Full Spectrum Hemp Oil For Pets: The Benefits And Myths
Ah, hemp oil for pets. Few phrases strike as much debate, fear, advocacy or downright confusion. But now – more and more animal lovers are jumping on the bandwagon. Has the world gone barking mad? Well, not exactly – and today we’re going to tell you why.
First things first – let’s not confuse hemp with marijuana. While they are both derived from the cannabis plant, they are very different in their effects.
You see, marijuana is the bad boy of the cannabis family, as it contains higher levels of THC (the compound makes you high.) Hemp, on the other hand, contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight and higher levels of CBD.
So, let’s debunk a common myth: your pet won’t get high from hemp and CBD products. In fact, giving your pet these products is completely above-board.
So if you’re on here looking for marijuana: you can fur-get about it!
Now we’ve cleared that up, let’s get started…
Animals And The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the unsung hero of the human body. But did you know that it’s also found in dogs, cats and other animals?
The endocannabinoid system is made up of different cannabinoid receptors, which are linked to inflammation, immune function, emotions, metabolism, bone health and our pain response (just to name a few.)
And here’s what shook the science world around 30 years ago: there are around 113 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that interact with these receptors, all affecting the body in different ways.
CBD is one of these cannabinoids – and there are also other valuable plant compounds found in hemp, such as terpenes and flavonoids. Today we’ll take a closer look at how these benefit our beloved furry friends…
Benefits Of Hemp For Pets
We’ve all heard the rumours – hemp and cannabis are great for humans. But what about our precious pets? Here are some of the many benefits that are taking the world of animal-lovers by storm:
Hemp and Cannabis Provides Relief From Animal Osteoarthritis
As our pets become senior citizens, it’s important that we lookout for the common signs of arthritis. Perhaps they’re not chasing the ball with as much vigour – or for cats, they might be less active.
And while we can’t reverse the signs of ageing, studies have shown that cannabis can offer significant pain relief – and it does this by reducing swelling and inflammation. And cannabis is not just for arthritis – it’s used for a variety of mobility issues and chronic pain.
Hemp Supports Brain Health
Our furry friends need more than a healthy body – we also care about their minds. As our pet’s become older, they might start to show signs of dementia. This could be forgetting how to perform that trick they once loved or changes in personality.
It’s believed that the endocannabinoid system also plays a role in cognitive function – so using cannabis can help to boost our pet’s brain function. That’ll keep their tail wagging!
Hemp AKA Cannabis Can Prevent Epilepsy
As a pet parent, we can feel helpless and upset if our loved ones suffer from epilepsy. However, new research suggests that cannabis is not only good for humans with epilepsy and seizures, but also dogs.
A recent study found that a whopping 89% of dogs treated with CBD had fewer seizures. In some cases, it stopped epilepsy all together. Isn’t that phenomenal?
But remember, if you are considering using cannabis for your pet with epilepsy – it’s important that you speak to a professional before you get started.
Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Reduces Anxiety
Just like humans – dogs and cats can get anxiety. And it’s always upsetting for us to watch our pets in this state… whether its from loud noises, separation or illnesses.
Although recent studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in how we manage fear, stress and anxiety. And given the relationship of cannabis with our endocannabinoid system – its no wonder pet owners are now swearing by this miracle potion!
So if you have a furry friend that is showing signs of anxiety and stressed behaviour – you might want to consider cannabis to help them become as calm as a cucumber.
Cannabis Can Prevent and Fight Off Cancer
Let me guess – you’re thinking is there anything else this mind-blowing endocannabinoid system is related to?
Well, we’re glad you asked.
More research is emerging that suggests it is related to cancer – in both humans and animals. In fact, hemp and CBD can help to prevent tumours from developing in the first place, as well as shrink their size!
A recent study looked at mice with pancreatic cancer and found that the individuals treated with chemotherapy and CBD were three times more likely to survive than the mice that were just treated with chemotherapy. Incredible.
Hemp Seed Oil Offers A Boost Of Omega
Hemp seed oil is also a great way to boost omega in your pet’s diet – as it is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. But what does this actually mean?
Well, it keeps their coat shiny and soft (you know, like they’ve just stepped out of the salon!) Not only that – omega is known to boost joint health, improve cardiovascular health and promote a healthy immune response.
Ok, But What About Terpenes?
Let’s not forget about terpenes… Terpenes are organic compounds that are found throughout the entire plant kingdom. Put simply – they’re what give cannabis its pungent smell. But if we look beyond the smell, many of the terpenes found in cannabis offer some extraordinary benefits…
In fact, it’s the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes that increase the plant’s positive effects!
Like any great love story – they’re better together.
When CBD is ingested with other parts of the cannabis plant, like terpenes, it’s called the entourage effect. And this is why full-spectrum oil (which includes all compounds naturally present in the plant) has increased in popularity for humans and pets alike…
The Bottom Line: Will Your Pet Benefit From Hemp or Cannabis?
Now, we’d like to make this perfectly clear: we are not saying that hemp and cannabis is the be-all and end-all cure for your pet’s ailments. Just like humans – each one of our four-legged friends responds differently.
However, we can say that scientists are increasingly discovering the plant’s extraordinary value – which means that cannabis can finally come out of the naughty corner and enter the spotlight.
If you’re interested in discovering more about how your furry friend can benefit from hemp, check out our Pet Product range click here