CBD For Dogs – What Is It And What Does It Do?

CBD For Dogs – What Is It? What Does It Do?

10 Things You Need to Know About CBD Oil for Dogs

#1 What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a key therapeutic ingredient in cannabis. CBD is a naturally occurring “cannabinoid” and one of the most abundant constituents of hemp. Cannabinoids are a group of active compounds found in cannabis. They are responsible for the plant’s effects on the body. CBD is extracted from the hemp plant and typically comes in an oil base.

CBD is used by many pet parents for its health effects, predominantly pain or stress-related, although studies have shown CBD may be effective for a wide variety of health issues and can be taken to maintain general health and wellness.

It’s important to note that in most cases, CBD oil does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. In fact, most CBD products are derived from hemp and not from marijuana.

#2 What Dog Health Problems Can CBD Oil Treat?

While there’s no definitive scientific data on using CBD to treat dogs, there’s anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain (especially neuropathic pain), as well as helping to control seizures. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and for possible anti-cancer benefits, CBD can be integrated for a number of K9 disorders, although there’s no conclusive data on this use.

However, most recently, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) sponsored a study, through the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, that evaluated the use of CBD in treatment-resistant epileptic dogs. The CHF results show promise for dogs with seizures and hopes that this will be the first study to gain scientific data on the use of CBD in dogs with this condition.

#3 Will My Dog Get ‘High’ From CBD?

No, you will not get high from CBD. Unlike THC, its chemical cousin, CBD is non-psychoactive. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound in marijuana that produces a euphoric effect because it binds to special CB1 and CB2 nerve receptors in the brain. CBD does not bind to the same receptors. CBD oil contains extremely low levels of THC and does not cause any impairment or “high”. In fact, many anxious dogs are reported to show signs of a relaxing or calming effect from CBD usage.

#4 Are There Any Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs?

While there’s no scientific data on the side effects of CBD usage for dogs, there are potential side effects based on how CBD affects humans. To minimize any potential side effects, make sure you are following the proper dosage and look for the following signs:

• Dry mouth: Research has shown that CBD can decrease the production of saliva. For dogs, this would manifest as an increased thirst.
• Lowered blood pressure: High doses of CBD have been known to cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. Even though the drop is small, it might create a brief feeling of light-headedness.
• Drowsiness: Dog owners have used CBD to treat anxiety. The calming effect of CBD can also cause slight drowsiness, especially when using higher doses.

#5 Is CBD Oil from Marijuana?

Not Exactly. CBD oil is extracted from industrial hemp, which is bred and raised to be high in CBD and very low in THC. Hemp is allowed to be sold and consumed in the United States as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. CBD from hemp is not the same as the oil that is extracted from marijuana.

The main difference between the two is that CBD oil from marijuana can contain varying amounts of THC. The hemp oil produced from industrial hemp is naturally high in CBD and contains only traces of THC, which makes it safe and legal extract of hemp that can be used as a natural health supplement.

#6 How Is CBD Extracted?

There are a few methods to extract CBD from the natural hemp plant. The cheapest way is to use solvents; harsh chemicals that separate the CBD from the plant leaf and stalk material.

The safest and purest way to do it is by a proprietary method known as CleanPull Extraction which uses zero solvents. Best of all, CleanPull technology results in no harsh chemical residues that can harm your pet.

Another method, CO2 Extraction, uses only pressurized carbon dioxide to pull the desired phytonutrients (such as CBD) from a plant. CO2 extraction is environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

#7 Is There Any Medical Value in Giving My Dog CBD?

Yes. Scientific studies show CBD provides therapeutic medical benefits. According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, CBD soothes nausea and vomiting, acts as an antioxidant to reduce free radicals that cause neurodegenerative disorders, and works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and pain.

CBD has also been used to benefit the mind with psychological issues, including reducing chronic anxiety and depression disorders. Many pet owners report their dog has better sleep and reduced feelings of stress almost immediately after beginning a CBD regimen.

The National Cancer Institute has published studies which show cannabidiol may have a protective effect against cancer by reducing the spread of some types of cancer cells. The research investigated the benefits of CBD treatment with patients diagnosed with a variety of cancers, including breast, colorectal and lung.

#8 Can CBD Help with Seizures?

CBD is also commonly prescribed by veterinarians for animals with seizure disorders. CBD showed amazing effects for sufferers of seizures and other neurological disorders, as well as showing neuro-protectant effects before these problems develop.

#9 Does CBD Oil Contain Pesticides or Other Harmful Ingredients?

It is very important to make sure that you only give your pet CBD oil sourced from producer who use organic growing standards to ensure the hemp plant is 100% free of any pesticides, bacteria, fungi, harmful solvents, impurities and synthetic or artificial ingredients.

Some low-cost sellers of CBD products use hemp sourced from China, that can be high in heavy metals and solvent residue. Quality CBD products should always be third-party tested. It’s even better if the company does terpene analysis and cannabinoid profiling to make sure you’re receiving the highest quality concentration at an accurate dosage.

#10 How Does CBD Affect Dogs?

CBD affects dogs through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The Endocannabinoid System is the master control of HOMEOSTASIS and consists of a series of receptors in the human body that are configured specifically to accept cannabinoids, especially CBD and THC. The two primary types of receptors that bind to cannabinoids are CB1 and CB2. Because CB1 and CB2 receptors are present throughout the body, the effects of CBD are systemic.

The EC system is a natural part of the body for all invertebrates and is responsible for the therapeutic effects of CBD across multiple bodily systems. Scientists now know that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which help maintain balance in the body and keep it in a normal healthy state.

# BONUS – Does Volume and Concentration Matter?

Absolutely! One of the most important buying criteria for people giving CBD to their dog is how much CBD each product contains. CBD products do not all contain the same quantity of CBD, and they are typically measured in two quantities: CBD quantity and hemp oil quantity.

You should really be looking for the quantity of CBD that is present in a product. Many high-quality products do use full-spectrum oil as the mixing agent for CBD products, but don’t be misled by large volumes of “milligrams” that may be referring just to how much total hemp oil there is but is not measuring the specific CBD content.

If you are not sure how much actual CBD is in a hemp oil product, be sure to ask to make sure you are getting the dosage you want for your dog.

What Is the Best CBD Oil for Dogs?

Not all CBD oils are the same; if you and your veterinarian decide that you should try CBD as a natural treatment for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing CBD oil.

All dogs are different, and each will have their own unique response to CBD therapy, so you’ll want to start with the highest-quality CBD oil to have a better chance of it working.

• Look for organic. If the CBD oil is not organic, it at least should not contain pesticides, fungicides, or solvents.
• Don’t only shop based on price. Higher quality and purity are usually associated with a higher cost. A cheaper option could contain toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. Make sure your CBD oil is free of additives.
• Get the analysis. The manufacturer should provide a certificate (COA) that certifies the amount of CBD that is in the product. Many CBD products contain only small amounts of CBD. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
• Buy CBD as a liquid. You can buy dog treats containing CBD, but the best form to administer is an oil or tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop. Plus, by taking CBD oil orally, the oil is absorbed directly into the blood vessels and lymphatics of the mouth for more rapid absorption.

Best Life Possible

As with any pet wellness trend, when it comes to CBD oil for dogs, there’s a lot of information (good and bad) floating around online. But of course, you want to do what’s best for your pup and having answers to these top 10 questions provides you a with a good start to giving your dog the best life possible.

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