The Endocannabinoid System

Humans and almost all animals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our ECS has immense control over multiple areas of bodily functions and physiological responses. It's known to regulate sleep and metabolism, not to mention with endocannabinoid receptors appearing throughout the body, there's immense medicinal potential. Endocannabinoid receptors are located in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They're also in the spinal cord, cortex, and basal ganglia, which hosts our most concentrated amount of CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Cannabinoids

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises three components: endogenous ligands, G-protein coupled receptors, and metabolic enzymes. There are naturally occurring molecules, or endocannabinoids, which are anandamide and 2-AG. These endogenous cannabinoids are released to naturally bring our body to homeostasis when one of the primary functions the ECS is known to regulate becomes unbalanced. Besides endogenous cannabinoids, phytocannabinoids are found in plants and also interact with our ECS and interact with the endocannabinoid system.

CB1 and CB2 Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors are a necessary part of our ECS, with the most common are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Additionally, they participate in a cornucopia of biological processes. When activated, they assist in regulating pain, immune function, anxiety, joint and neuroinflammation, metabolic regulation, and bone growth.

The CB1 receptor is mainly in the brain, central nervous system, and other tissues. Depending on where the receptor's location, the functions will vary, making it pivotal in pain relief. CB2 receptors are associated with the immune system and peripheral organs and are shown to relieve neuro-inflammatory conditions and neuropathic pain syndromes.

Animal's Endocannabinoid System

Animal's endocannabinoid systems work much in the same way as humans. Similarly, they have CB1 and CB2 receptors found in their brain, lungs, gallbladder, pancreas, colon, bones, spleen, and liver. Additionally, the CB1 and CB2 receptors in animals' skin, muscles, salivary glands, vascular system, brain stem, and reproductive system.

The canine and cat endocannabinoid system differs from humans in ways of distribution of CB1 and CB2 receptors with more centralized in the brain. Dogs and cats have more receptors located in the "medulla oblongata". This portion of the brain is responsible for autonomic actions, such as controlling the heart rate and respiration. Given that these are vital functions, it's essential to keep in mind that human and animal dosages are different from dogs, cats, and humans. Each will have a different physiological response, which will vary depending on a variety of factors.

The Difference Between Cats and Dogs

CBD has been looked at extensively for human use, particularly for sleep management, pain modulation, inflammation, and anxiety treatment. Understanding both human and animal trials' benefits has been a lengthy pursuit, though many studies rely on anecdotal research. Canines are more studied currently than cats, but cats have less bioavailability in their bodies. Cats have the same receptor distribution as dogs. However, a cat's body expresses less affinity for absorption. Keeping in mind for dosing purposes, cats may need a slightly higher amount than that of dogs.

CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Cats

In a 2019 study, researchers were able to identify that most felines tolerated CBD well without any adverse reactions. It was observed that there were also no abnormalities or negative behavioral changes during the study. It was noted that the only adverse effects observed were in regards to oral administration of CBD oil itself, due to their excessive head shaking.

Cannabidiol

Hemp, or cannabis sativa, is available to grow and distribute in the United States making CBD more accessible than before. CBD has shown excellent results for seizures, along with the treatment of mental disorders and pain management.

Cannabidiol, or more commonly abbreviated as CBD, is a pharmacologically active phytocannabinoid. CBD is a non-intoxicating molecule that has shown immense benefits in modulating the endocannabinoid system. CBD works in many ways, including interacting with the vanilloid 1 and G protein-coupled receptors, along with stimulating various serotonergic receptors. CBD also mildly interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can help treat multiple conditions, including inflammatory diseases.

Inflammatory Diseases

CBD can provide anti-inflammatory responses, which is a powerful aid with symptom management. A 2020 study shows that CBD has a wide range of biological activity. Researchers state that CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that should be explored as a potential disease prevention treatment.

This is most promising in preventing diseases associated with inflammation. This can provide immense relief to cats and dogs that suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a common issue for our feline and canine companions. What causes IBD is still unknown, but with CBD showing promise in treating inflammation due to autoimmune diseases, it may be the treatment of an incurable condition.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease that 20% of dogs and is standard in aging felines. Osteoarthritis can affect your pet's overall mood and happiness. This disease affects mobility, including producing symptoms of stiffness, lethargy, pain when touched, irritability, and even weight gain.

CBD Improves Arthritic Symptoms

A recent 2020 study found that there was a significant improvement in life quality when dogs consumed CBD. Researchers performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 20 dogs for four weeks. It showed that very quickly, the canines' improvement was monumental. The dogs that were issued CBD had improvements in multiple areas including:

• Increased mobility
• Analgesic response
• Improved mood
• Helped promote overall happiness and well-being

Researchers also point out that CBD can help with issues associated with disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Treating an animal for their ailments can be difficult for many, the researchers mention that as the pet's life improves, so does the owner's life.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a progressive neurological disease that causes seizures and can affect numerous animals, including cats and dogs. Seizures are another issue for our pet companions, which can be challenging to manage. Recent research is hopeful in CBD's capability in combating specific symptoms associated with the neurological condition.

CBD and Seizure Reduction in Animals

In a 2019 study found massive results regarding CBD administration for animals. A randomized, blinded controlled clinical trial observed that of the dogs studied, they tolerated CBD well, and nearly 90% of owners reported seizure reduction. Another 2019 paper, found after taking CBD to be effective in attenuating the severity of the seizure. The oral administration of CBD can also reverse the effects of cognitive deficits brought on by epilepsy, along with reducing recurrent seizures and associated complexities brought on by the disease.

Pain of Pets

In the same way humans respond to pain differently, so do animals. Many situations may arise where pain needs to be managed holistically and efficiently. The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management outlines some traditional sings of discomfort for dogs as exhibiting anxious behaviors, inability or refusal to move, growling, refusal to eat or loss of appetite, and behavior changes.

Common signs of pains for cats can be similar; however, there are the additions of:

• Hiding
• Hissing/aggression
• Excessive licking
• No longer grooming themselves
• Losing weight

CBD’s Analgesic Properties

In a recent study conducted, researchers outlined the current information available, finding that CBD helped provide pain relief to chronic and acute pain. CBD also relieves anxiety associated with chronic pain, improves appetite, and helps with mood improvement. It can be overwhelming trying to assess your pet's pain to provide relief, further noting the broad spectrum of comfort CBD can offer.

CBD As Holistic Remedy

With CBD now being legal in the United States, the options for use in pet care have piqued public interest. Current research shows great promise for CBD's ability to modulate the endocannabinoid system, which can help with several disorders, including inflammation, neuroinflammation diseases, osteoarthritis, and symptoms of epilepsy, anxiety as a response to pain, and chronic pain. Multiple studies have illuminated CBD's dynamic capability to prevent certain diseases, further adding to the need for more research on the topic.

Further Research Needed

New research is being conducted to determine the proper dosages to ensure a consistent pet and the owner's consistent experience. Unfortunately, there's more research that needs to be undertaken to entirely understand the full contribution CBD can have on an animal's ECS. This will allow us to better comprehend the complexities and healing benefits of CBD and the extensive therapeutic index. Honing in on CBD's dynamic nature and the medicinal value will benefit an animal's quality of life from a natural approach.