyper and start barking nonstop or even howling. Cats usually will run and hide somewhere out of sight until they feel safe again. Whatever kind of pet that you have, it is highly likely that they are prone to stress. Can CBD help to relieve their stress in certain circumstances? Continue reading and see what your opinion is afterward.
CBD and Pets
CBD is a cannabinoid that is closely related to THC. However, CBD and THC are not the same. When people ask if pet CBD has THC in it, the honest answer is that CBD has absolutely no THC in it whatsoever. It is like comparing apples to oranges. Oranges do not have apples in them. Unless there is a mixture of a substance that contains both of them, such as a tincture or an oil CBD and THC do not contain each other.
CBD, on its own, has not proven to be harmful to pets or humans so far. The way that CBD interacts with the brain and the endocannabinoid system is much different than the way that THC does. Although there is still much to be learned in regards to exactly how CBD does what it does for the human body, for now, there is anecdotal evidence that suggests that CBD has a calming effect on pets, and humans.
The Pet Endocannabinoid System
Virtually every living being on the planet Earth that has a spine also has an endocannabinoid system. It turns out that our bodies produce chemicals that are very similar to cannabinoids that are used in order to maintain a level of balance thorough the body known as homeostasis. It is within the endocannabinoid system that cannabinoids communicate with and make changes in our bodies. If you have a pet with a spine, it most likely has its own endocannabinoid system that makes it susceptible to the effects of cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
THC binds and communicates directly with the endocannabinoid receptors that are located throughout the body and the brain. It is in this fashion that scientists believe that THC is able to influence the receptors so strongly that it causes a psychoactive high for users. This type of psychoactive effect can be very dangerous for dogs and cats.
Although there is no definitive explanation regarding the way that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, some researchers believe that instead of directly binding to the endocannabinoid receptors like THC does, CBD interacts with the receptors and persuadees them to either send messages or not send messages. The reason why this is relevant is that when the body is alarmed, the nervous system can send out messages to the rest of the body to inform it to become rigid and be ready to fight or run away. If CBD influences the receptors to not send the messages, the body will remain relaxed. Still again, this is all just theory and has not been specifically proven. However, many CBD enthusiasts around the globe give CBD to their pets regularly and swear by it.
Conclusion
If you have a pet that suffers from stress or is going to be put into a stressful situation that you would like to help alleviate by giving it a CBD treat you are not alone. Millions of pet owners give their pets CBD regularly. If you have any doubts as to whether or not your particular pet will have a high sensitivity to it, ask your veterinarian for advice to see if your pet is healthy enough to use CBD.