CBD has varied benefits for pets, from helping with dog seizures to reducing joint inflammation. But how does CBD help support your pet’s digestive health? We dig deep into this topic to give you insights into the link between CBD and digestive wellness. Read on for this and more.
The bowel contains cannabinoid receptors.
The bowel includes a large number of cannabinoid receptors. Excellent examples include CB1 receptors, which are responsive to CB2, and THC receptors. CBD activates these receptors as targets.
The endocannabinoid system in your cat or dog produces endocannabinoids, which have critical functions in preserving the bowel and boosting digestive wellness. Both phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids can restore bowel movement and digestive secretions and minimize the risk of leaky gut and bowel inflammation.
What can CBD do for digestive health?
CBD has varied effects on the digestive system. Below are the main ones:
- In pet CBD, THC in small amounts (below 0.3%) stimulates appetite. Administering CBD on your dog further lowers anxiety and pain while promoting well-being. This leads to improved appetite.
- CBD contains cannabinoids like THC and CBG, which boost brain health, thus lowering the chances of nausea or vomiting. Additionally, these cannabinoids lower the risk of stomach or digestive system inflammation, contributing to reduced frequency of nausea and vomiting.
- Stress and worry can exacerbate intestinal inflammation over time, leading to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What is referred to by the “gut-brain connection” can be seen in situations like this. Anxiety speeds up bowel movement, which shortens the time it takes for food to be digested to pass through it. This causes diarrhea and restricts the amount of fluid reabsorbed from the colon.
- Similar issues include colitis, characterized by extensive gut wall inflammation and sometimes referred to as a more severe form of inflammatory bowel syndrome. Human Crohn’s disease responds effectively to cannabis treatment.
How CBD and the gut can work together
Gastrointestinal pain and inflammation are common in dogs. The good news is that CBD lowers pain and inflammation in humans and pets. CBD has calming properties that prevent anxiety and stress. Stress and anxiety contribute to gastrointestinal problems. This means that when your dog is calm, its digestive system functions properly. Additionally, CBD relaxes the muscles, thus boosting digestion.
CBD and gastrointestinal motility
Although there are limited studies on CBD and digestive health, the existing ones provide many insights. Understanding the relationship between CBD and gastrointestinal motility is key. But what is gastrointestinal motility?
The term “gastrointestinal motility” describes how quickly or efficiently the intestines can transfer waste out of the body. Poor gastrointestinal motility leads to pain and discomfort in the lower belly. Common problems with poor gastrointestinal motility include gastrointestinal reflux, nausea, and constipation.
A study using mice as the target population found that CBD oil boosts gastrointestinal motility. CBD reduces the likelihood of inflammation while activating the muscles and enzymes necessary for the digestive system to function properly.
Does CBD help with digestion in dogs?
Yes. CBD helps with digestion in dogs. It promotes gastrointestinal motility while activating muscles and enzymes, thus ensuring the digestive system functions well.
How does CBD aid in digestion?
CBD triggers the intestine to move waste and expel it from the body. This ensures that waste does not build up, thus lowering the risk of constipation, nausea, and gastrointestinal reflux.
What are the health benefits of CBD for pets?
CBD has varied health benefits for dogs, but the key ones include reduced pain and inflammation, calming effects that reduce stress and anxiety, reduced chances of seizures, and better digestion.
Read more on 5 Stunning Reasons Why Pet Parents Are Turning to CBD
Does CBD help intestinal inflammation?
Yes. CBD helps with intestinal inflammation thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces the chances of intestinal pain while ensuring waste moves efficiently from the body and reduces buildup.
Is CBD good for bowel disease?
Yes. According to a small trial, CBD oil taken as pills may help treat the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. According to another study, CBD may help lower bowel-related inflammation.
Does CBD soften stool?
Yes. CBD may soften stools. Using it may lead to other side effects, including gas, loose stools, and vomiting. These issues are, however, mild and will clear with time.
Does CBD increase bowel movement?
Yes. CBD regulates gastrointestinal motility, which causes digestion to occur. The calming effects of CBD on the nervous system and CBD’s antioxidant capabilities may also help with more frequent and/or regular bowel motions.
Can CBD help IBS in dogs?
CBD aids in reducing the risk of cramps and aches in your dog’s internal muscles, like the colon and intestines. Additionally, it gets rid of nausea and completely stops vomiting and diarrhea.
Can CBD oil help a dog with diarrhea?
CBD has anti-inflammatory qualities, which may benefit dogs with diarrhea. It may also help dogs with anxiety. By calming your dog’s stomach, digestion, and demeanor, CBD lessens the risk of diarrhea.
Will CBD oil help a dog with constipation?
Yes. CBD’s flow throughout the body helps calm the mind and release unneeded physical tension. Relaxed muscles promote stool movement, thus reducing the chances of constipation.
Final Thoughts
So is CBD the right choice for your dog’s digestive problems?
From our discussion, CBD widely benefits your dog’s digestive system. It promotes gastrointestinal motility, thus lowering the risk of digestive problems like vomiting and gastrointestinal reflux.
Additionally, CBD has calming properties. This relaxes your dog’s muscles and keeps the nervous system calm. These contribute to better movement of food and, hence, improved digestive wellness.
Studies, though few, have found a positive link between a reduced risk of irritable bowel syndrome and Chron’s disease. These benefits make CBD a must-have supplement. Always consult an experienced vet before using CBD for digestive health.
