You've probably come across CBD oil and its benefits to humans. The growing trend of using CBD as a natural and alternative treatment for many conditions has led humans to think about its effects on pets like dogs.
Even though research is ongoing into the therapeutic effects of CBD on pets, CBD products are already flooding the market. Some of CBD's potential benefits for dogs include improved appetite, sleep, and reduced anxiety and seizures.
If you're considering CBD for dogs, there are crucial things you need to know before heading to your favorite list of the best CBD oils for dogs. Your dog is an invaluable member of the family, and you should understand these things about CBD before trying it out on them.
How Does CBD Work in Your Dogs?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Being the most dominant compound, most of the healing effects of hemp comes from it. To understand how CBD works for your dog, it is important first to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role.
Just like humans, pets like dogs have ECS. This system comprises enzymes, receptors, and endocannabinoids that help regulate various body functions that control body processes like pain sensation, reproduction, appetite, memory, mood, sleep, and more.
ECS's cannabinoid receptors act relays signals from the brain to other essential body systems. When the brain detects an imbalance in body functions, it instructs various body organs, and the immune system, to take appropriate actions.
There are two types of cannabinoids; phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are found in animals and humans, while phytocannabinoids are found in plants like cannabis.
Research reveals that CBD's phytocannabinoids can mimic the endocannabinoids naturally produced in the body. So, CBD can communicate with the cannabinoid receptors; CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the brain and throughout the body, and CBD receptors are highly concentrated in the gastrointestinal and immune systems.
CBD acts on these ECS's receptors found in various body parts to release the positive effects. However, CBD doesn't impact these receptors directly. Instead, it stimulates them indirectly, consequently activating the ECS to restore normal body functions. This way, CBD helps in promoting homeostasis, easing inflammation, and reducing pain sensation.
What Are the Benefits of CBD for Dogs?
Studies examining CBD's potential in treating the various medical condition is still in its early stages. However, some clinical trials reveal that CBD has many health benefits and may be useful in treating conditions like arthritis, cancer, pain, and anxiety.
In a 2018 study, researchers investigated CBD's anti-pain, anti-inflammatory properties, and its safety on dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. A regular dose of CBD was administered on the dogs. The results show that about 8% of the dogs improved in mobility and pain. This study shows that CBD may be useful in treating such conditions.
Here are other conditions CBD can treat:
- Anxiety such as noise anxiety and separation anxiety
- Allergies
- Noise
- Inflammation and joint pain
- Digestion problems
- Nausea
- Tumors and cancer
- Epileptic Seizures
What is The Right CBD Dose for Your Dog?
Many CBD products are entering the market. You can use it on your dog in the form of tinctures, oils, topicals, powdered meal supplements, capsules, chews, or treats. Depending on the method, you can administer the CBD alone or mix it with foods or drinks.
What's the recommended dose of CBD? There's no standard dose of CBD for dogs. That's because several factors influence the body's reaction to CBD. That means a suitable amount for your dog is affected by the underlying health condition, weight, and CBD's potency.
The best way is starting with a small dosage and increase gradually as you note your dog's reaction. You should avoid using excessive amounts of CBD to minimize the side effects.
For a small dog like Bichon Frise weighing 5 kg, you can start with a dose of around 0.5 mg to 1 mg of CBD. But for a large dog like Rottweiler weigh 50 kg, you can try anything between 10 and 11mg.
Remember, CBD has mild side effects. So it's important to stick to low doses as you start. You should also consult your vet to determine the best method of administering CBD to your dog and the ideal dosage to go with.
Conclusion
Based on the available research, CBD seems to be a safe and effective tool that can help your dog manage various conditions. Besides, hemp is now legal across the 50 states, and you can buy CBD oil almost everywhere.
Your dog is an integral part of your family. As an owner, you want to do anything to your dog that improves their health. Using CBD is one of them. However, it's important to gain some knowledge about CBD before using it on your pet. This guide provides you with essential things to know for the best results when using CBD for dogs.
