The popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) is growing exponentially, and for a good reason. People who have tried CBD are vocal about this compound’s ability to treat a multitude of ailments and provide a myriad of benefits. Thus, it was only a matter of time before people started thinking about the potential benefits of CBD for dogs.
See all CBD oil benefits here.
As it turns out, CBD provides a wide range of benefits for animals. In this article, we’ll take a look at CBD as well as six reasons to give your dog CBD Oil. Keep reading to learn more.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of more than a hundred compounds of the cannabis plant. These compounds are called cannabinoids, and they interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system to bring about physiological changes.
Another well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive component of marijuana. In other words, THC is the thing that makes weed smokers high.
CBD doesn’t have a psychoactive effect, because it interacts differently with the endocannabinoid system than THC does. Indeed, this interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system is quite physiologically beneficial to the consumer.
Benefits of CBD for Dogs
Like humans, dogs also have an endocannabinoid system that is susceptible to interaction by cannabinoids. This system is responsible for the regulation of several processes, including sleep, memory, immune response, and more.
A dog’s endocannabinoid system and its interaction with cannabinoids are similar to those of humans. As a result, dogs can derive the same benefits from CBD as humans, and, like us, dogs will not experience any euphoria from CBD consumption.
1: Reduce Inflammation
The endocannabinoid system’s CB2 receptors are present on white blood cells, the tonsils, and spleen. When cannabinoids interact with the CB2 receptors, it stimulates a release of cytokine, which is an integral function of the immune system. This interaction can have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can alleviate many different conditions.
The inflammatory conditions that you can potentially prevent with CBD include cryptococcosis, rabies, and canine distemper. Other conditions you can alleviate with CBD are joint inflammation, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain from systemic inflammation.
2: Alleviate Pain
Another reason to give your dog CBD Oil is because of its pain-killing abilities. CBD can alleviate pain in several ways. As we’ve seen, the most significant way by addressing inflammation. However, CBD activates other mechanisms that alleviate pain. For instance, the cannabinoid increases anandamide (bliss molecule) levels, which suppresses pain initiation through an endocannabinoid mechanism.
If your dog suffers from chronic pain, say, from arthritis, CBD may be the ideal solution to keep him or her comfortable. Likewise, if your dog is overweight and you want to increase exercise sessions, CBD is ideal for you as well, as it will alleviate muscle and joint pain.
3: Control Convulsions
One of the most prominent and well-researched benefits of CBD is the treatment of seizures, spasms, and tremors. Demonstrating the ability of CBD to treat seizures is Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved prescription medicine with CBD as an active ingredient. Epidiolex is used to treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet Syndrome.
Another prominent product that is used for the treatment of seizures is Charlotte’s Webb CBD Oil, a tincture that is rich in CBD. There is a prominent link between CBD consumption and the alleviation of convulsions. If your dog suffers from seizures or other related conditions, CBD may be a viable solution.
4: Manage Anxiety and Stress
Like humans, dogs are highly susceptible to stress, even if they live in normal, happy households. The effect that environmental factors have on dogs’ stress levels differs from breed to breed and from dog to dog. However, the conventional treatment of anxiety remains the same, which is sufficient exercise, attention, and a balanced diet.
Signs that your dog suffers from stress or anxiety include:
- Excessive barking
- Separation anxiety
- Biting people and objects other than its toys
- Excessive defecating and urinating
- Continuous shaking
- Aggressive behavior
If you find that your dog remains anxious despite your best efforts, CBD may offer an effective solution. CBD interacts with receptors that maintain serotonin levels in the cerebrum. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that doesn’t only regulate heart, lung function, and body temperature, but it also affects behavior, awareness of pain, and mood.
Administering CBD can go a long way to curb your dog’s anxiety and lower its stress levels.
5: Prevent Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are severe symptoms that can affect your dog’s health in several ways. If your dog is nauseous, it might be because he ingested irritants (like toxins, or even chocolate), but it can also be because of a diet change, viral infection, or pancreatitis. If you notice signs of nausea or vomiting, take your dog to the vet for an examination.
There are various antiemetic medications for dogs, but they often give rise to negative side-effects, including lethargy, hypotension, and diarrhea. CBD offers a healthy alternative to these medications, as it stimulates 5-HT1A receptors to reduce feelings of nausea. Additionally, CBD side-effects are mild to non-existent.
6: Prevent Tumor Growth
Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs, and, according to research, fifty percent of all dogs over the age of ten will develop cancer at one point or another. Common cancers found in dogs include malignant lymphomas, mast cell tumors, mammary gland tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and bone cancer.
According to small pilot studies, CBD seems to inhibit the growth of tumor cells in animal models. Additionally, there is a low risk of side-effects with CBD consumption, which is not the case with chemotherapy.
Is it Safe to Give Your Dog CBD Oil
High-quality CBD oil products are derived from hemp, which is a variation of the cannabis plant that contains only trace amounts of THC. The THC content in hemp is less than 0.3%, so your dog will not experience any euphoria.
According to the World Health Organization, CBD has a safe profile, and it seems that it is beneficial for dogs as well. Before you give your dog CBD oil, consult with your vet to determine the proper dosage. You should also research your pet CBD supplier to ensure that you buy a high-quality product that contains no harmful ingredients.
FAQ About Reasons to Give Your Dog CBD Oil
Question: Can you give CBD oil on dogs?
Answer: CBD provides a wide range of benefits for animals. Dogs also have an endocannabinoid system that is susceptible to interaction by cannabinoids. As a result, dogs can derive the same benefits from CBD as humans, and, like us, dogs will not experience any euphoria from CBD consumption.
Question: What are the benefits of CBD oil on dogs?
Answer: CBD oil can help dogs to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, control convulsions, manage anxiety and stress, prevent nausea and vomiting, and prevent tumor growth
Question: Is it safe to use CBD oil on dogs?
Answer: According to the World Health Organization, CBD has a safe profile, and it seems that it is beneficial for dogs as well. Before you give your dog CBD oil, consult with your vet to determine the proper dosage.
Question: Can your dog get high in CBD oil?
Answer: The THC content in CBD oil is less than 0.3%, so your dog will not experience any euphoria.
