Calming, pain relieving and inflammation reducer. These are only a few of the wonders CBD oil can have over your pet friend. It’s an ailment helper––without the psychoactive reactions associated with cannabis.
Cookie, an eight-year-old Schnautzer suffered from a stroke during the 2018 Holidays. The result was a poor equilibrium and a problematic internal sleeping clock. She would wake up at 2 AM, would bark for attention and wouldn’t want to go back to sleep. Times got harder in between every night, and the days seemed to get longer. Eventually, CBD was incorporated. It helped Cookie relax to the point where her sleeping schedule slowly turned to normal.
Cookie was everything her owners wanted in a dog. “She was playful and very smart. She would never sit still, and would always jump around the house. But that changed after the stroke. We couldn’t believe it.” Things quickly changed after the CBD intake, and the owners are coming back for more. “Think of it as a super-food for your dog!”
A Veterinarian’s Point of View
We went out on a search for vets and their opinions on CBD. We had the opportunity of speaking with Dr. Gary Ritcher, who is a leading Veterinary Health Expert with Rover.
“My education about CBD and medical cannabis, in general, comes from personal research and speaking with experts in the field.
I have performed a great deal of topic-related research. There is an entire chapter in my book – The Ultimate Pet Health Guide – on cannabis and I have written multiple continuing education courses for veterinarians on the topic.”
Scientific experts give us a supportive back-up feeling on CBD, and it only reassures the healing properties behind it. Before considering buying any kind of CBD treatment it’s recommendable to follow on these tips:
● Always consult your vet before trying CBD products on your dog. They can help you choose specifics and the right dosage for your pup.
● Make sure it’s hemp-derived CBD and it’s Certificate of Analysis, which basically shows the amount of CBD the product contains along with lab results.
● Always follow your dogs’ behavior after consumption, and gradually start on his dosage. That way you can really tell how well is working and monitor their reaction.
Science Behind CBD for Dogs
First thing is first, all mammals have an endocannabinoid system, but especially with the CB1 receptors, which are found primarily in the central nervous system and in the brain. The “high” or psychoactive experience associated with recreational or medical marijuana is caused by activating CB1 receptors.
It is important to never confuse CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Although derived from the same plant CBD has no psychoactive. The infamous THC will get you high and create the euphoric feeling most people recognize when they think about cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, will not cause any of these loopy feelings, instead, it takes over the body with multiple healing and preventive properties.
Dogs are benefiting from CBD in so many ways. With no known side effects, preventive measures and healing properties it makes it the perfect supplement to have at home when things start looking fishy. Here is a list of how the ways CBD can help your furry baby:
Epilepsy and seizures
It is a great nervous system booster. Helps relief recurrent seizure and stabilize dogs post-seizures.
Pain reliever
Reliefs pain and reduces inflammation that could eventually develop into diseases.
Bowel disease helper
Can normalize motility in pups with bowel diseases.
Cancer preventer and killer
Cannabinoids have shown to have antitumor cell activity in animal cancer models. This is a great way of reducing cancer cell spread and can be taken as a preventive cancerous measure.
Anxiety reducer
Aids with separation anxiety, and soothes stress especially when dogs are let alone for a prolonged time, new people visit homes or for long travels (in cars or flights).
Appetite increaser
Endocannabinoid plays a role in regulating the body’s feeding behavior.
Arthritis, joint and mobility issues
Can help increase activity and comfort in dogs
Where Can I Find It?
The past misconceptions over cannabis are slowly fading and new thoughts on their curative properties are arising. New market opportunities are opening doors to CBD distributors which reflects the future of the cannabis industry. Sooner than later you will be able to find different products on CBD, especially because it is now legal in the US as long as it follows regulations.
There are many online stores that offer CBD for dogs, including varied products like tinctures, treats and even infused with coconut oil.
CBD oil is the perfect option for all those dog lovers out there, who are looking for a different angle on dog treatments with the ultimate goal of bettering their lives. It is an alternative to conventional drugs, without the side effects and, for us humans the best part is that’s under budget. We all love our pups and we are willing to do so much for them. From creating safe spaces, playing with them and offering the best accessible options to optimize their health. There is no wonder why we call them humanity’s best friend.
Written by Hermes Maldonado
