More pet owners are turning to CBD for all kinds of situations that involve the wellbeing of their furry friends. By now, many studies have come out showing the unique properties of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids in the hemp plant, which may offer relief to both humans and their four-legged companions.
As you’ll see, the way in which cannabinoids work in the body may play a fascinating role in your dog or cat’s sleep cycle, while acting as a truly natural and holistic approach to dealing with this issue.
Why Some Pets Encounter Sleeping Problems
Cats sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours, with dogs averaging somewhere around 12 to 14. That’s a lot of time spent sleeping, especially when compared to humans who generally benefit from only 8. Our pets’ bodies operate differently from our own, and they use more energy during the day, which means that they need more time spent asleep in order to recover. [Source]
However, some pets may not be getting as much sleep as they need to. It’s normal for pets to have days here and there where they don’t sleep much. Usually this is due to a unique circumstance like construction going on outdoors, or a day when they are simply in the mood to play more than usual. But, if you’re observing that your pet is spending more time awake than what you have noticed is normal, you might want to consider that there is an underlying issue.
Pets, biologically speaking, are simpler than us. So, if they are not sleeping enough, there’s usually a clear and easily determined reason. One big culprit is stress, which is something that all of us can relate to. When a pet is stressed out, they will struggle to let their guard down enough to go to sleep. Also, our pets can get stressed out more easily than we give them credit for. Anything from a move to a new home to a new animal in the neighborhood can make our furry friend feel insecure.
Another culprit is pain. A pet who is in pain will have a difficult time getting comfortable enough to go to bed. Hunger is another common cause, as it’s hard for a pet to fall asleep if they feel like they haven’t received enough calories. Finally, sometimes a pet’s sleeping problem can point to an illness that requires a full diagnosis.
Treating Sleep Issues in Pets
So, what can a pet owner do if their precious companion isn’t sleeping enough? Well, the most responsible thing is to take your pet to a veterinarian, who can rule out pain conditions and illnesses that may be contributing factors. As a pet owner, you should also consider any circumstances that may be causing your pet to become too stressed to sleep.
A vet may prescribe a medication, depending on the severity of the issue and the underlying cause. Otherwise, they will likely recommend some changes to their daily routine that promote better sleep.
CBD and Your Pet: Is it Safe?
A lot of pet owners these days are giving CBD to their pets. But, is this actually an appropriate product for their bodies? Interestingly, more and more vets are actually recommending cannabidiol and other cannabinoids to our furry friends, and there is a very good reason why – it’s called the endocannabinoid system.
Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system, and this system is in charge of maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. It consists of cannabinoid receptors found all throughout the bodily systems, with each receptor regulating a specific bodily process, sleep being one of them. These cannabinoid receptors need cannabinoids like CBD to produce a binding procedure that allows these regulatory effects to occur.
Because cats, dogs. and humans all have endocannabinoid systems, the way in which CBD affects us is basically no different from how it affects our pets. A lot of us take CBD for sleep, anxiety and pain. The same mechanisms that give CBD the properties that may be useful for those issues apply to our four-legged companions.
CBD for Sleep
Studies have shown that cannabidiol may be useful for sleep, thanks to its regulatory effects on neurotransmitters that are responsible for the sleeping process.
CBD for Pain
If pain is what is keeping up your precious cat or pup, CBD may be able to help. Studies have shown that cannabidiol seems to play a role in pain management, with both anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.
CBD for Anxiety
We said that stress and anxiety can directly conflict with sleep, and many of us know that from our own experience. Due to its regulatory effects on hormones in the brain, CBD may be able to calm the mind in a way that makes stress and anxiety far more manageable.
What Should You Know Before Giving Your Pet Hemp?
If you’re ready to give your pet CBD for sleep, there are some things that you need to know beforehand.
#1: Talk to Your Veterinarian
First, it’s crucial that you speak to your vet before starting your pet on a hemp regimen. Your vet will consider your pet’s medical history, personal needs and possible use of any medications before helping you decide the best means for delivering CBD to them on a regular basis for this specific issue.
#2: Only Find CBD Products Made for Pets
It is imperative that you only buy CBD products made specifically for pets. Some products that we take are made with ingredients that may not be safe for cats and dogs.
#3: Check the Milligram Strength and Dose
Also, make sure that you use the manufacturer’s guide to give your pet the right strength and dose so that the amount of CBD they take is appropriate for their bodies.
#4: Give Your Pet CBD Consistently
It’s best to give your pet CBD on a daily basis, as this allows the CBD to accumulate in their body in order to be the most effective.
#5: Select an Appealing Delivery Method
Choose a delivery method that appeals to their senses, whether that a tincture, treat or food additive. This will make it easier for them to take their dose each day.
Having a Healthy Pet Means Them Sleeping Better
CBD may be useful option for any pet owner who is watching their precious companion struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you want to start giving your pet a hemp product, it’s important that you have a word with your veterinarian beforehand, and choose a product made just for them.