Beauty line
Therapy lineHow does CBD help protect against ticks in horses?
The clapping season is in full swing. These inconspicuous arachnids are dangerous to both humans and animals. The latest findings show that CBD has the ability to weaken the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and supports the treatment of this disease in horses, among others.
Lyme disease in horses
In Poland, there has been an increase in the number of cases for several years. bioreliosis in horses.
Veterinarians from the University of Life Sciences in Lublin conducted research on a group of horses from 12 provinces. These studies showed the presence of antibodies against Borrelia spirochetes in over 25% of them.[1]
Ticks pose a serious threat to human and animal health, especially in the spring and summer seasons, when they are most active. These small arachnids can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis or anaplasmosis, which lead to serious health problems. Currently, we are dealing with a new variety of African tick, which is carried by birds.
Ticks very often choose horses as their hosts because during this period the animals spend a lot of time in open pastures.
Effects of Lyme disease in horses
Infection Borrelia spirochetes in horses causes many diseases. These are mainly joint diseases, but also lameness, inflammation of the mucous membrane, neurological problems, tremors, neck pain[2].
Traditional tick protection methods, such as chemical repellents and regular checks, are often insufficient or carry the risk of side effects.
That is why in recent years there has been a growing interest in natural alternatives that can help protect against ticks without burdening the horse's body. One such promising remedy is CBD, or cannabidiol, obtained from hemp. This natural substance has a number of beneficial health properties that can be used not only in human medicine, but also in veterinary medicine.
CBD: for immunity and fighting inflammation caused by Lyme disease in horses
A tick bite in both humans and animals is asymptomatic. However, Borrelia bacteria cause inflammation in the body, which destroys and damages cells. CBD can come to the rescue, as it has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and in a synergistic combination with flavonoids, terpenes and other phytoactive compounds contained in hemp, it has the ability to restore the body's homeostasis.
CBD interacts with the human and animal body in a similar way: through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and C1 and C2 receptors – you can read about it in our post: The Endocannabinoid System – A Puzzle of One Piece
CBD stimulates the ECS system and regulates the internal homeostasis of the entire body, helping to combat pain, inflammation, skin disease-related ailments, and also reduces anxiety and restlessness.[3]. Thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory effect, it also supports immunity – which is important in the production of natural antibodies against Borrelia spirochetes.
How to use CBD in horses to prevent or alleviate symptoms of Lyme disease?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a completely safe and widely available plant-based agent that can be administered to animals in many forms:
- As an oil – administered directly or as an additive to feed
- Pellets from hemp inflorescence
- CBD Muesli
- Feed mixtures with added CBD
- Treats, licks
- In the form of gel, ointment, oil - for the skin
Giving horses CBD can significantly reduce pain, including joint pain caused by Lyme disease, but also itching (e.g. due to insect bites). It is also indicated that cannabidiol helps reduce symptoms caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane (which is very painful in horses) - CBD may have a positive effect on metabolic pathways, often impaired, e.g. in insulin-resistant horses[4]. Cannabidiol also relieves states of anxiety and agitation – which often accompany pain.
Read more about the comprehensive impact of CBD on the horse's body in our post: How to Use the Valuable Properties of CBD for Horse Well-being
Summary
CBD, or cannabidiol, can be a natural support protection against ticks in horses. Given to animals together with their feed, it will have a positive impact on the health and condition of these beautiful but delicate animals.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD helps to alleviate inflammation and pain caused by Lyme disease. In turn, documented immunomodulatory properties significantly increase the immunity of animals, and consequently - stimulate the production of natural antibodies.
Combining CBD with other methods of protection, using natural oils – e.g. lavender, which repels ticks, maintaining stable hygiene and regularly checking the animal's well-being will certainly improve the effectiveness of protection against parasites and ensure the health and comfort of our pets throughout the season.
[1] https://hayloft.pl/borelioza-u-koni
[2]https://docshemp.com/blogs/news/lyme-in-the-horse
