What Is Broad Spectrum CBD Oil And How Does It Help Your Pet?

Cannabidiol, popularly shortened as CBD, is a compound obtained from cannabis, marketed for diverse medical applications. CBD is generally used for pain medication. However, studies indicate that the compound might help with other medical issues, ranging from anxiety disorders to sleep problems, inflammatory conditions, and even neurological disorders like seizures.

The best part about cannabidiol is that the compound is non-psychoactive. Unlike its equally famous cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD won’t get you high. Perhaps that’s why medical marijuana experts also recommend the compound for pets.

But is CBD useful for pets? In this post, we look at some of the potential ways your furry, feathery, or scaly friends can benefit from CBD products known as broad-spectrum CBD.

What Is Broad-spectrum CBD?

Cannabidiol products are classified into three broad categories depending on their cannabinoid composition. Cannabinoids are compounds in marijuana that contain some therapeutic properties.

CBD and THC are the most famous examples of cannabinoids. However, there are over 120 other cannabinoids in the marijuana plant.

Since cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are the most popular cannabinoids, most cannabis extracts typically comprise either or both compounds. While shopping for CBD products you can check CBD oil in uk, you may come across the words – ‘isolates,’ ‘broad-spectrum,’ and ‘full-spectrum.’ It’s essential to pay attention to these terms, especially if buying CBD for your pets.

CBD Isolates

CBD isolates are products containing cannabidiol as the only active cannabinoid. As they’re formulated from pure cannabidiol, isolates are entirely non-psychoactive.

However, cannabidiol isolates tend to be more potent than broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD. Therefore, moderation is paramount while administering these products to your pets.

Broad-spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum cannabidiol products contain cannabidiol and many other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), etc. These products are also formulated with terpenes.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that occur naturally in numerous plants. Common terpenes in marijuana include linalool, myrcene, pinene, and limonene.

Full-spectrum CBD

Lastly, full-spectrum CBD goods contain CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s worth noting that pure cannabidiol is non-psychoactive. However, full-spectrum CBD products can get you high as they contain considerable THC levels.

Interestingly, according to medical marijuana doctors, it’s important to buy full spectrum CBD products if looking for maximum relief from various ailments. Human studies indicate that CBD and THC in full-spectrum cannabis goods offer compounded therapeutic benefits via the entourage effect.

Full-spectrum CBD

Which CBD Product Is Best For Your Pet?

We’ve just pointed out that full-spectrum CBD goods are the most preferable for treating human conditions. Unfortunately, pets should never consume THC. It’s undeniably true that tetrahydrocannabinol boasts numerous health benefits. However, experts discourage the compound for its mind-altering properties.

The image of your canine or feline friend staggering across the floor may look comic. But pets are known to react more adversely to intoxicating products compared to humans.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid giving your pet THC and other psychotropic marijuana compounds. That leaves us with isolates and broad-spectrum CBD products.

Both CBD isolates and broad-spectrum CBD goods are safe for pets. However, broad-spectrum is the better option due to its abundance of other beneficial cannabinoids.

Benefits of Broad-spectrum CBD for Pets

Broad-spectrum CBD May Relieve Pain

Cannabidiol, broad-spectrum or otherwise, is widely prescribed for pain relief. The compound can aid pain mitigation in humans and pets alike. And the best part is that CBD is effective against both acute pain resulting from physical injury and chronic pain induced by underlying medical conditions.

A 2018 study found that cannabidiol was able to reduce discomfort and improve activity levels in dogs with osteoarthritis. Since osteoarthritis generally presents pain, researchers concluded that CBD could treat pain.

Broad-spectrum CBD May Ease Inflammation

Pain and inflammation are the two core symptoms of osteoarthritis. We’ve just referenced a study that cited cannabidiol for its effectiveness in relieving pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. So, it’s logical to infer that the compound might just be as effective against inflammation.

Besides, several other studies have been commissioned to investigate cannabidiol’s direct anti-inflammatory effects in animals, and the findings are promising.

A randomized, placebo-controlled study in the journal Pain indicates that CBD possesses immense anti-inflammatory properties. The experiment was also conducted on dogs with reduced mobility due to osteoarthritis.

Broad-spectrum CBD May Ease Inflammation

Broad-spectrum CBD May Combat Anxiety and Insomnia

Animals can suffer from various anxiety disorders. But the most prevalent ones are separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Fortunately, this is another area where your four-legged companions can benefit from broad-spectrum cannabidiol products.

CBD treats anxiety by stimulating the release of endorphins – chemicals associated with happiness and good moods. The compound’s calming properties make it a potential remedy for sleep disorders like insomnia.

Broad-spectrum CBD May Treat Seizures

In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex. Epidiolex is commonly prescribed to remedy two rare but severe forms of epilepsy in children, namely Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

Subsequent research shows that cannabidiol might be just as effective in treating seizures in animals as it is in humans. An example is this 2019 study which indicates CBD may diminish the number of seizures in epileptic dogs.

Broad-spectrum CBD May Soothe Nausea

Pet vomit can create an unsightly mess around your home. It’s probably the last thing you want to stumble upon while cleaning up the house. But like humans, our furry housemates don’t just up and vomit. Nausea and vomiting usually indicate a severe gastrointestinal issue, except in rare circumstances where the animal simply ate more than his stomach could accommodate.

CBD has been used for years in cancer treatment centers to relieve nausea induced by chemo drugs. That makes the compound potentially effective for soothing nausea in animals too. Remember, humans and animals have a near-similar endocannabinoid system, the system that provides the pathway through which CBD enters and interacts with the body.

Broad-spectrum CBD May Soothe Nausea

Wrap Up

Broad-spectrum CBD may benefit your pet in various ways. However, remember that research on the full extent of CBD’s interactions with animals is still in its infancy stage. So, it’s best to talk to your vet before giving your pet any CBD goods. Another best practice when administering cannabidiol to pets is to avoid full-spectrum products. The THC in these products can intoxicate your pet, triggering adverse reactions. Lastly, choose a product that will be easy to administer to your furballs. For instance, skittish cats will be more comfortable with CBD edibles than oral tinctures.