Nothing can make you feel more helpless than seeing your beloved dog in distress or discomfort. In fact, dogs can suffer many of the same ailments as people including pain, anxiety, insomnia & much more. If you have ever seen your dog suffering and helpless, you may want to consider CBD oils for your pet.
And, if you have been checking out social media for pet-friendly CBD products, we know you may have a few questions including which brands to choose. We're here to help!
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring substance found in both cannabis and hemp.
Both hemp and cannabis deliver deep health benefits, but there's a difference between the two.
Cannabis contains larger amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the psychoactive part of marijuana that gives the "high" associated with these products.
CBD comes from the hemp plant, which is much lower in THC. In fact, it's less than 0.3%, so your dog will get the calmness and health benefits from the CBD without getting a "buzz." While you might enjoy the high from THC, your dog won't.
How does CBD Oil Work?
CBD and other cannabinoids work on your dog's endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is like a messenger network in your dog and plays an important role in your dog's nervous and hormone systems.
The key players in the endocannabinoid system are endocannabinoids (messengers), cannabinoid receptors and enzymes. The endocannabinoids in CBD are very similar to those in your dog's body and that's how CBD works ... it stimulates the receptors in your dog's nervous system, digestive system, immune system and brain.
This is why CBD has so many health benefits ... including pain relief, reduced inflammation and improved digestive and immune health. Endocannabinoids can also regulate your dog's mood and behavior, sleep and increase his appetite.
CBD oil is an easy-to-use form of CBD that can be taken in a variety of different ways such as treats, topiclas, and tinctures.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Pets?
CBD is generally considered to be safe and side effects are rare. This is why so many owners are seeking CBD for their dogs.
What Ailments Does CBD Oil Treat for My Dog?
1. CBD Oil for Pain
Studies have shown CBD to enhance signaling of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that can dampen pain signals. CBD also reduces inflammation, which can relieve associated pain.
2. CBD Oil for Insomnia
The only thing worse than feeling a wet nose sniffing your face at 3AM is knowing that your restless dog can’t stay asleep. Before you can find a solution, you’ll need to know the problem. A trip to your vet can help you figure out what has turned your dog into a night owl.
A 2013 animal study found that CBD significantly increased the total sleep time for subjects given 10-40mg/kg of CBD. In addition to improving sleep directly, many of the underlying issues that can cause restlessness in your dog can be treated with CBD oil.
3. CBD Oil for Anxiety
CBD helps moderate excitatory impulses, leading to a calmer, more relaxed state. It has also been shown to boost levels of serotonin, similar to anti-anxiety medications, which can improve mood as well as sleep quality and duration.
4. CBD Oil for Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal response to infection and foreign organisms, but can occur unnecessarily as part of several diseases. CBD interacts with receptors in immune cells to reduce inflammation.
5. CBD Oil for Allergies
Allergies and skin conditions are on the rise in dogs, and they're difficult to treat. The endocannabinoid system is also found in the skin ... and that's good news for dogs with allergies.
CBD can help relieve dry and itchy skin. And it can promote the growth of new healthy skin cells. CBD can be given internally for allergies, or externally for hot spots or interdigital cysts.
Be sure to have your dog diagnosed by a veterinarian before beginning any treatment. You can choose to use CBD oil in tandem with or as a replacement for more traditional remedies. Some traditional medications are associated with negative impacts on the kidneys and liver, so many pet owners decide CBD oil is a safer option. Be sure to understand the implications of whatever treatment course you decide.
There is a lot of research available on CBD and your dog available on the Internet and we encourage you to take your time and search for it.
Some of Our Favorite CBD Oil Brands for Dogs
1. Spirit Animal Remedies
Based in Oregon, Spirit Animal Hemp and Oil Extracts is dedicated to providing products created with pets’ “physical, emotional and mental health in mind.”
Why we love them: In addition to their care in providing only the very best ingredients (products do not carry any genetically modified ingredients), Spirit Animal is working to provide educational information in the space with its own blog “Dog’s Breakfast.”
2. Honest Paws
https://honestpaws.co/
Texas based company, Honest Paws cooks up bites and soft chews designed to help dogs with everything from mobility to separation anxiety. They also have the most extensive product line (even for cats) and responsive consumer hotline.
Why we love them: With a flavor like Calm Hemp Peanut Butter - any dog is going to have a better day. We just wish they made them for humans!
Check them out on Instagram.
3. Serena Pet CBD
https://www.serenapet.com/
Multi-state based Serena Pet CBD offers a variety of “edi-treats,” oral spray and tinctures from its online store.
Why we love them: With offices in Colorado and Beverly Hills, CA, Serena Pet is all about giving customers choices to suit their respective needs. In addition to convenient oral sprays, we’re intrigued by their formula for “large breed and equestrian.” They also take special orders & requests and a special hotline!
Check them out on Instagram.
As always, before giving anything to your pet, be sure to consult your veterinarian.
We hope this helps and, well, why not..just one more cute dog picture...
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Humankind has been using THC for millennia.
Those little, sugar-like crystals are the sticky trichomes that house special chemicals including cannabinoids and terpenes.
Raw cannabis typically contains very little THC. Instead you get non-psychoactive THCA, which is converted into THC.
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