If you’ve used CBD oil on your equine friend before, you know that it can provide plenty of health benefits. Still, it’s worth mentioning that different factors will determine the right dosage.
For one, horses are more sensitive than other animals when it comes to CBD. As a result, they require careful dosing — hence why vets suggest starting with a smaller dosage and increasing it gradually.
Now, let’s get into more details on CBD and horses.
What Is CBD Oil for Horses?
CBD oil for equines is a liquid consisting of CBD oil and carrier oil (hemp or MCT oil, for example). It can be added some more ingredients in order to suit horses more, such as organic turmeric root extract for a faster healing process. Nevertheless, it’s not absolutely necessary.
CBD oil for horses is exclusively derived from hemp, which has less than 0.3%. It can be full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate.
Can I Use CBD Oil on My Horse?
Both animals and humans have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Based on the studies, CBD positively interacts with our ECS. Therefore, CBD is considered safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive for both humans and pets.
CBD oil is usually administered sublingually. This way, it reaches the bloodstream faster and more efficiently.
Can you give your horse the human-grade CBD oil you’ve been using? When it comes to purchasing the oil, make sure CBD oil is specifically designed for horses. CBD products made especially for horses won’t contain ingredients that could irritate their sensitive digestive system.
What Conditions Can CBD Oil for Horses Alleviate?
While research on horses and CBD is limited, the American Veterinary Medical Association believes that cannabis shows much therapeutic promise, especially in the case of epilepsy and pain and inflammation management linked to osteoarthritis.
At the moment, Tarleton State University’s Equine Center, part of Texas A & M University, is examining the impact of CBD on horse pain, lameness, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Moreover, the most recent study on a 4-year-old Quarter horse mare shows CBD is beneficial in treating cutaneous (skin) hypersensitivity and mechanical allodynia. In fact, the mare’s condition visibly improved within 36 hours.
Does CBD Calm Horses?
You’ve probably witnessed a situation when foals and mares were separated, which resulted in high levels of anxiety, or when a horse was left alone without their herd.
In fact, the most common triggers that cause stress to horses are:
- Separation
- Loud sounds
- Handling
- Traveling
- Training
Due to CBD’s antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, your horse will feel much calmer in the mentioned situations.
How Much CBD Do You Give a Horse?
The right dosage of CBD for horses depends on different factors, like size and CBD potency.
CBD Oil Dosage
When it comes to CBD oil, you first need to do the following: divide the CBD amount with the size of the bottle. That way, you’ll know the exact CBD per milliliter count (or potency).
For example, if a 120ml bottle contains 7500mg of CBD, the right dosage per 1ml would be 62.5mg. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a mathematical genius since most companies offer a chart with info on the correct dosage.
Here’s but an example that you can use to make the right calculation:
- small horses and ponies (400lbs–660lbs): 25mg–50mg of CBD
- medium-sized horses (660lbs–1110lbs): 75mg–170mg of CBD
- large horses (1100lbs–1800lbs): 120mg–200mg of CBD
CBD Benefits and Side Effects for Horses
CBD-infused products provide plenty of health benefits for both people and animals. Be that as it may, side effects from CBD are still possible.
First, let’s start with the benefits.
Benefits of CBD in Horses
Like people, horses can suffer from various health conditions, such as anxiety, allergies, and poor digestion. That said, the most common health issues horses have are allergies, colic, laminitis, thrush, mud fever, worms, sweet itch, and back problems.
Well, good news — CBD products for horses can help your four-legged friend.
How exactly?
- The right amount of CBD can help your horse relax before traveling.
- CBD can relieve back pain and various skin conditions (like sweet itch, summer eczema, nodules, or bald spots).
- Since CBD oil can reduce pain and inflammation, it can potentially help prevent allergic attacks and laminitis, and relieve allergic reactions.
- CBD can lower the intraocular pressure, making it an adequate treatment for eye disorders in horses.
- CBD products for horses can be used to treat cutaneous (skin) hypersensitivity and mechanical allodynia.
- Anecdotal evidence shows CBD can be used as an alternative treatment of mud fever.
- CBD can prevent laminitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD Side Effects on Horses
First of all, as you have read in CBD oil for horses reviews, CBD is not to be given to mares that are pregnant or nursing.
Secondly, be very careful about the dosage as horses are particularly sensitive to CBD (much more than cats or dogs, for example).
Your horse may feel drowsy, have a dry mouth, get diarrhea, become dizzy, or even be allergic to CBD.
Giving CBD to your horse during competition is forbidden as well, so try not to add a lost equitation award to the list of adverse effects.
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