Introduction to CBD oil for dogs in the UK

When browsing the internet for CBD oil in the United Kingdom, it will not be long before you stumble across a range of CBD products whose existence might surprise you at first. CBD oil for dogs, cats, and other pets is a thing, and it’s growing in popularity.

This may sound like a gimmick that you might be better steering clear of, but on closer inspection, there may be a little more to this idea than meets the eye.

In this post, we will take a look at why so many Brits have taken to giving their dogs, cats, and other pets CBD oil. As well as its applications, we will take a brief look at the concerns about safety and side effects that you might need addressing before you consider giving CBD oil to your furry friends. Read on to find out more.

What Is CBD?

CBD is the acronym given to cannabidiol, one of the 113 different cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. By law, all CBD products on sale in the UK will contain zero tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives cannabis its psychoactive properties. The NHS has a great piece about medical cannabis in the UK. This may not come as a surprise when you consider that CBD is most commonly extracted from hemp, the name for cannabis that only contains small traces of CBD.

The effects of CBD oil on dogs and cats

Although there have been very few formal studies investigating the effects of CBD oil in dogs, it is relatively safe to assume that the compound interacts with their bodies in much that same way as it interacts with the human body. This is because dogs, cats, and other mammals are all known to possess the same cannabinoid receptor as humans do. Located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, these receptors work to maintain the body’s healthy balance to keep it functioning in the way that it should.

What conditions can CBD potentially treat in dogs and cats?

Due to the lack of research into the effects of CBD on dogs and cats, most of the data that we have comes from the anecdotal evidence of cat and dog owners themselves. These owners have pointed to the benefits their animals have received from CBD for the symptoms of the following conditions:

1. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is more common than you might have thought in the canine population. Around about 0.75% of all dogs are known to suffer from the neurological disease, which causes seizures that can be almost as distressing for owners as it is for the dog.

CBD oil has, in recent years, gained traction as a treatment to reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures in humans. This has led desperate dog owners to experiment with treating their epileptic animals with CBD oil. We cannot be sure that such a treatment is as effective as it is in human subjects until formal research is conducted, but a growing number of dog owners are reporting positive outcomes.

2. Anxiety

As a dog or cat owner, you will be well aware that certain times of the year like Firework Night and New Year’s Eve can be a nightmare for your pet. Cats and dogs are extremely sensitive to flashes and loud bangs, and many of them spend hours cowering under the table as they look to escape in vain.

On these nights, you will know that however much you try to console your pets, it is tough to calm them down. This is where cannabis can come in, according to The Guardian.

CBD oil, when fed in small doses to dogs and cats, may have the same anti-anxiety effect as it does with humans. This may help your pet to relax and get some sleep on the noisier nights of the year.

3. Rheumatism and arthritis

As they get older, it is common for dogs and cats to develop rheumatism or arthritis. Manifesting in stiff muscles and joints, these conditions can be painful and restrict movement, having a significant negative impact on their overall quality of life.

CBD is known to be effective at reducing the pain and inflammation caused by these conditions in human subjects. Since dogs and cats possess the same cannabinoid receptors and neurological systems, it is logical to think that CBD can help to relieve their symptoms of pain and inflammation as well. The testimonies of a growing number of dog and cat owners also seem to indicate that this theory holds at least some water.

Is CBD safe for pets and where to buy?

We are not sure as of yet just how safe CBD is for dogs and cats, but it is relatively safe to assume that the risks are minimal. If you are going to feed CBD to your animal, make sure only to buy the highest quality organic oils and treats.

If you’re looking to buy CBD oil for dogs and cats in the UK, it’s recommended online. Before rushing to a shop and buying, research what’s available for dogs in the UK from CBD oil tinctures to treats on a comparison site. They’ll often list some of the best CBD oil brands for dogs, as well as the best deals to be found online.

The verdict

The market for CBD products for pets is growing at a rapid rate. Many dog owners are reporting that CBD is helping their animals in similar ways to those which it can help humans. More research needs to be done before we fully endorse CBD for dogs, but the testimonies of a considerable number of pet owners make pretty convincing reading.

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