All over the country, veterinarians are being asked by dog owners if the word on CBD dog chews holds any water. In recent years, many dog owners have turned to cannabidiol to help their ailing dogs.
The hemp industry has moved to answer this demand for CBD products for furry friends. More and more products are available for pet owners to choose from. This article clarifies the nitty-gritty details of cannabidiol for pets to turn the concerned into the informed.
What is CBD Oil
Cannabidiol is one of the naturally-occurring compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Users often confuse it with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but these two are completely different from one another. THC causes a psychoactive “high”, while any amount of CBD remains non-psychoactive.
Depending on the extraction method, this type of hemp oil may contain a variety of elements.
Full-spectrum oils contain the legal amount of 0.3% THC. This small amount of THC will not cause a high or a positive drug test. The presence of cannabinoids other than CBD triggers the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect occurs in products where the cannabinoids in the industrial hemp plant act work together as facilitators to make CBD exist in its most effective form.
On the other hand, broad-spectrum oils contain cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant except for THC. Brands can still activate the entourage effect in this kind of hemp product even without THC.
Isolate products contain only cannabidiol. The only element present in this kind of product is a carrier oil. Hemp brands usually use coconut oil or hemp seed oil as carrier oils for their CBD oils. The former is a particularly good choice as cannabinoids bind together best in fat and coconut oil 80% saturated fat.
Over the years, several research projects have found many potential health benefits of CBD. But research has yet to confirm whether these benefits extend to animals. Still, many dog owners have claimed that cannabidiol has helped their dogs improve their health. As such, more companies are creating specially formulated products like CBD dog chews for wanting customers.
CBD Oil for Dogs
Cannabidiol mainly interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to most of the research conducted, CBD’s health benefits are mostly rooted in this part of the human body.
Perhaps the most popular use for cannabidiol is in combating pain. A scientific study has found that this compound peripherally interacts with CB2 receptors. By interacting with this receptor, it may lead to a reduction of inflammation.
Within the human body, this hemp compound also interacts with the CB1 receptor. This receptor is associated with cognitive actions in the brain related to memory, mood, and appetite. Researchers have found that cannabidiol may work as an effective deterrent against anxiety and similar mental disorders.
The endocannabinoid system is present in all mammals. So, in theory, the beneficial effects cannabidiol has on human beings may also be possible with dogs. However, the American Kennel Club states that there are have been no formal studies conducted on CBD and dogs specifically.
Many pet owners have found that feeding their dogs CBD oil on its own is not as effective either because of taste or because of the tricky method of consumption. Pet owners can try CBD dog chews that are infused with CBD oil and carry the same benefits for their sick dogs.
How Does CBD Affect Dogs
Using CBD oil for dogs is a relatively new approach in the field. There are varying opinions in the veterinary community on the efficacy of the compound, but not on the harmfulness of the substance. Cannabidiol cannot hurt your dog as there exists no lethal dosage.
However, there is a chance that dogs taking cannabidiol may feel some minor side-effects. Dogs may feel dizzy, have a dry mouth, or experience diarrhea after taking a CBD dog treat for the first time. Pet owners can counter these issues by adjusting the dosage or switching to a different product.
For many customers, cannabidiol remains a preferred option. As although CBD oil is a hemp-derived product, it does not cause any psychoactive effects on its users. Dog owners do not have to worry about their dog experiencing any confusing episodes while taking their cannabidiol dosage.
To lower the chances of negative side-effects, owners should be careful to purchase products specifically made for the consumption of dogs that have likewise been lab-tested. For example, hemp gummies that contain artificial sweeteners may be perfectly edible for humans but may be toxic for animals.
CBD Oil Benefits
A 2017 study found that cannabidiol can potentially aid users suffering from osteoarthritis. Scientists observed that there was a decrease in joint inflammation in participants of the study and that cannabidiol may likewise work as a protectant for nerves.
Similarly, a survey conducted concluded with 90% of the participants reporting that cannabidiol helped decrease the frequency and duration of their pain.
Another popular use for cannabidiol is in providing relief for social anxiety disorders. Researchers analyzed this hemp compound’s anxiolytic properties. By analyzing activity in the limbic and paralimbic parts of the brain, they were able to find cannabidiol’s possible anxiety-reducing effects.
These two health issues similarly plague dogs.
Osteoarthritis is a common problem for older dogs and with larger breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, there is no known cure to combat osteoarthritis in dogs, but CBD dog chews may offer some modicum of relief in their joints.
Dogs that have gone through traumatic experiences may also suffer from anxiety. Cannabidiol may provide these dogs with feelings of calmness and help them relax.
Pet owners should consult with veterinarians before giving their dogs any CBD pet products. Cannabidiol is a wellness product that is not intended to diagnose or treat any serious illnesses felt by humans or dogs alike.
CBD for Dogs
As more people turn to cannabidiol for its health benefits, more research is necessary in order for users and medical experts alike to fully understand the compound’s effects. This also the case when it comes to cannabidiol and animal consumption.
Many pet owners have claimed that their dogs showed massive improvement after taking CBD dog chews in concert with their prescribed medicine. Many veterinarians have also observed this improvement in dogs after adding cannabidiol to their diet.
An unfortunate issue in the hemp community is mislabeling and cross-contamination. There is currently no singular governing body that imposes a uniformed standard on cannabidiol products so many companies produce sub-standard products.
In order to avoid purchasing from disreputable companies, pet owners should check if the products being sold have been third-party lab tested. This is an extra and expensive step that shows that brands are willing to go the mile for their consumers. Lab tests provide the exact chemical makeup of products for users to check through.
Like any other health product, it is important for users to be careful and informed. Since dogs cannot do this themselves, pet owners should go the extra mile and make smart choices for their pets.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. Moreover, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and products that have not been FDA approved. Likewise, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase these products. Talk to your physician or medical doctor for additional information.