Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy with CBD Oil
In 2018, the California state passed a law that allowed veterinarians to discuss cannabis use for pets. That just shows how popular CBD for pets is becoming, especially after the renaissance of the cannabis industry post the 2018 Farm Bill.
This article will look at whether CBD oil for Dogs and especially its full spectrum extract works and how to get the best out of it for your furry friends. Let us get started.
What is Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs?
Have you ever wondered if your dog could benefit from CBD? Full-spectrum CBD oil includes all of the beneficial cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants. But what is full-spectrum CBD oil for pets in the first place?
Well, CBD, as you may already know, stands for cannabidiol, one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant's cannabinoid category.
Other compounds include terpenes such as limonene that gives a lemon flavor and caryophyllene that is very much present in your black pepper. Flavonoids also provide the cannabis plant's distinct pigmentation.
Back to the CBD oil for pets, you can have it in different spectrums. That depends on the various cannabis compounds that come with it. We have isolate CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and our full-spectrum CBD oil. So what is the difference?
Full-spectrum CBD contains every other compound in the cannabis plant. This includes all cannabinoids (over 100 of them -THC included), terpenes, flavonoids, and many other essential oils.
Broad-spectrum, on the other hand, contains everything except the THC, which is majorly attributed to increased psychoactivity at concentrations higher than 0.3%. Finally, CBD isolate refers to the purest form of CBD without any other cannabis compounds or external impurities.
Can you give full-spectrum CBD oil to your dog?
The answer is a solid yes. According to the World Health Organization in 2017, CBD is well tolerated in animals without significant side effects. Plus, there is the real science behind it that shows the benefits of cannabinoids for all animals.
You see, all animals with a vertebrae have an endocannabinoid system that has been studied in human beings to bring out how the cannabis plant affects its users. Your dog being a vertebrate, can also enjoy CBD benefits just like yourself.
Now, what's the endocannabinoid system? This is a system that connects receptors to cannabinoids produced in the body and those produced by plants.
The system is most active when the need arises. It helps the body counter any imbalance by boosting homeostasis, which is generally bringing all body systems to Natural, seamless functioning.
So how does the system work in dogs? Let us say that it's raining heavily outside, probably cats and dogs accompanied by deafening thunderclaps and blinding lightning.
Our furry friends typically get scared and experience anxiety attacks. Since their psychological system is affected, the endocannabinoid system is activated to produce endogenous cannabinoids that promote signaling for necessary homeostatic processes to reverse the situation.
Some of the time, the cannabinoids produced in the body are inadequate, which necessitates the need for supplementation from phytocannabinoids.
When you give CBD to your dog, it is taken into direct circulation and encounters endocannabinoid receptors to activate them. The signaling is consequently enhanced from the supplementation, and soon enough, your dog gets over its anxiety attacks to start playing around the house.
How CBD Benefits Dogs
Away from the anxiety example above, cannabidiol offers a myriad of other holistic benefits for your dog. In this section, we shall be looking at how your canine friend takes advantage of all this.
Osteoarthritis
In 2020 a randomized, double-blind study concluded that CBD has the potential as an anti-inflammatory for domestic canines that suffer from osteoarthritis.
This condition is caused by degenerative wear and tear of moving joints which leads to severe discomfort and may render your dog immobile if not checked in advance.
A different study in 2018 showed that the cannabinoid could boost the comfort and activity in canines that suffered from the condition.
Seizures
In human beings, the cannabinoid has been extensively studied for its anti-seizure properties, especially for epileptic patients.
Well, if you're not aware, the FDA even approved the first CBD-based drug to be used to treat rare conditions of the same. According to a 2019 report, CBD can help reduce the frequency of seizures experienced by epileptic dogs.
However, the studies included a small population. There is still potential from the same as the results have been peer reviewed.
Anxiety
A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science highlighted that about 22% of a total of 833 veterinarians from a survey deemed CBD as very helpful in managing anxiety in dogs and cats.
An impressive 65% said they regarded the cannabinoids as somewhat beneficial. Interestingly, 61% of 379 veterinarians agreed that CBD products proved to be slightly effective in combating phobias related to storms and fireworks.
Appetite stimulation
There is not much scientific research into how CBD can boost your dog’s appetite at the moment. However, anecdotal evidence shows that the cannabinoid may help reverse instances of appetite loss. It's basic logic.
By helping battle anxiety and pain during inflammation or injury, cannabidiol indirectly boosts appetite.
How Much Full Spectrum CBD Can You Give a Dog?
So if you can give full-spectrum CBD oil to a dog, what is the right amount to avoid any side effects? Well, the endocannabinoid system in different animals may differ in the manner that it develops compared to human beings.
However, it's common knowledge that the administration of CBD can be based on the same factors considered in humans. These include weight and the severity of the condition.
In the 2018 study that included 16 dogs, 2mg per kg given twice daily brought about positive results despite a simultaneous increase in alkaline phosphatase production. You can modify this dose from the study based on the severity of your dog’s condition.
How Do You Administer CBD Oil to a Dog
As with human beings, it is advised that you start off with a small dose to make sure there are no side effects before slowly upping the dosage.
A good idea would be to seek your veterinarian’s opinion first. Secondly, ensure that you are using full-spectrum CBD oil, not isolated or synthetic cannabinoids. Full-spectrum oils contain all the beneficial cannabinoids and other compounds that may help your dog.
Lastly, you can add the oil to your dog's food or place it in a treat such as a biscuit. The key thing is to make sure that the portion of CBD oil. You should also be able to monitor the effects on your dog.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We encourage you to speak with your doctor to determine if a CBD supplement is right for you.