People have really started to tune into CBD’s potential for helping to manage the symptoms of various conditions, such as pain, anxiety, depression, and seizures. But, did you know there are many benefits of CBD oil that dogs can enjoy too? Many dog owners have turned to CBD oil as an alternative treatment to drugs, used it for a broad range of ailments afflicting their dogs, and experienced great results.
CBD Oil 101: The Basics
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most remarkable compounds in nature. CBD is produced from Hemp, a strain of cannabis plant. Unlike marijuana, hemp and CBD are no longer considered controlled substances. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp can be commercially grown and manufactured into CBD products for sale to the public.
Hemp comes with high concentrations of CBD, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, and it carries almost no THC (below 0.3%). There are more than 60 compounds specific to the cannabis plant called cannabinoids and CBD is one of them, the magical ingredient which holds the key to a wide variety of medicinal and therapeutic benefits.
CBD is extracted from the stalk, leaves, and flowers of the Hemp plant. CBD oil can contains hundreds of natural botanicals in a concentrated form.
So, How Does CBD Oil Work?
CBD functions by interacting with something called the endocannabinoid system. Dogs, like their human companions, have endocannabinoid systems (ECS) of their own. Only recently discovered, the ECS is a system that regulates all other physical systems and is distributed throughout our bodies and brains. Interestingly, all vertebrates have endocannabinoid systems. Fish, mice, horses, elephants, you name it; if it has a spinal cord, it has an ECS.
The ECS features a network of receptors which interact with cannabinoids made by our own bodies called endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids made by plants, like CBD and THC, mimic our own endocannabinoids and have the ability to bind to ECS receptors in our bodies—and the same holds true for our pets.
As the ECS is a homeostatic regulator, its primary function is to maintain homeostasis—a state of balance and optimal functioning in the body’s internal systems. When CBD interacts with our ECS, it helps promote homeostasis, which explains how it is that CBD can affect so many conditions.
It’s now understood that most disease is the result of chronic inflammation and other long-term imbalances in our bodily systems. Because CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps promote homeostasis, it can help fight the chronic inflammation and imbalances that are associated with so many diseases.
Though the science of CBD and cannabinoids is still in the very early stages, there are now hundreds of studies underway (although only a few involving canines). As a result, new and exciting evidence is being uncovered revealing CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits. Here are 12 benefits of CBD oil your dog could experience if you decide to try CBD oil.
- CBD oil is not psychoactive
CBD is different to THC. THC produces psychoactive effects, whereas CBD does not, so there’s no chance of a CBD product getting your pet “high”.
- No side effects
The side effects of CBD oil for dogs are almost non-existent and it poses no addiction or overdose risk for dogs. Dogs given excessively large doses of CBD will usually just show a lack of energy and appear drowsy. At worst, your dog may experience some nausea, diarrhea, changes in appetite, sleepiness or restlessness. CBD is non-toxic and generally well-tolerated in large doses, so side effects only occur in cases of exceptionally large doses, and can be easily avoided by administering the proper dosage.
- Fast-working
CBD provides rapid results. Usually signs of improvement can be seen within days of commencing treatment. If you are using the oil to treat your dog’s anxiety, you’ll be relieved to learn that CBD oil will have a calming effect on your dog within 30-60 minutes.
- Treats stress and anxiety
One of the most noticeable benefits of CBD oil is that reduces stress, separation anxiety and nervousness, which allows your dog to be a calmer and more relaxed companion.
The substance works by addressing the chemical imbalance in the brain that can make a dog overexcited. The CBD increases the amount of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which decreases neuronal impulses. This has a calming effect on the brain.
CBD oil is very effective in calming dogs who suffer from separation anxiety when they are left alone at home.
- Relief for arthritis pain
As dogs get older they suffer terrible pain and lack of mobility due to arthritis. Once CBD oil is introduced into your dog’s regime the painful effects of swollen joints are reduced, generally leading to a restoration of mobility to varying degrees. Though results vary, many dogs experience very positive results with large reductions in inflammation and anxiety leading to greater mobility and improved mood. Learn more about CBD for canine pain.
- Reduces seizures
Seizures come in all severities and sizes. Seizures can present themselves in a variety of ways; as a dazed look, twitching, rapid eye movements, and labored breathing to full-on spasms racking the whole body.
Studies have proven that CBD is highly effective in reducing canine seizures, a deeply distressing experience for both the dog and its owner. CBD helps to reduce both the severity and frequency of seizures.
- Boosts the immune system
CBD oil goes on to boosts your dog’s immune system to provide optimum protection from infections and assists in rapid recovery from illness.
- Helps with itchy skin
Another wonderful benefit of CBD is that it reduces skin irritation and itching and goes on to hydrate your dog’s skin restoring the natural shine and softness of your dog’s coat.
- Helps with weight issues
Administrating CBD oil can help your dog to gain weight by increasing its appetite. On the other hand, should a dog need to lose weight, CBD oil can also help with that. In general, it supports your dog’s gastrointestinal health.
- Relieves pain
There are few things more upsetting than seeing our canine friends in pain. CBD is extremely important in the treatment of canine cancer pain management, not to mention the added benefits of CBD in post-surgery recovery. It has also been found to be an effective cortisone replacement. And most importantly, it has no serious side effects like some pharmaceutical drugs.
- Anti-inflammatory effects
Many dogs suffer from inflammation due to arthritis when they get older, which is extremely painful. CBD has been shown to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties that provide pain relief without the negative side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Benefits older dogs
Owners who choose to give their senior dogs CBD report that their pets return to a normal state of mental clarity and alertness, and that their dogs are more playful and alert, their anxiety reduced, and their appetites much improved.
12 Amazing Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs!
CBD oil is a great product that has been benefiting dogs and their owners alike. It’s a natural product with no adverse side effects that may help with a broad range of health issues. Many dog lovers use it for their dogs, especially to relieve anxiety and arthritis. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, CBD provides comfort and pain relief during a faithful friend and companion’s last days.