Could CBD oil help manage your pet’s weight? This is an important and sensitive topic for every pet parent. Weight management is key to protecting your pet against obesity-related issues. An unhealthy weight comes with chronic issues like pancreatitis. We delve deeper to answer this question. Continue reading.
What Causes Obesity in Pets?
Underlying health issues and the owner’s irresponsibility are reasons pets become overweight. Let’s look at all the major reasons so you can avoid them.
- Giving your pet the wrong diet: Some foods are wrong for pets. Pet owners think they are doing the right thing by giving their pets inappropriate food. But this is incorrect. Giving your dog or cat human food exposes it to obesity. This is because most human foods are fatty and have lots of calories.Additionally, such foods may contain unhealthy ingredients that can harm your pet. Dogs and cats require unique nutrients that human food may not have. Most human foods contain sugar which has no nutritional value for pets.
- Overfeeding: This is the major cause of obesity in pets. Pet parents love spoiling their pets with lots of food and treats. Giving pets more food than their bodies can absorb means more unused calories and obesity. Dogs, unlike humans, have no self-control when it comes to food. Their wild instinct tells them to consume whatever is in front of them. It is the owner’s responsibility to control portions for their pets.
- Lethargy: Pets are naturally active, and being lethargic means your pet is not burning calories by engaging in physical activities. Sick dogs and cats are less active, and this may lead to the accumulation of calories.
- Hypothyroidism: This condition slows down metabolism. This means your pet could be eating less food, but it will still gain weight since its metabolism is slow.
- Stress-eating: Like humans, some pets can overeat when stressed. This predisposes them to unhealthy weight gain.
- Surgery: Dogs who have undergone various procedures may gain weight more easily. As a result of the hormone changes caused by spaying and neutering, dogs may have less energy and put on weight. Any procedure that restricts their mobility, such as the amputation of an eye or limb, may unintentionally cause them to gain weight.
- Age: Senior pets are less active than adult or young pets. The calories pile up, causing unhealthy weight.
- Breed: Some dog breeds, including Dachshunds, Terriers, Beagles, Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers, are susceptible to weight gain. Understanding this ensures you give them the correct diet from puppyhood.
Weight Loss for Pets
You are the best judge when determining whether your pet is overweight. Whether they are just a little bit fat, you may wait to see whether cutting back on their daily calorie intake or increasing their exercise level helps them regain a healthier weight.
At this point, the goal is mainly to prevent them from becoming obese or experiencing the long-term negative impacts of being overweight. The vet may suggest changing your pet’s diet, avoiding table scraps, or introducing a raw diet.
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Could CBD Help Your Pet Maintain a Healthy Weight?
Currently, no studies on CBD aiding cats, dogs, or humans with weight management. But studies on other species give us hope that CBD can benefit obese pets. For example, a study on rats concluded that rats using CBD did not gain as much weight as those not.
According to the study, the body’s CB2 receptors control how much weight a rat gains. The endocannabinoid system, which maintains homeostasis throughout the body, is present in every animal. It uses cannabinoid receptors, which are present in all of the body’s systems, to control biological functions.
However, these receptors cannot perform their functions unless they are supplied CBD, which triggers chemical reactions that make these controls necessary. The body appears to have CB2 receptors that control how fat is deposited through anti-inflammatory effects.
A fat deposit known as white adipose tissue swells up and loses its capacity to break down fat effectively. Other studies conclude that CBD controls appetite, making it an excellent supplement for weight management.
How do you use CBD oil for pets?
You can directly add CBD oil to your pooch’s kibble or wet food and stir it in. If you have numerous dogs, ensure each dog gets the right quantity of CBD by watching them while they eat and preventing food sharing, which may lead to over or under-dosing.
How much CBD for a dog’s body weight?
Pets require 1–5 mg of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight. Because CBD products’ potencies vary, it’s important to carefully study the label’s directions to determine the right dosage instead of focusing on the CBD’s overall amount. It’s crucial, to begin with the lowest dose possible.
Can CBD oil help dogs lose weight?
Although no studies show that CBD helps dogs lose weight, studies on other species, like mice, prove this. Mice on CBD gained less weight compared to those not using CBD.
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Will CBD help my dog gain weight?
No. CB may not help dogs gain weight. On the contrary, CBD helps obese dogs lose weight by boosting metabolism, burning excess fat, reducing pain and inflammation that cause mobility issues, and regulating appetite.
Read more on What Is the Best Dog Food for Weight Gain?
How does CBD oil make a dog feel?
When given the appropriate dose of CBD, your dog will feel relaxed and comfortable. CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, which calms the nervous system and reduces the chances of stress and anxiety.
What happens if I give my dog too much CBD?
Constipation, nausea, and diarrhea are a few of the typical gastrointestinal side effects of too much CBD. Extreme tiredness, sleepiness, or lethargy is the other adverse effect that occurs most frequently.
CBD Oil Can Be Mixed with Any Dog Food or Pet Treat
You can add CBD oil to foods or snacks, but you should know that it is difficult to regulate the dosage. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it until your dog’s symptoms subside.
Final Thoughts
Although no studies on dogs, humans, or cats prove CBD helps with weight management, studies on other species give us hope. CBD boosts metabolism, regulates appetite, and burns excess fat. All these contribute to a healthy weight. Always consult an experienced vet before using CBD for your pet’s weight management.