Veterans Day is celebrated in the United States to honor and appreciate all service persons who served the country in all wars, mainly living veterans. It is dedicated to all veterans of the U.S. armed forces (land, air and sea).
It is important to remember as we pause to honor our Veterans that many of them are dealing with a number of challenges; such as, physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), in addition to other mental health challenges. Service animals that are trained specifically for supporting individuals with disabilities, may provide several advantages:
In this article we discuss how both service animals and disabled military veterans may potentially benefit from the use of CBD (cannabidiol) in different ways:
Service Animals:
- Anxiety and Stress Relief: Service animals can experience stress and anxiety due to various factors, such as loud noises, crowded places, or unfamiliar environments. CBD Pet Tinctures may help in calming their nerves and reducing anxiety, promoting a more relaxed state.
- Pain Relief: Some service animals, particularly those assisting individuals with physical disabilities, might experience joint pain, inflammation, or soreness. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate such discomfort.
- Epilepsy and Seizure Management: CBD has shown promise in managing seizures in humans, and there's ongoing research regarding its potential benefits for animals. This could be particularly relevant for service animals trained to assist individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders.
Disabled Military Veterans:
- Pain Management: Many disabled military veterans suffer from chronic pain due to injuries sustained during service. CBD can potentially offer relief from such pain, as it may help reduce inflammation and interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to alleviate discomfort. This may be achieved through the use of tinctures, gummies or topicals.
- Mental Health Support: Veterans often encounter mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. CBD gummies may help alleviate some symptoms associated with these conditions. It's believed to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, potentially aiding in managing mood-related disorders.
- Sleep Improvement: CBD's calming effects might aid in better sleep quality for veterans dealing with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns due to various reasons, including trauma and anxiety.
- Consultation: It's crucial for both service animals and veterans to consult with veterinarians (for animals) or healthcare professionals (for veterans) before incorporating CBD into their regimen. Dosage, potential interactions, and individual health conditions should be considered.
- Quality and Legal Aspects: Ensuring the quality and legality of CBD products is essential. Look for products from reputable manufacturers that provide third-party testing and adhere to legal guidelines regarding CBD use.
Programs and organizations exist to specifically match service animals with disabled veterans, providing training and support for both the animal and the veteran. These animals are often trained to meet the specific needs of each individual and can make a significant difference in the lives of disabled military veterans, offering both practical assistance and emotional support.
CBD's potential benefits are being studied in both human and animal contexts. However, its effectiveness may vary, and not all individuals or animals might experience the same effects. Therefore, individual responses to CBD may differ, and it's essential to approach its use with care and proper guidance.
Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” but for some military veterans, these four-legged accomplices also take on the role of therapist and confidant in the battle against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as other physical and mental illness ailments. When combined with traditional, evidence-based interventions, the human-animal bond has proven to be an effective, complementary treatment for these challenges providing positive impacts for veterans — and dogs, too.