Horses can be stressed due to their environment or health issues and may experience occasional or chronic pain. In addition, the animal tends to have stomach problems. So much so that many veterinarians are now considering treating horses (horses, donkeys, ponies) with cannabidiol (CBD). In fact, CBD is known for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving effects. So, Using CBD for Horses Is it a good idea? If so, which derivative to prefer, how to administer it to a horse and at what dose ? Answer in this article.
Benefits of CBD for Horses
Horses are susceptible to cannabinoids and therefore to CBD
Just like humans, dogs, cats and all mammals, horses have an endocannabinoid system (DRY). You can therefore benefit from the effects of CBD, just like us.
Several situations can justify using CBD oil on a horse.
stress
While there are few studies on horses, anxiolytic and calming effects of CBD have been extensively demonstrated in humans and other mammals. Some horse owners therefore use CBD to reduce anxiety in their animals, for example for promote their acclimatization to new environments.
doubler
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory, CBD can relieve certain chronic pains in humans. In horses it seems to be possible reduce arthritis pain (especially in older specimens), to ulcers or laminitis. CBD can thus help an animal recover after intense exertionas is the case for many athletes.
gastric ulcer
More than half of horses suffer from stomach problems caused by a stomach ulcer. A staggering number that is over 90% in racehorses. CBD is a Natural way to relieve horsesagain thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Other potential benefits of CBD for horses
The exact effects of CBD on horses have yet to be fully established. But just like with humans, CBD oil could help to benefit in particular from a better quality of life in everyday life strengthening their immune system or prevention of certain skin problems.
Frequently asked questions about CBD for horses
How Much CBD Oil Should You Give a Horse?
Most experts agree that giving CBD oil has no major contraindications. As always with regard to the ideal amount of CBD, the weight of the animal must be taken into account. Always start with lowest dosage indicated on the packaging of the CBD oil gradually increase Dosing until the desired effect is achieved. If nothing is listed, the doses below are good starting points in your search for the ideal amount of CBD oil for your pet.
- Horse up to 300kg: 25 milligrams of CBD.
- Horse over 300kg: 40mg of CBD.
According to some studies, CBD appears to work in a horse from 0.05 milligrams per kilo. However, the useful dose is generally higher when it comes to relieving pain than simply relaxing the animal.
Are there CBD oils for horses?
Yes, there are now CBD oils on the market that are specifically designed for horses. They are in general more convenient to use because they are packaged in larger bottles, with appropriate cannabinoid concentrations and Flavors adapted to the taste of the animals. However, the base of the product and the nature of the CBD remain exactly the same as the CBD oil for humans. There is therefore no obvious risk in using the same CBD oil for humans and animals.
The easiest way to administer CBD to a horse is to mix it with its feed
Depending on the animal, different techniques can be used to administer CBD to a horse. Not everyone has the same interests.
- Oral use : probably the easiest method, since it consists in letting the horse “eat” the CBD. They can simply mix the CBD oil into their feed and dilute it with some water as needed. If the taste is too strong, there are also CBD capsules or flavored treats.
- Sublingual Ingestion : For the most docile horses, placing the desired amount of CBD oil under the animal’s tongue allows the cannabinoids to be absorbed more quickly by the body by going directly into the bloodstream rather than having to wait for digestion.
- Current application (local): the preferred solution to soothe irritated skin, for example. CBD cream or ointment can then be applied to the affected area.
Can a horse get high from CBD?
no Unlike THC, CBD is a molecule non-psychotropic, non-addictive and empty d ‘side effects majeurs. Even with high doses, a horse cannot get high from CBD. However, overdosing is not recommended as it could make the animal’s mouth sticky or even cause short-term digestive problems.
Is it possible to give CBD to a horse before a competition?
CBD is banned by most horse organizations
no Even though the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not ban CBD for human sports competitions, Most equine organizations ban CBD. The Horse Racing Laboratory (LCH) therefore regularly performs blood and urine analyzes on horses, specifically for the presence of CBDA, the acid form of CBD. For the National Horse Racing Federation (FNCH), the CBDA becomes the “Active ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties“. A horse that competes in horse racing or an equestrian sport cannot therefore ingest CBD, especially since elimination times are still unknown. With a positive control The horse is disqualified.
