Skip to Content

CBD and Horses: Everything You Need to Know

If you are reading this, chances are that someone has already mentioned CBD for horses, and you are curious to learn something more. Do not worry—you have come to the right place! Today we are going to teach you everything you need to know about CBD, how it can help maintain the health of your horse, and which products are safest to use.

CBD and Horses, Everything You Need to Know

What Is CBD?

According to science, both humans and animals (but not insects) have an endocannabinoid system. In other words, our bodies can process cannabis that can be used for relaxation or medicinal purposes. That said, CBD statistics confirm cannabidiol is probably the best thing that the cannabis industry has to offer. Without the risk of experiencing the mind-altering properties of THC, it can help us and our animals fight different health conditions that affect the main systems of the body.

How Can CBD Help Your Horse?

CBD is maybe the “new kid on the block” when it comes to alternative methods of treating horses, but from what we have seen so far, it is getting more popular by the minute. That said, more research is still needed to discover its full potential (and the possible adverse effects) in treating certain horse health conditions.

What we have learned so far is that it has many beneficial health effects. According to several horse owners, hemp-based CBD can stimulate a horse’s endocannabinoid system. It also appears to be well tolerated with barely any adverse effects. The only thing that should be taken into consideration is that the product must not contain THC.

According to several recent studies, CBD can improve the following health conditions:

  • Pain caused by laminitis or arthritis
  • Inflammation
  • Anxiety during stall confinement
  • Stress during traveling and shows
  • Soreness and stiffness
  • Ulcers and leaky gut
  • Poor digestion
  • Low appetite
  • Recovering from surgery or injury
  • Depressed Immune system (caused by Cushing’s disease)
  • Appetite regulation
  • Obesity
  • Insulin resistance
  • Cancer
  • Vaccinosis (vaccine reactions)

CBD and Horses: Everything You Need to Know

Which CBD Products Are Safe to Use?

It is best if you avoid any products containing THC to make sure that your horse will not experience unwanted side effects like increased levels of anxiety, mood swings, hallucinations, or other similar conditions. Some side effects are not visible, which puts your horse at risk of long-term stress that may affect its general health.

THC is psychoactive, and your horse will experience its mind-altering effects even if it comes in small doses. Every horse is highly sensitive by nature, so it will react to it more than people do.

You also have to be very careful when choosing the product. Make sure you learn where the hemp was grown. It is safer to choose a US or Canadian hemp-based CBD because chances are it will not be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, or heavy metals that might jeopardize your horse’s health. Make sure you buy CBD that is tested and certified. 

Next, always check the label to make sure you get the accurate CBD content per dose. Then, make sure that there is no THC in the product. Finally, always buy organic CBD products. 

The Bottom Line

When giving recommended doses to your horse, CBD has very little to no adverse side effects. That said, CBD may cause some mild side effects. Some of the symptoms to keep an eye on are fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, and decreased blood pressure, especially if CBD is given in larger doses. Therefore, it is best to discuss the dosage with your veterinarian beforehand to ensure the safety of your horse. 

 

Debbie P

Saturday 27th of June 2020

This was a very interesting article.

ANN*H

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

They suggest this for animals too beside humans . They say it calms animals down. Love your posts,

Shannon Holmes

Tuesday 21st of January 2020

Thanks for sharing this helpful information!

Sarah L

Tuesday 21st of January 2020

I never thought about using this on horses. Probably because I don't have a horse.

Love these woofs?

Help spread our waggie tales. You're pawesome for doing it!