Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna published discoveries exploring the relationship between dogs and their owners. They recognized the deep and complex bond that exists between many humans and their dogs. They also understood owners often described this connection in terms of “parent” and “child.” A dog’s life with a good pet parent has turned out great with the average life expectancy of dogs jumping from 10.5 years to 11.8 years between 2002 and 2016, partly because dogs are receiving better care from their humans.
But as dogs live longer, they become more susceptible to health problems. A common condition is osteoarthritis, which causes pain and inflammation in dogs. Your canine may have it if they struggle getting up and down stairs or generally moving around. Previous research has shown that 20% of North American dogs at least one-year old suffer from osteoarthritis, with older dogs being at higher risk. Pet parents want to help. Here is how CBD can dogs with osteoarthritis.
A new study, however, found that CBD could provide relief for dogs who suffer from osteoarthritis. The research, published in the Journal of Immunology and done in partnership with hemp retailer Medterra, discovered that CBD lowered pain symptoms and increased mobility in dogs. These therapeutic effects lasted after the dogs stopped taking CBD as well.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study recruited 20 large dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. These dogs were randomly divided into four testing groups. Every day for four weeks they were given one of four treatment options: a placebo, 20mg of pure CBD, 50mg of pure CBD, or 20mg of liposomal CBD. A liposome is a common vehicle to administer medicines. It wraps medications in tiny lipid bubbles and allows for more targeted integration into the body.
Throughout the study, owners and veterinarians — neither of whom knew how much CBD the dogs were taking — would evaluate the dogs’ pain and mobility levels.
Dogs who received a low pure CBD dosage or placebo were “just as miserable as they were before,” according to Matthew Halpert PhD, a faculty member at the Department of Pathology and Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine. (He also serves as Senior Scientific Advisor for Medterra.) But dogs taking higher CBD or liposomal CBD doses saw significant improvement to their pain and mobility. “The dogs seemed happier and were able to do more,” Halpert told Forbes.
“I openly admit that I was surprised at how quickly we saw such large results,” Halpert added. “I would not have expected to see too much of anything in just one month.”
Two weeks following the CBD administration, the dogs who had better mobility and quality of life didn’t see osteoarthritic symptoms return. Halpert believes this demonstrates that CBD wasn’t just masking the pain, but was actually treating the underlying inflammation.
CBD for pets is an emerging industry, as estimates expect CBD pet products to cross $563 million in sales at the end of this year. But anecdotal evidence is far more prevalent than research like this one. Dog owners should consult with veterinarians before pursuing CBD medicine.
They seem to be total enemies – but can CBD help cats chill out around the Christmas Tree?
While is seems cats do things just to annoy their owners, there are reasons. And when it comes to the Christmas tree, there are manyfelines that causes the pull to be “involved” with the giant temporary addition to the festive season. They enjoy being high up to survey their surroundings and it makes them feel safe from predators. Yhe branches provide a fun climbing challenge. And they are attracted to shiny objects with the ornaments and lights. Like humans, cats enjoy the smell of live evergreen trees which is another reason they stay close. But can CBD keep cats from the Christmas tree?
Alone, CBD can not keep them from exploring, but can be used as another tool to relax them and help them lose interest in wrecking a tree. CBD for cats has gained popularity among pet owners seeking alternative treatments for various feline health issues. CBD is generally considered safe for cats when used appropriately. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants that interacts with the endocannabinoid system in cats, potentially offering benefits for anxiety, pain, inflammation, and overall wellness.
CBD could help cats with several issues during the holidays including reducing anxiety from visitors, decorations, and changes in routine. It can help alleviate pain and inflammation, which may worsen in colder weather. With the change in routine, it can help with sleep quality. And must of all regarding the tree, it can help them chill and relaxat, giving them a
Use products specifically formulated for cats, as human or dog CBD products may not be suitable. Follow dosage guidelines carefully. Consult with a veterinarian before starting CBD, especially for cats with health issues or on medications. CBD for cats typically comes in oils or treats. Oils allow for precise dosing, while treats may be easier to administer.
Other ways to keep the cat from the tree is have a fake tree which is less dangerous than a real tree. A smaller tree is less likely to cause serious harm if it falls over. Use a heavy base or weights to prevent the tree from toppling over. You can also secure it to a wall with wire. Cats dislike citrus and foil scents, so you can wrap the tree trunk in foil and put orange or lemon peels around the base. Place cheaper, less sentimental decorations toward the bottom of the tree. Tie ornaments tightly to the branches to avoid loose, dangling temptations. Choose wooden or plastic ornaments instead of highly reflective ones. Tie plastic bags filled with orange or lemon peels around the base of the tree.
MMA and Boxing are having a moment in the spotlight…but did you know CBD has role?
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a relatively young sport increasing in popularity. In 2022, there were around 2.5+ million people in the United States who participated in MMA for fitness. MMA fighters have become more accessible to fans through social media, where they share glimpses of their daily lives. And boxing, which had seemed to lose an audience, is making a small comeback. They have some high profile fans who have brought additional attention to matches. The action in brutal on the body, but here is how MMA and boxing are using CBD…and everyone is cool with it.
CBD has gained popularity in the world of combat sports, particularly in boxing and (MMA). This natural compound, derived from the cannabis plant, has become a go-to option for many fighters seeking to enhance recovery, manage pain, and improve overall performance. And unlike medical marijuana, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances in 2018. The decision has allowed athletes to use CBD without fear of violating anti-doping regulations. The caveat is fighters need to ensure the CBD products have non-detectable levels of THC to avoid potential issues with drug testing.
One of the primary reasons boxers and MMA fighters turn to CBD is its potential to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. The physical demands of these sports often result in injuries, soreness, and inflammation. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially helping to manage pain without the risk of addiction associated with traditional opioid-based medications.
A significant concern in boxing and MMA is the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to repeated blows to the head. Interestingly, CBD has shown potential neuroprotective properties. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that CBD might help protect against and potentially improve outcomes in cases of TBI.
Quality sleep is crucial for athletes’ recovery and performance. CBD has shown promise in improving sleep quality and duration, which is essential for fighters who need to recover from intense physical activity. By promoting better sleep, CBD may help boxers and MMA fighters recover more efficiently between training sessions and fights.
Combat sports can be mentally taxing, with fighters often experiencing performance anxiety and stress. CBD has been reported to have anxiolytic properties, potentially helping athletes manage pre-fight jitters and overall stress levels. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining focus and composure during high-pressure situations.
The holidays are fun and full of family, activities, and food. But does marijuana have a natural secret weapon to help you at least not gain weight this season?
The holidays are here – turkeys, pie, and family favorites. Along with Christmas cookies, holiday cocktails, everything adds up and starts to make a difference in how clothes fit. On average, people gain between 1-2 pounds in November and December. Some studies suggest people gain more, with an average of 2–5 pounds. But is marijuana’s THCV your natural holiday weight loss plan. While Ozempic has been the wonder drug of weight loss, cannabis a natural plant used for thousands of years in medicine. Why not use to look good also? Here is some information and also advice on how much to take and how it works.
The most famous cannabinoids are THC or CBD. Legal to over 50% of the country and used by millions across the country. While they are the most commonly used cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains many other medically beneficial cannabinoids including THCV. Although THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to THC, it contains its own unique benefits.
Research points to THCV’s ability to block the body’s rewarding sensations while eating different foods. If you’re looking to keep your food cravings at bay or prevent the munchies, check out strains high in THCV, which will suppress your appetite, especially during the holidays.
It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings. Thus, consumption of THCV can be beneficial for those who struggle with weight gain and/or food craving. Since THCV can help curb one’s appetite, researchers believe there’s a potential for THCV helping people fight obesity and other related health issues.
It is important to manage the dosage. Start with a low dose of 5-7.5mg of THCV for appetite suppression effects. Options for taking THCV include gummies, tinctures, vapes, or THCV-rich cannabis strains Take THCV in the morning to help with focus and energy. Start on teh weekend so you can make sure it works in a way which is comfortable. Consume it with food to increase absorption.
Gummies and tincture/oils are the easiest ways to consume to manage the dosage. Start with half a gummy or 1 full gummy (typically 10mg) and adjust based on your response. You can increase to 2 gummies per day if needed. For tinctures, start with half a dropper or less and adjust as needed. Take THCV about an hour before you normally start feeling hungry
THCV should be part of a healthy routine including exercise and proper rest. Research on cannabis continues, to using THCV is not a long term solution, consider it for the holidays. As usual, take to your health professional to make sure it doesn’t interact poorly with any prescribed medications. Start low and grow so you can pay attention how your body and mind reacts.