RacingBetter News
	Monday 16th March 2020

CBD for Horses: Is It a Good Idea?

For many people, CBD oil is a godsend treatment that alleviates many uncomfortable health problems such as depression, anxiety, inflammation and chronic pain. In fact, recent studies have already proven such benefits and support the use of CBD oil. Plus, thanks to coupons available online (learn more here), CBD is becoming more and more affordable, meaning an even greater number of people will be able to get the benefit of this treatment. 

But what about CBD for horses? And is the use of CBD oil a good thing for animals?

Opinion is certainly divided on this topic but there are still no major concerns about the use of cbd pellets for horses. That is to say, while many benefits have come to light, we have yet to learn of significant reasons why CBD oil should not be used as treatment and it has been legalized in many parts of the world.

Of course, this is not to say that such reasons will never come to light but rather to explain that most experts believe the use of CBD oil is safe and beneficial.

In this article, we take a closer look at the use of CBD oil and whether or not you might want to consider using this supplement to alleviate the condition of your horse.

What is CBD and What Does it Do?

Also known as cannabidiol oil, CBD is an extract from the hemp plant and a chemical compound which is closely related to the cannabis plant. Although the main ingredient is CBD, you can also find traces of other natural cannabinoids including carrier oils and terpenes. Now, these extracts are not the same and most notably, CBD does not induce any psychotic effects associated with cannabis. Just so you know, this is because CBD is without tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which gives the user a “high” upon consumption.

Anyway, this means that CBD will not have any psychoactive effects on a horse. Just as importantly, there are several studies which show how CBD can induce a calming effect on animals by using the endocannabinoid system to influence cannabinoid receptors.

More specifically, this means that many holistic vets are even recommending the use of CBD for horses that might be experiencing the likes of stress, anxiety or chronic pain. Is it any wonder why CBD oil is considered for the most successful racing horses?

As a horse owner, you should also know the great importance of dosage. You see, the severity of a condition will determine the optimal dose for each horse. In other words, the extent of pain/discomfort might call for a higher or lower dose of CBD oil. Also, age matters and in spite of the severity of symptoms, a younger horse should not be treated with the same amount of CBD as an older horse. Needless to say, such treatment should be avoided with foals or especially younger horses.

As for the side effects, the probability of harming a horse with CBD oil are extremely small. However, as with any form of medication, there is always the possibility of side effects and this will certainly happen when the wrong dosage is administered. Once again, this CBD oil should not have any THC and only high quality products should be used.

About the Correct Use of CBD for Horses

The truth is, we are still in the early stages of research for CBD but anecdotal evidence points to the benefits of the substance. For instance, one study shows that CBD is especially useful for relieving stress and anxiety for animals in particular.

With this in mind, further research is needed to gain a better understanding when it comes to the long term effects of CBD. And even with this understanding, it’s important to remember that not every horse will react in the same way to a specific dose. For this reason, the lowest recommended dosage is always advised in the beginning and CBD should only be used on adult horses, unless advised differently by a professional vet.

Now, that’s not to say side effects should not be expected. In fact, drowsiness, diarrhea and lethargy is common when high doses of CBD are involved. Further, high blood pressure is possible and vomiting or drooling is not uncommon either. In such circumstances, it’s always important to go straight to a medical professional for advice.

At this stage of the article, we should remind you that CBD and cannabis are not the same. More specifically, you should never give a horse cannabis, for extreme cases of poisoning can happen, along with tremors, anxiety, seizures and rapid heart rate.

Which Horse Health Conditions Should CBD Oil Be Used For?

Nobody wants to put the health or life of a horse at risk. For this reason, opinion is divided about the use of cannabidiol in spite of it being safe to use CBD for horses.

But exactly what health conditions are we talking about?

The best CBD oils can be used to help a horse that might be afflicted with inflammation, anxiety, pain or chronic stress. Similarly, horses with high stress levels or sore joints can benefit from the oil, while CBD is also shown to help with poor digestion, cancer and lack of appetite. In short, CBD can help promote a great sense of relaxation for horses which experience physical, emotional and mental pain or discomfort.

Final Thoughts

While opinion on the use of CBD for animals is divided, research is proving there are reasons to believe in the benefits. As you may know, every human and animal also has an endocannabinoid system which provides receptors for medical compounds. For this reason, the body can metabolize and process CBD oil which produces many health benefits to horses that might be experiencing pain or discomfort. At the same time, every situation is different and proper medical advice should always be sought to ensure the health and happiness of your horse.