Over the past decade, CBD has exploded in popularity as an all-in-one wellness supplement. It is touted to ease everything from chronic pain to low mood. CBD is a plant-based compound that is found in drinks, pastries, oils, lotions, and even dog treats.
By the end of 2020, it is projected that 73 million Americans will have purchased at least one CBD supplement. Consumers aren't stopping there though - they want to share the benefit with their pets.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the chemical compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its psychoactive cousin THC, CBD itself doesn't cause any high.
According to the World Health Organization, "CBD exhibits no effects indicative of dependence or abuse potential." In the same report, the normally staunch organization claimed that no health problems were associated with the use of CBD.
So, how does CBD work? CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS is a network of cell receptors and neurotransmitters present in all mammals. It affects everything from digestion to mood, fatigue, memory, inflammation, appetite, and pain.
CBD stimulates the ECS to produce its own cannabinoids. Simultaneously, CBD slows the breakdown of endocannabinoids by inhibiting specific enzymes.
Since the ECS is common to animals and humans alike, researchers have begun to study the tremendous impact that CBD can have on our furry friends.
Why Are Pet Owners Choosing CBD for Dogs?
Skeptical about all the positive claims circulating CBD for pets? You're not alone - some consumers think that CBD is a "new fad" that will pass in favor of something flashier.
Though the term CBD only cropped up in scientific literature in the forties, humans have used it for thousands of years. In 2700 BCE, the first verified use occurred when Emperor Sheng Neng drank a cannabis-infused tea. The tea helped with malaria, poor memory, and gout.
Even before then, hemp, which is rich in CBD, was cultivated for its nutritional and fibrous qualities. The plant was commonly refined into paper, textiles, paint, food, and animal food.
Seeing all of the benefits to humans, it's only natural we would want to share the benefit with our dogs. Recent studies have shown that CBD oil for dogs can help with seizures, anxiety, chronic pain, skin rashes, and inflammation.
Experts claim that regular CBD oil treatments can lead to a decrease in pain and increase in physical activity in pets. Moreover, no adverse side effects have been associated with long-term use.
Studies have overwhelmingly found that dogs tolerate the compound very well. More research is needed but these early results are promising.
For your convenience, here's a short-list of all the pet-specific conditions CBD may help treat:
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain associated with inflammation
- Skin conditions
- Depression
- Appetite loss
- Glaucoma
What Types of CBD Are There And What is Best For Pets?
Owing to its diverse chemical makeup, CBD can be created and consumed in many different ways. There are three primary types of CBD available: isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum.
As the most widely legal form, CBD Isolate contains pure CBD. It contains no other cannabis sativa derivative. CBD isolate is a fine-pressed, white powder that's completely THC-free. It is often used as an ingredient in CBD products.
The other two typs, broad- and full-spectrum CBD, contain a mixture of cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum is certified to contain no THC. Full-spectrum may contain small amounts of THC.
Most dog CBD products are created from CBD isolate. Dog owners often favor isolate-based CBD since it can be more accurately dosed and has no THC.
CBD can be fashioned into many different products. Oils, tinctures, CBD dogs treats, and topicals are all common.
THC-free CBD oil is a highly-concentrated formulation that uses plant oil as a base. CBD tinctures are very effective for dogs, and can be flavored with tastes friendly to a dog's palette.
CBD can be ingested orally, or applied to skin. Taking CBD orally is best for a full-body effect. Creams have a limited ability to absorb into the body and are best for spot-based skin treatments.
What are the Risks?
Thankfully, CBD has a very well-established safety profile for both dogs and humans. No scientific data demonstrates side effects for dogs. Researchers still caution that some unintended effects could be shared across species.
According to pet owners, side effects could include:
- Diarrhea: If your dog experiences diarrhea, it's more often than not due to additives included in the product rather than the CBD. Always pay close attention to ingredients.
- Dry Mouth: CBD may decrease saliva production leading to increased thirst in pets.
- Lower blood pressure: CBD doses too high for dogs have been shown to create a temporary dip in blood pressure. This may cause lightheadedness, poor coordination, or even nausea. If your dog appears to b experiencing these symptoms, try lowering the dosage.
- Fatigue: CBD is often used to treat animal anxiety. The natural anti-anxiety effect could also cause drowsiness. However, this is very dose-dependent.
As always, make sure to give your pet the proper dosed based on their body weight. For dogs, a good rule of thumb is to use five miligrams for every 20-30 pounds of body weight.
If you're buying CBD oils, you'll need to remember that different products come in distinct concentrations. Make sure to find out the estimated amount of CBD carried in a single dropper.
Most side effects can be avoided simply by providing the proper dose. After dosing, monitor your pet to see how they react to the dose and adjust accordingly. Depending on the strength of the dose, you may give your dog CBD every six to eight hours.
Where Can I Find CBD for Dogs?
Although CBD for pets has exploded in popularity, not all products are of the same quality. Due to the unregulated nature of the market, some companies are selling low quality CBD.
When in doubt, make sure the brand openly publishes the results of third-party lab test. High-quality CBD companies are always open about how their CBD is sourced, tested, stored, and distributed.
Eden's Herbals is an award-winning manufacturer of the purest, THC-free CBD tinctures, gummies, oils, and topicals made from 99 percent pure cannabidiol.
The company offers peanut butter CBD dogs treats your pooch will love. Packed with 50 treats, the bag includes a total of 250 mg of pure CBD. The biscuits are made with four simple all natural ingredients: peanut butter, apples, carrots, and molasses.
The treats are certified to be free of pesticides, residual solvents, GMOs, and THC.
Eden's Herbals also offers a broad range of CBD tinctures suitable for humans and pets. Made with keto-friendly coconut MCT oil, the tinctures feature a light taste and are half the price of competitor products.
Conclusion
Does your dog suffer from anxiety, physical pain, or unpleasant rashes? While the research is still in its early phase, CBD is a plant-based remedies with a track record of great results.
Studies show that CBD could treat conditions like cancer, arthritis, insomnia, and a variety of other conditions.
Before opting for CBD, make sure to consult with your vet to determine the best treatment plan. Many veterinarians are embracing CBD for pets and will know how to safely incorporate it into your dogs diet. We suggest starting with a small dose first and closely monitoring your pet for any adverse effects.
