CBD (cannabidiol) is a substance found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) that many people use to treat a range of ailments. But did you realize that this all-natural plant component can be used on your animals and pets as well? Those who have a misconception that CBD oil for pets is unsafe due to the presence of THC can be assured that it is absolutely safe to consume CBD oil for animals. While you may believe that CBD is only used on cats and dogs, its medicinal qualities extend to other animals as well, including horses.

CBD is non-intoxicating, which means it does not produce a "high" sensation. Rather, it has been shown in studies to help horses with pain, inflammation, and anxiety. CBD can be used to treat horses suffering from stress, anxiety, injuries, or inflammation. In this blog, we will learn how CBD can help your equine's health.

How exactly does CBD oil work to improve the health of your horses?

In summary, CBD acts by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body. Animals rely on the ECS to maintain homeostasis or internal equilibrium. Experts now believe that the ECS regulates mood, appetite, pain, and other vital processes. The ECS is made up of endocannabinoids (internal cannabinoids), cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are naturally created within the body and are unrelated to cannabis consumption. Hemp includes phytochemicals that can activate ECS receptors and mimic the activities of endocannabinoids.

What are the Potential Benefits of Using CBD for Horses?

Horse owners should be aware that little research in this area has been published, but because horses have an ECS, it is reasonable to assume that discoveries in other animals can also be applied to horses. In the following areas, CBD can be useful:

Anxiety and Stress: Stabled horses and competitive horses frequently exhibit stress-related behaviours such as cribbing, pacing, windsucking, and overall anxiety. Stressed horses may also have sleep deprivation, which can impair sports performance. Many veterinarians believe that CBD is beneficial in anxious and stressed pets and can aid in stress management.

Reducing Inflammation and Pain: Athletic injuries are prevalent in horses. Furthermore, as horses age, health issues such as arthritis and laminitis become more common. Pain and inflammation can shorten a horse's working lifespan, and owners spend a lot of time and money dealing with these concerns. Finding a natural substance that could help their horses at this stage is much needed. As per the anecdotal evidence, one has observed an overall increase in the horses' health as well as a consistent improvement in their pain response. CBD may help your horse heal from injuries, allowing them to return to their previous level of performance more quickly.

What is the Dosage that should be given to your Horses?

When dealing with a critical illness, the best technique to administer medication is under the tongue (sublingually) for quick results. Remember the dosage is determined by the horse's weight. If needed, the oil can be blended with food or placed into the side of your horse's mouth for slow absorption. Apply the oil drops under the tongue (sublingually) for faster results. This allows CBD to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream than other pathways, such as food ingestion.

But more importantly, are CBD equine products safe?

CBD oil is non-toxic and safe for horses and other animals, including cats and dogs. While CBD's safety in people has been well-documented, its usage in animals is only just getting started in the veterinary community. The study found that consuming hemp extract reduced anxiety but had no negative side effects or safety concerns. In one of the studies published in 2021, it was seen that CBD for horses worked effectively and had no notable behavioural or physical side effects. CBD use in animals is a new notion, but the long-term effects are mostly unclear. However, the World Health Organization has noted that CBD is generally well tolerated and has a good safety profile when used in humans.

How do you pick the best CBD oil for horses?

CBD oil for pets is generally considered safe for horses. Not all brands, however, are made equal and this is why you need to keep the following points in mind:

CBD oil for pets India is legal as long as the plants contain no more than 0.3% THC. Always read the certificate of analysis, or COA, to ensure you're buying safe and legal CBD products.

Animals are sensitive to essential oils and flavourings, so make sure any CBD product you give to your horse contains no artificial components or toxic oils.

Always read the label of any product you intend to use.