Dog owners are continuously looking for new ways to keep their canine friends happy and healthy. Now they are exploring CBD as a natural alternative to improve their pets’ health and general well-being.
However, this is not much of a surprise, considering that everyone is turning to this super cannabinoid to help with countless symptoms and improve their quality of life. Additionally, rigorous studies have consistently backed up CBDs’ potency to deliver its touted benefits.
Scientific studies on using dogs cbd are still in their early stages. However, anecdotal evidence has found that this compound may provide incredible benefits for your furry friends.
This article explains how CBD works for pets, the benefits it may provide, and potential side effects.
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, or simply CBD, is a compound that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. It is extracted into oil and then infused in a carrier oil like olive oil to make the final product. CBD is non-psychoactive, which means that it cannot get you or your dog high.
Though studies are still ongoing, the results gathered so far and anecdotal evidence shows that it provides highly potent soothing, relaxing, and calming benefits.
Many dog owners note that CBD has significantly improved their pet’s health and behavioral issues. However, please note that currently, the FDA has not approved any CBD products.
How Does CBD Oil Work For Dogs?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the biological cell signaling system in our bodies. The ECS is made up of endocannabinoids and numerous cannabinoid receptors that are expressed throughout our bodies.
The interaction between endocannabinoids and receptors regulates and balances emotional, physiological, and cognitive activities like memory, appetite, mood, pain response, sleep, and more.
When consumed, CBD stimulates the body to produce more receptors and influences them to work more effectively. So, what does CBD oil do for dogs? Like humans, dogs also have an ECS.
The research found that dogs have more endocannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, making them more susceptible to the effects of CBD. While too much THC may be harmful to your dog, CBD is non-psychoactive and not harmful to your dog.
According to pet experts, when dogs’ ECS is not functioning properly, for instance, your four-legged friend’s body loses its balance due to low endocannabinoids. During this time, you will notice negative physical symptoms like vomiting, too much panting, fear, diarrhea, sadness, lack of desire to play, and more.
Once CBD enters the body, it encourages the production of more endocannabinoids and helps the receptors to utilize the endocannabinoids more effectively. Hence, it may help bring your pet’s body back into balance.
Additionally, CBD interacts with enzymes like Anandamide, which regulates feeding behavior, mood, and happiness. For example, CBD has been shown to increase the levels of Anandamide by inhibiting its reuptake and degradation by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH).
Please note that more studies into CBD and dogs are still needed to understand how it delivers the touted benefits fully.
Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs
Scientific studies into dogs and CBD oil are still underway. However, anecdotal evidence shows that CBD oil can provide your dog the same health benefits it does humans, including relaxing, calming, and even soothing discomforts.
Is CBD Oil Safe For Your Pets?
One of the most commonly asked questions by dog owners is, is CBD oil good for dogs? Note that CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants. Marijuana plants contain very high levels of THC (10-30%) and minimal CBD amounts.
Conversely, hemp plants have very high CBD levels and negligible THC amounts (less than 0.3% THC). Therefore, Hemp-derived CBD will not make your pet high or cause any serious side effects.
The Best Way to Give CBD
Canine CBD is available in numerous forms, including oils, tinctures and CBD dog treats easily found at this site. However, official studies into the efficacy of different CBD consumption methods for dogs are still limited.
A study found that CBD oil might produce more potent benefits than other consumption methods when given orally. However, more studies are needed to determine the best way to give CBD to dogs.
Possible Side Effects
Again, research into the possible side effects of CBD for your dog is lacking. However, dogs can potentially experience the same side effects as humans:
- Slight drowsiness
- Lowered blood pressure
- Dry mouth
Final Thoughts
Studies into the benefits of using CBD for pets and potential side effects are still ongoing. However, anecdotal evidence shows that CBD oil can provide closely similar benefits for dogs as humans.
Additionally, hemp-derived CBD (containing less than 0.3% THC) is generally safe for pets with little to no side effects.
Dog owners looking to give their pets CBD oil for any symptoms are strongly advised to consult their veterinarian first. Then, they will recommend the best CBD oil for dogs that will provide maximum benefits with zero side effects.
