Understanding Nausea in Pets and Exploring CBD Oil as Treatment

Nausea refers to a general feeling of discomfort or unease that many people sense as the urge to vomit. While nausea itself is not painful, prolonged nausea may result in discomfort in the chest, upper abdomen, and throat. Nausea is what is known as a non-specific symptom, meaning that it has many causes. It can also be a side effect of certain types of medications. Many people sing the praises of CBD oil for relieving nausea. It’s worth exploring nausea in pets, how to recognize and treat it, and seeing how CBD can help, especially since humans and dogs, for example, have endocannabinoid systems that respond similarly to CBD. 

What Is Nausea in Pets and How to Recognize It

Nausea in certain pets such as dogs and cats is quite common. Whereas humans can say that they feel like vomiting, pets usually can’t do the same. In fact, nausea usually becomes evident after vomiting, so it’s important to know other symptoms that may accompany nausea, especially for pets. The most common symptoms include the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Licking
• Restlessness, including pacing and an apparent inability to get comfortable
• Some of the most common reasons for nausea in pets are similar to the ones found in humans:
• Upset stomach, especially as a result of overeating, eating too fast, or eating something rotten or indigestible
• Sicknesses or diseases that cause nausea, such as cancer, diabetes, or infectious diseases
• Licking something with a bad taste
• Motion sickness
• Side effects of medication or post-anesthesia

As with humans, it can be difficult to trace the exact root cause of nausea in pets.

How To Treat Nausea

If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of nausea, it’s important to talk to a veterinarian. The doctor may recommend traditional methods such as certain prescription medicines. Your vet may also suggest the slow reintroduction of food to a pet and restricting access to trash, chemicals, and other substances that can lead to nausea.

How CBD May Help

Research suggests that CBD oil may help with nausea and vomiting in animals due to its anti-emetic properties. CBD has also been shown to inhibit some of the natural responses to nausea, such as gaping in animals who are unable to vomit.  Under the advisement of a vet, consider using CBD oil that is specifically formulated for pets. However, be aware that CBD may cause side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and lowered blood pressure.