One of the most challenging things as a pet owner is
knowing when something is wrong with our precious companions. Our beloved cats and dogs can’t simply communicate
to us when they’re not feeling well or when they’re experiencing pain. And, if they are unwell in some way or
another, they can’t describe to us the symptoms or tell us why they may be
feeling the way that they do.
This is why it’s so important as pet owners to be
vigilant and observant. If our pet
starts showing any of the known signs of distress, whether it be physical or
psychological, we must act. And a big
indicator of a pet’s overall wellbeing is their weight as well as their
appetite.
Cats and dogs may experience weight changes and
changes in appetite when something is amiss, like when they have an illness or
they’re experiencing stress. Furthermore,
these changes can indicate that we are feeding them improperly and must adjust
better their overall wellbeing.
One way in which more and more pet owners are helping
their furry friends maintain a healthy weight and appetite is by putting them
on a CBD regimen. Now, if you don’t recognize the way in which
cannabinoids function in the body of all mammals, this might sound surprising
to you. But, as it turns out, CBD and
other cannabinoids may regulate various bodily functions that play a role in
weight, appetite, and general wellbeing.
Your Pet’s Weight and Appetite
So, why is it so important to be on top of both your
pet’s weight and their appetite? Well,
their overall health depends on it. We
all know that being overweight puts us at risk of serious diseases including
heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. And we know that being underweight can lead
to nutritional deficiencies, and that low-calorie intake can cause major health
issues. And a low appetite can lead to
being dangerously underweight.
Obviously, these facts apply to our pets as much as
they apply to us. Also, we can’t explain
to our pets that they need to eat more, or that their weight is becoming a
cause for concern. This means that we
have to make decisions for them to improve their weight and appetite.
Being Overweight
The most common reason for an overweight pet is that
we are feeding them in a manner that’s not appropriate for them. We love spoiling our pets, and some of us do
this by indulging in their desire to eat more than their bodies require. Cats and dogs have extremely strong survival
instincts, and this means that they tend to be opportunistic eaters, which
means that they will eat whatever is given to them, even if they are not
hungry. Feeding them more than they need
will lead to being overweight.
Not only is an overweight pet likely to develop a host
of health problems, but it conflicts with their biological instincts and
values. Pets derive pleasure from being
physically active, as their abilities to run and catch prey increase their
quality of life. Being overweight can
lead to lethargy, which can undermine their sense of fulfillment.
Ways in which we can cause our pet to become
overweight include giving them portions that are larger than necessary,
allowing them to free feed and giving them high-calorie foods that are not
intended for their bodies, such as the foods that we make for ourselves. Our pets generally don’t process human foods
well, such as fatty foods, gluten and sugar.
These foods can cause them to gain weight rapidly, while harming their
kidneys, liver, bladder, and intestines.
It’s worth noting that in some cases, a pet can be
overweight due to an underlying health issue.
There are various health conditions and medications that can cause a pet
to gain an abnormal amount of weight despite maintaining a healthy diet.
Being Underweight
An underweight pet can be just as unhealthy as an
underweight pet. The most common cause
for an underweight pet is, unsurprisingly, a low-calorie diet. We must make sure that we are feeding our pets
enough on a daily basis, because becoming underweight can be extremely
dangerous.
Besides not eating enough, common causes for being
underweight include parasites, hyperthyroidism, improper feeding, certain
medications and digestive conditions that cause excessive diarrhea or vomiting.
Having a Low Appetite
A pet may maintain a relatively healthy weight but
show signs of a poor appetite. This must
be taken seriously because a low appetite can lead to becoming underweight, and
it can also be a sign that something is truly wrong with your pet. There are many reasons why a pet may lose
their appetite. Stress is a common
cause, and we tend to underestimate just how many circumstances can cause our
pets to become stressed. Digestive
discomfort and chronic pain can also lead to a low appetite, as well as certain
medications and underlying illnesses.
Sometimes, a loss of appetite can be caused by a serious problem that is
potentially dangerous.
When to Visit a Veterinarian
So, when is it necessary to see a veterinarian for
your pet’s weight or appetite? Well, as
soon as you notice any changes in weight, it’s good to schedule an
appointment. A pet who maintains the
same diet daily should not have any noticeable deviations in weight, so this
may be a sign that something is wrong.
And, if your pet goes more than a day without eating,
this is also a good time to take them to see a vet. Reasons for having no appetite range from
harmless to incredibly serious, and your pet’s loss of appetite can indicate a
major issue that needs immediate attention.
It’s up to you to pay attention to your pet’s food
intake daily and stay on top of their weight.
This way, when something changes, you’ll know right away and be able to
make the best decision for their wellbeing.
How CBD May Play a Role in Weight and Appetite Management
CBD is being more and more commonly used by pet
owners, and one reason why has to do with weight and appetite. Many of us wanna avoid giving our pets heavy
medications that may cause side effects, especially since our pets may not be
able to tell us that they are experiencing side effects. CBD is natural, plant-based and holistic,
making it appealing to pet owners and vets alike.
CBD is cannabidiol, which is the leading cannabinoid
in the hemp plant. Cannabinoids are a
class of compounds that work with the endocannabinoid system, which can be
found in all mammals. The
endocannabinoid system is a regulatory system that manages homeostasis
throughout the body through regulatory actions pertaining to bodily processes
like mood, pain levels, appetite and digestive function. Cannabinoids like CBD bind to cannabinoid
receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system, thus stimulating regulation
in adjacent bodily processes.
Studies have been done on CBD’s effects on both weight
and appetite.
Study #1:
Demonstrated the potential that cannabidiol has to regulate appetite
specifically.
Study #2:
Found that CBD may transform white adipose tissue into brown adipose tissue, a
process that seems to play a major role in avoiding obesity.
Study #3:
Shown that CBD may regulate both pain and stress levels, two factors that can
cause changes in appetite and eating habits.
How to Give Your Pet CBD
If you wish to give your pet CBD, it’s crucial that
you speak to a vet. It’s equally crucial
that you choose a CBD product formulated for pets.
There are a few delivery methods out there and
choosing the right one can make a big difference. CBD edibles in the form of treats are a great
choice for overall weight and appetite, as are tinctures. If your pet is losing their appetite due to
pain, you may wish to use a pet-friendly topical that can be applied directly
to the area.
Your Pet’s Weight and Appetite Can Impact Their Overall Health
So, being vigilant is necessary as a pet owner. If you’re looking try a natural and holistic
approach to managing their weight, talk to your veterinarian about trying CBD
as part of their daily routine.
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