Whenever you decide to give your dog a drug or health supplement, you must know everything about it. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized cannabidiol (CBD) consumption in the United States (with exceptions in certain states), and it has been gaining popularity since then. As CBD is a relatively new product in the market, most people are not fully aware of its benefits and possible side effects.
CBD comes from the same family of the cannabis plant that people consume to get ‘high.’ The interesting part here is that CBD has no psychoactive property. Moreover, marijuana-derived CBD products are only legal in states where marijuana is legal medically or recreationally. But since most CBD products are derived from hemp, this is not too much of a problem.
Now you must be wondering whether you should consider buying it for your dog or not. To help you with that, we have come up with a complete and handy guide of CBD for dogs. Let’s have a look!
What is CBD?
CBD is a naturally occurring compound that is extracted from the hemp plant. CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Out of these 113 cannabinoids, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most studied and consumed.
CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp plants. The best quality CBD is the one that is extracted through the supercritical CO2 procedure. It refines the CBD and contains almost less than 0.3% THC in it.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
Most pets, such as dogs, cats, and horses, have the same Endocannabinoid System (ECS) as humans. ECS is one of the systems that are responsible for regulating homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is a stable condition that supports life optimally. As signaling molecules, endocannabinoids work as a stimulator and convey the brain’s message to the respective part of the body. These instructions are then received by the immune system and other brain’s organs when the brain faces an imbalance, like stress, inflammation, digestion problems, anxiety, or inadequate immune response.
The Endocannabinoid System consists of two types of cannabinoids –phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are present in plants, while endocannabinoids are found in animals and humans. Researchers suggest that phytocannabinoids found in CBD has the ability to act like the body’s endocannabinoids by interacting with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. This is the main reason for the optimism about CBD products.
Advantages of Using CBD
Arthritis
One of the most common conditions among pets is arthritis, especially dogs with older age. In this case, it is not suggested to treat your dog with narcotic drugs, because it may make their hearts even weaker. CBD is worth trying to treat severe arthritis because it is comparatively safer than conventional treatments or medications. Research has already indicated CBD’s efficacy in reducing arthritis pain and lowering inflammation.
Improved Circulation
Studies have shown that CBD improves blood circulation in dogs, yielding many health benefits such as better lethargic behaviors and healthier organs. Poor blood circulation is related to Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm), heart issues, or dull behavior. Taking adequate nutrition, walking, and CBD consumption could improve your pup’s wellbeing.
Osteoporosis
This is a health condition that easily breaks bones and impairs bones, and it is often found in older dogs. Common factors to osteoporosis include genetics and calcium deficiency. The bright side is CBD research shows that it may have a positive effect in treating osteoporosis. It may repair damaged bones and increase the new bone growth procedure. Not only that, but CBD also may help in managing the pain, which is a result of osteoporosis.
Psychological Problems
CBD is not only beneficial for physical wellbeing, but it is also excellent at treating dogs’ psychological problems. When your little friend is suffering from anxiety or depression, you also begin feeling dull. According to a study, CBD may aid in treating depression and anxiety among dogs.
CBD stimulates the release of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that improves behavior and mood and helps them relax. Moreover, CBD helps in the regeneration of neurons in dogs.
Pain in Joints
One more potential benefit of consuming CBD is treating joint pain in dogs. Tears, strains, or sprains usually cause it. Also, joint pain is most common in senior dogs that are prone to accidents like falling. As they are not good at tolerating conventional pain relievers’ adverse effects, using CBD oil may be a good alternative. Although there is not much evidence on its application on dogs, studies have been conducted on other animals that showed it might be able to help reduce pain.
Potential Side Effects of CBD for Dogs
Dry Mouth
Studies indicate that CBD may affect saliva production in humans. People have reported experiencing a dry mouth after consuming CBD. In a dog’s case, the CBD would manifest itself as an increase in thirst.
Drowsiness
The CBD is known for treating anxiety and has a calming effect on dogs. In some cases, this benefit also works as an adverse effect because it causes slight drowsiness when a high CBD dosage is taken.
Low Blood Pressure
Taking a high dosage of the CBD may result in temporary low blood pressure. When you give a small amount of the CBD to your dog, it may cause a temporary feeling of light-headedness.
Inhibition of Drug Metabolism
Another potential adverse effect of consuming CBD is inhibition of drug metabolism. Consumption of higher CBD dosage affects the functioning of some liver enzymes. As a result, there is poor drug metabolization.
Where to Buy CBD?
If you are looking for the original and best quality CBD product, there are several platforms you can entirely rely on. They offer CO2 extracted, 100% natural, and non-GMO CBD products to every client – all you have to do is look for the right manufacturer.