You’ve probably seen CBD added into all sorts of health and beautyproducts these past few years, and as the industry continues to expand, we’re starting to see whole new CBD segments emerge. One such segment involves pets; and in particular, creating CBD products for dogs.
Did you know that dogs too can benefit from taking CBD?
The processes that cause CBD to enhance human health can also work in animals as well because they too, have a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS) that engages the CBD through their brain receptors to create feelings of calm, and relieve pain, among other things.
But before you feed your furry friend a dose of hemp extract, there are a number of things you should be aware of to make sure your dog gets the most out of the CBD, and toavoid causing problems in the long run. This is important because for one, dogs are far more sensitive to cannabinoids than humans are and may not always respond the same way that people do from using CBD. And also, one can’t always be sure they’re getting good quality CBD based on labelling alone. Visit this Greendorphin page for further information.
So to begin, let’s first cover a few basics about CBD.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a final product that comesafter a rather complex extraction process involving hemp plants. CBD oil is basically a carrier forthe active ingredient cannabidiol, also known as CBD.
Cannabidiol is one of the main compounds in hemp and marijuana and is renowned for its medicinal effects that come as a result of the interaction between the nervous system, the endocrine glands (which also make up the ECS) and potentially, and other processes that influence physiological functions.
CBD is normally extracted as a single compound fromthe leaves and flowers hemp, and this is the purest form of CBD, known as CBD isolate. Other forms of CBD are whole-spectrum, and broad-spectrum CBD.
- CBD isolate contains pure cannabidiol with no additives or additional compounds from hemp. It is said to be the safest for pets.
- Whole-spectrum CBD may come from hemp or marijuana andcombines the healing power of all the compounds in cannabis and hemp plants. This type of extract contains dozens of cannabinoids including CBD,THC, CBG, CND, terpenes, and flavanoids. When fed to animals, whole-spectrum CBD pet products may cause some dogs to experience stress, anxiety, confusion, or some other unpleasant effect. Full-spectrum CBD products are promoted as containing more cannabinoids, and therefore more healing properties, because of the tendency of these compounds to interact with bodily systems to generate therapeutic effects.
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains most cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis, but it doesn’t have any THC, meaning your dog won’t get a “high” from consuming it. It also is believed to be more therapeutic by combining more of the compound’s hemp, rather than CBD alone.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs?
Some of the main reasons to give your dog CBD may seem familiar to us humans because we experience the same problems regularly. Let us look at these benefits more closely:
- Minimizing pain and inflammation
Your dog mayoccasionally need to be treated for minor pain; even if it’s just a little bump on the leg, a scratch, or something more serious like a dental procedure, or disease. CBD may help keep the pain low during such times, and also speed up healing.
- Treat Seizures
Granted, not too many dogs are suffering from seizures; but some animals are not so lucky. If your dog is experiencing neurological disorders such as seizures, it may help to add some broad-spectrum CBD oil on dog food. Not only is CBD neuro-protective, but it also helps to manage existing disorders and slows the brain’s aging. It may help reduce the frequency of seizures, though more research is required to discuss this further.
- Anticancer Effects
Cannabidiol is anantioxidant, and this has been mentioned many times especially when discussing the impact of cannabidiol on skin cells.Part of what makes CBD capable of fighting cancer cells is its antioxidant effects; which can in general means that it helps remove toxins that would otherwise damage cells. But in addition, CBD also assists withremoving free radicals, gets rid of oxidation, protects against sun-damage, and strengthens the immune system. Many processes make CBD work against cancer cells; but it doesn’t actually cure cancer. Instead, it obstructs the processes that may lead to cancer by getting rid of polluting elements and promoting homeostasis.
- Increases Appetite
Dogs too can have problems with appetite, though it may come from other more complicated disorders that alter the hormones or alter metabolism or have some other severe effect on the animal’s physiology.
If a previous illness or an injury has left your dog overmedicated and unable to eat, it may be possible to bring back some balance to the disrupted endocrine network. This is a network of multiple glands that produce hormones to control things like appetite and energy use. CBD works within this network of glands and hormones, meaning it could be useful in restoring appetite.
- Anxiety And Stress
Anxious dogs can be given CBD to calm them down. In this case, full-spectrum CBD oil should be avoided because of the THC content. CBD isolate or the broad-spectrum variety will do. Things like thunderstorm or moving to a new environment may cause some anxiety, but a dose of CBD oil will keep both you and Rex calm and focused.
How to Use CBD Oil?
Find companies that sell CBD specifically made for pets. There you will find many options for dog treats that are infused with CBD. On the other hand, CBD oil can be added into dog food or fed directly using something like tinctures. However, the most effective method and one that will work every time is to feed them treats that have CBD in them.
How Much CBD Should Give to Dogs?
Check product instructions for dosage, and bear in mind the size of your dog. Too much will probably just make the dog sleepy, so find a balance what’s written down as dosage, and what your dog responds to.
Bottom Line
If you have questions about giving your dog CBD, you can always consult a vet before you proceed. CBD is tolerated by most dogs, but a safe, moderate dose will allow you to monitor responses and determine how effective it is at managing ailments.