We wouldn’t have pets if we didn’t enjoy their company, which is why we take the extra steps to make sure they live happy and long lives. Just like us, our pets can develop heart problems that are either hereditary or come with old age. Studies have shown that CBD oil may be able to help treat and prevent heart disease, and quite possibly for not only you but helping your pet as well.

Cannabidiol (CBD) may be able to help with your pets heart health because your pet, like us, has an endocannabinoid system. By interacting with this system, CBD oil has access to you and your pet’s cardiovascular system. By taking CBD hemp oil on a regular basis as a supplement, your pet may be able to delay an inevitable onset of symptoms or avoid cardiovascular disease altogether.

Your Pet’s Heart

Dogs and cats get heart problems just like us. Some of the heart defects are hereditary which means we can’t cure these yet. But you can take extra steps to make sure these pets have longer lives. The best way to know if your pet is prone to a heart condition or if they are developing one is to have a regular checkup with your vet. In between vet visits, there are ways your pet tells you that they aren’t feeling their best.

Symptoms Of Poor Heart Health In Animals

Depression of Withdrawal

Did your pet used to be the life of the party and now they spend more time laying around than anything else? While this could mean a multitude of things like arthritis, old age, and heart disease. If your pet is suddenly showing signs of depression and withdrawal, they need to see a vet.

Breathing Difficulties

There are some pets where it is just their unfortunate nature that they have a difficult time breathing. But you can never be too careful when it comes to your furry friends. If your pet is making noises while breathing or looking like it’s a chore, it is time to get them checked out at the vet.

Restlessness

If your dog is a puppy, this isn’t a good indication because puppies can’t sit still for longer than five minutes. If you have an older dog and they keep getting up for their bed at night or pacing around your home, they may be sick. If your cat is prowling through your cupboards at night when they usually are asleep, this could be a sign of heart disease.

Weakness

Weakness can look like being tired or lazy, but if you pay close attention to your pet, they may be telling you something. If this laziness is abrupt, it could be depression or weakness. If they used to play and they get tired more quickly than usual or don’t have the same amount of energy they used to have, then it’s time to take your little (or huge) furry buddy to the vet.

Drinking A Lot Of Water

If you’re noticing that you are filling the water bowl more than usual, your pet may be dehydrated. This could be from playing outside for too long, losing access to the water bowl, or it could be because they are sick and they need help. Dehydration is one of the symptoms of poor heart health.

Change In Weight And Appetite

Is your pet eating more or less than usual? Do you notice that their ribs are showing or when you pick them up they are a lot heavier than you last remembered? A change in diet can also point to stress, depression, stomach issues, and other diseases but it is also a symptom of heart disease. If you notice this in your pet, the best thing to do is take them in to see a medical professional.

Abnormal Urination And Bowel Movements

Does your litter box fill up faster lately? Is the consistency looking a little unhealthy? Can your dog no longer wait until you get home from work? If your pet is having issues with going to the bathroom, take them to the vet because it could be heart disease.

Being Proactive

There are ways that you can help prevent or delay heart conditions through how you take care of your pet. If your pet is likely to develop a heart condition because of their breed or a congenital disability, taking these steps can help you keep them healthy for longer.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Talk to your vet about your pet’s weight. They can give you an honest and accurate opinion of you’re your pet’s weight and how it is affecting their health. They can help you figure out what your pet is supposed to look like to be the ideal weight so you can have a better idea while at home. Keeping your pet’s weight under control can help them avoid diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Exercise

Pets need lots of exercise just like us. It helps with their energy levels, can help build strength in their joints and muscles, and it’s great for their health. Exercise is a great way to help manage your pet’s weight and can help them avoid diseases like cardiovascular disease.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is also a great way to make sure your pet maintains a healthy weight. It also makes sure that your pet is getting the right nutrients. Your pet may need a tailored diet to their breed or future health conditions, so talk to your vet about what diet would be best for your pet.

Clean Teeth

The bacteria that builds up in a dirty mouth and be absorbed into the bloodstream, creating heart issues. Make sure that you are taking extra steps to keep up with your pet’s oral hygiene. There are treats that you can use, and you can also use a toothbrush with toothpaste designed for pets.

Supplements

Dogs and cats can benefit from daily supplements just like us! Not only can they help with a healthy coat and higher energy levels, nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids can help with heart disease. Another way pet owners may be able to help is by giving their pet CBD oil.

What Is CBD

Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. The way it has shown to work in the body is by helping to regulate a system in the body called the endocannabinoid system. All mammals have this system, and its job is to help maintain homeostasis. Without the endocannabinoid system, cuts wouldn’t heal, we wouldn’t be hungry, and our anger would last for days. Studies suggest that even though hemp oil doesn’t directly interact with the cardiovascular system, it still has the potential to be beneficial to heart health in you and your pet.

The Endocannabinoid System

Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system by stimulating receptors, elevating endocannabinoids, and opening up pathways and ion channels. It doesn’t hold a strong bond to the cannabinoid receptors, which is why, unlike THC, CBD doesn’t get your pet high.

Endocannabinoids And Cannabinoid Receptors

The two main endocannabinoids that CBD enhances are anandamide and 2-AG. Anandamide binds mainly to the CB1 receptors which are most densely populated in the brain, though they are still all over the body. This interaction helps mediate neurological functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and sensitivity to pain.

The 2-AG endocannabinoid binds to the CB2 receptor. This cannabinoid receptor helps mediate the immune functions of the body. 2-AG’s job is to reduce the number of attack cells being sent to an affected area, helping to reduce inflammation.

Cannabidiol and Heart Health

Reducing Damage

When the blood pressure is high, the blood will be pushed through arteries and can cause cracks or other damage to the vessels. Studies have shown that using cannabidiol may be able to help reduce damage done to blood vessels.

When there isn’t enough blood getting to the brain or other body parts because of reduced blood flow, this can cause these parts of the body to take damage. Studies have shown that CBD may have neuroprotective effects to help combat damage from inadequate blood flow.

Regulating Blood Pressure

If the artery walls are stiff, they are more likely to take damage from high blood pressure. Research indicates that cannabidiol causes vasorelaxation, which means it relaxes the artery walls. Studies have also shown that it might go even a step further as acting as a vasodilator, which helps the blood move more freely through widening the blood vessels.

Best Ways To Give CBD To Pets

Pills

CBD pills are a standard way to give your pet medication. If your pet can scarf down their bowl of food and not even notice the tablet you secretly placed in the dish, then pills might be the right option for you. It is one of the easiest ways to administer the medication as long as your pet isn’t the finicky type.

Treats

Treats are a great way to give your pet CBD oil. By providing medicine as a treat, your pet may enjoy the process more. CBD pet treats come in several different flavors and are made for both cats and dogs. Being that the cannabis community is very conscious of the environment, most hemp oil pet treats are vegan-friendly and organically made.

Tinctures

Not every dog or cat likes every treat you give them. While some dogs barely chew any type of edible object you put in their face and just swallow it whole, some pets can be a bit finicky. Tinctures are a good option because unlike pills, you don’t have to worry about choking hazards. You can also make sure they get their full dose and didn’t hide their pill or treat somewhere around the house.

Talk To Your Vet

If your pet is on any other type of medication, it is best to involve your vet in other treatment plans you have like hemp oil. They can help monitor your pet's health more closely to make sure this is the best possible treatment option for your pet.

Have you used CBD oil for your pet’s health? We would love to hear about it! Tell us your story in the comment section below!