We all love our dogs. Whether big or small, few or many, calm or hyperactive, we can’t even survive a day without playing with our furry friends. We even treat them as a very important part of the family. In return, they give us loyalty, joy, and happiness that cannot be matched. As we want to provide them with everything they deserve, most of us are thinking if CBD can be a good tool to use to treat their ailments and keep them healthy. We’ll try to uncover how CBD can help your dogs.
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is just one of the 100+ Cannabinoids present in Cannabis and Hemp. It is currently studied and used for its potential benefits. It is non-psychotropic so users will not feel any “high”. It works together with our ECS or Endocannabinoid System to bring about the positive effects of CBD.
How can our dogs take advantage of CBD?
Dogs, like humans, also have the ECS or Endocannabinoid System and dogs also create Endocannabinoids which are involved with the immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and control of inflammation in the central nervous system. These endocannabinoids interact with the Endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. The activation of the Endocannabinoid receptors brings about potential benefits.
Potential benefits of CBD for dogs
Pain and inflammation.
A recent study suggests that CBD can significantly decrease pain and increase joint mobility among dogs who suffer from osteoarthritis.
Epilepsy.
Canine epilepsy affects about 1 out of 20 dogs and CBD has been found to decrease the frequency of epileptic seizures in dogs.
Cancer.
As hard as it may sound, about 50% of adult dogs get cancer. It can be a very challenging time for a dog. CBD has been extensively researched for its efficacy against cancer and it is very promising. CBD has been found to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and stop tumor growth.
Anxiety.
Dogs can feel anxious and get stressed out as well. Separation anxiety, past abuse, and loud noises are common things that can affect the dog’s mood. CBD can help alleviate our dog’s stress levels.
Aggression.
A study published in 2021 found that CBD can help reduce a dog’s aggressive behavior.
How can you find the right CBD product for your dog?
There are a couple of things that you should look for when finding the right CBD for your dog.
Find the right company.
Look for a reputable CBD company that has been doing this for years. Find some reviews from other people to see if the company that you choose can be trusted with your dog’s CBD needs.
Certificate of Analysis.
Any reputable CBD company willfully posts its COAs on its websites as part of the company’s aim to show transparency to its customers. It’s also a show of confidence of the company to the product.
Dosing.
The FDA is not regulating over-the-counter CBD products so companies may have different dosing for different products. It is known to the CBD communities that the dosing should start at the lowest possible dosage and gradually increase until you get the desired effect. That same principle applies to our dogs as well.
Source of CBD.
There are 3 known types of CBD products: isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. The full-spectrum contains THC, broad-spectrum does not typically contain THC but sometimes traces can be found, and isolates do not contain THC at all. It’s best to look for pet products that are not full-spectrum as THC can be toxic to your dogs.
Our dogs are our ever-trusty ally in this life. Let’s make sure to repay all they do to us by providing the best care possible.
All information contained in this article is for purely informational and educational purposes only and it is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a physician or a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health and well-being.
