Cannabidiol or CBD products gained massive growth not only for humans but also for pets. CBD for Dogs can also help with many health issues, from pain to cancer. Legislation regarding the use of CBD varies from one state to another, and you have to check the law in your place before using it.
Nowadays, veterinarians recommend cannabis products to animals to treat their health issues. Various cannabis products are available to them, such as oils, treats, and topical products like gels, creams, lotions, etc. Buy the products for your furry friend, designed for it without harmful ingredients. Avoid giving CBD products made for humans to your dog.
Here we will discuss whether it is beneficial to your dog’s health.
What is CBD?
The cannabis plant has two primary ingredients, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD. THC from marijuana makes people high, CBD from hemp does not cause high, and it provides a wide range of health benefits.
Does CBD have health benefits for Dogs?
Like humans, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is present in the dog also. The cannabinoids have a positive impact on the messenger in our body and activate the nervous system and the brain. They regulate appetite, sleep, pain, the immune system, etc. Cannabidiol helps dogs alleviate their health problems because endocannabinoids in the CBD are the same in the dog system.
Different ways CBD can help your dog
- Reduces joint problems
When your pet suffers from joint pain, the vet doctor will recommend some pain medicines, which will deteriorate joints and soft tissues and damage the liver. Some drugs may affect the functions of the kidney. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that will not produce any adverse effects. Prescribed medication may give immediate results but not long-lasting effects.
It is a cannabinoid that binds to CB 1 receptors in the brain. CB 1 receptors prevent the brain from responding to pain. In turn, the receptor activates the immune system and reduces inflammation. CBD can bind to the CB 2 receptors, which are present in the nervous and immune systems.
Due to this interaction, more cannabinoids are produced naturally in the body, which helps to reduce inflammation, which is responsible for the cause of pain. The research done by Cornell University found that CBD helps to reduce osteoarthritis in dogs, and it became active with decreased pain.
Arthritis, hips and elbow dysplasia, torn ligaments, sprains, and strains are the problems associated with joints in dogs, which can be treated using CBD oil.
- Treats cancer
About 50% of dogs are affected by cancer, a massive challenge to them. They undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment. It causes many undesirable effects. So, cancer researchers are searching for new ways to treat cancer and stop nausea and pain caused by chemotherapy. At last, they found CBD as a cancer-fighting substance.
This cannabinoid kills the cancer-causing cells and blocks their ability to produce energy. It treats cancer by stimulating the immune system to produce killer cells, which causes the death of cancer cells. Researchers have found that CBD inhibits cannabinoid receptors called GPR55. This receptor is responsible for the increased growth rate of cancer cells. CBD oil prevents nausea and pain associated with cancer treatment.
- Cures epilepsy and seizures
Every year 5% of dogs suffer from seizures, a terrifying disease for both humans and dogs. If left untreated, it might result in anxiety. If left untreated, it may cause stress. Antiepileptic drugs, commonly phenobarbital or potassium bromide, treat epilepsy and seizures. Using these drugs may damage the liver and other organs.
Even though the side effects are manageable, they will not always be practical. Ingestion of Cannabidiol may cure seizures by interacting with ECS. Episodes are due to the abnormal electric charges of the neurons found in the nervous system. Binding cannabinoids to the brain improves the function of the nervous system.
- Removes anxiety
Dog owners use CBD mainly for anxiety of dogs as a reason. Anxiety in dogs may be due to separation from owners, noise phobia, aggression, and unwanted fear. Of course, many drugs are available for concern. CBD is ideal for it because it will not carry any side effects. The anti-depressant effects of cannabinoids are not only for people but also for animals.
When your four-legged friend suffers from anxiety, cannabinoids can be given directly by mouth, and it takes only 5 to 20 minutes to offer its action. It should be given routinely to dogs when it is prone to stress, only if it works best. Giving repeated doses of CBD may be more effective for anxiety than a single dose. Anxiety gets controlled by regulating serotonin, a hormone that controls mood, digestion, insomnia, social behavior, and appetite.
- Management of pain
CBD offers effective results for pain ranging from arthritis to nerve pain, but without any harmful effects. It maintains acute pain from acute pain to injuries. The binding of CBD to CB1 and CB 2 receptors will make changes in perceiving the pain signal from the dog’s brain.
- Controls allergies
Frequent visit to your vet is due to the common reason known as allergies. Dogs are mainly affected by skin diseases. Giving cannabidiol products to the dog controls dry, itchy skin and promotes the growth of new healthy skin cells. ECS is also present in the skin of the dog. It can be shared internally for allergies and externally for hot spots.
Is CBD safe for pets?
Cannabis products in the market are unregulated and not tested for their safety or effectiveness. It may have the chance of having contaminants, increased concentrations of THC, and different strengths of CBD than given on the label. Some companies are selling sub-par products which remain approved.
If you decide to give cannabis products to your pet, do thorough research and select high-quality products. Don’t hesitate to check the certificate of analysis from the sellers to verify the ingredients.
Conclusion
The CBD industry for pets is unregulated, and the dog owner should be careful to find the best product for their dog. Best to discuss with a veterinarian known about CBD products if you are planning to give them to your furry friend. If your vet recommends medicated cbd to your pet, choose the products without problematic ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, flavors, etc., and follow their dosing guidelines. Start slow and increase the dosage gradually for your pets.