If you have been keeping an eye on recent trends, you may have noticed that CBD or Cannabidiol products have risen in popularity. They are readily consumed by pets and humans alike, which has led to vets and pet parents wondering whether these should be used for various health conditions that their pets experience.
While early research on CBD products is quite promising, you need to work with a vet who knows them inside and out before you can try them out for your pet. But first, go through this guide below to find out whether CBD for dogs is worth talking to a professional about.
What Is CBD?
You may not have known this before, but the marijuana plant has two primary active ingredients. These include Delta-9, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC is responsible for taking people on a drug high, the latter has numerous potential health benefits.
In addition, CBD does not cause a person, or a pet, to be in a drug-induced state. However, various states impose restrictions on purchasing such products, but they are primarily available in stores and online.
You should also note that the FDA has not yet determined whether products made out of CBD are safe for pets. It has not yet ruled on whether they should be used as treatment, dietary supplement, or food additive for your furry friend.
What Can CBD Do For Dogs?
It is a known fact that dogs have a messenger system in their bodies, referred to as the endocannabinoid system. It regulates appetite, sleep, the immune system, pain, and much more.
Consequently, CBD impacts the digestive and nervous systems and the brain. All of this is made possible by endocannabinoids in CBD, similar to the ones found in dogs’ bodies.
So now you know that the benefits of CBD can be significant and profound.
The Benefits Of CBD To Your Dog
Let’s take a detailed look at why CBD for dogs is beneficial and, thus, should receive your consideration.
1. Helps Dogs Experiencing Joint Problems:
If your dog habitually experiences joint pain, your vet may prescribe NSAIDs or any other pain med, such as Gabapentin. However, NSAIDs are known to cause deterioration in soft tissues and joints. They can also cause damage to your furry friend’s liver. Yikes!
On the other hand, CBD is known for being a natural anti-inflammatory substance and does not have the same side effects as other drugs. It stimulates the immune system and helps reduce inflammation. CB1 receptors are also responsible for changing the way your pup’s brain responds to receiving pain.
Moreover, CBD combines with CB2 receptors, which can be discovered in the nervous and immune systems of your canine’s body. When such a thing happens, the body may start to produce additional natural cannabinoids. As a result, inflammation will be reduced even further, as well as the pain that comes with it.
Various issues in the joints of dogs lead to pet parents buying CBD. These may include the following.
- Arthritis.
- Sprains and strains.
- Elbow and hip dysplasia.
- Torn ligaments.
2. Helps Dogs Undergoing Cancer:
Unfortunately, it is predicted that 50% of senior dogs are likely to get cancer. It is a health challenge for dogs, especially when forced to undergo radiation or chemotherapy. Therefore, cancer researchers are looking for different ways to treat the disease and release the nausea and pain that comes with it.
To use CBD as a cancer-fighting element, experts have carried out extensive research on it. Various types of research have been conducted, which revealed that CBD for dogs could potentially slow down the growth of tumors and have cancer-fighting abilities.
It is believed that products made out of this substance can block the ability of cancer cells to produce energy, thereby killing them off. It can also stimulate your furry friend’s immune system to develop killer cells and, thus, defeat cancer cells.
3. Helps Dogs Reduce Epilepsy And Seizures:
A significant number of dogs out there suffer from regular seizures. These can be terrifying and traumatic for the pup and you both. Can you imagine the anxiety that comes with it? It is scary, for sure.
For most seizures and epilepsy, vets tend to prescribe antiepileptic drugs, which include standard options like potassium bromide or phenobarbital. However, these drugs can cause significant harm to your little one’s liver and other organs. In addition, even if these drugs do not cause unimaginable damage to your canine’s body, they may not always work.
Thus, CBD has been extensively studied to be used as an epilepsy treatment for dogs out there. Professionals believe that CBD for dogs can help reduce the severity and frequency of seizures because it engages the endocannabinoid system.
Research shows that the abnormal electric charges of neurons in the nervous system are responsible for causing seizures. It is where CBD products come in. They bind themselves to the receptors in the brain and, thus, boost the functioning of your furry friend’s nervous system.
4. Helps Dogs Deal With Anxiety:
Anxiety is a popular reason pet parents turn to CBD for dogs for help. It can appear in various forms in your little one, including the following.
- Separation anxiety.
- Fear.
- Aggression.
- Noise phobia.
While many anti-anxiety drugs can be given to your pup, none of them can compare to CBD products because it does not comprise any dangerous side effects. Moreover, it can work faster if given to your dog directly by mouth, especially when your canine becomes stressed.
Usually, CBD for dogs takes around 5 to 20 minutes to impact. But it is believed that this substance will likely have a lasting effect if given to your pet over a specific period. As a result, a daily dose will ensure that your fur baby does not stress itself out too much.
5. Helps Dogs That Are In Pain:
The most promising research on CBD for dogs is relevant to pain alleviation. From arthritis to nerve pain, there is not much that such products cannot help drive away. The best part is that it does not even have any harmful side effects like other pain medications.
As aforementioned, CBD helps bind CB1 and CB2 receptors to the nervous system and the brain. This aids in changing the way your furry friend responds to experiencing pain. In addition, CBD for dogs can help manage other symptoms that come with pain, like nausea and sleeplessness.
6. Helps Dogs That Experience Allergies:
Achoo! Your dog sneezes for the 10th time in the last hour due to allergies from pollen. It will get worse because allergies are on the rise in canines. The worst part is that they are not easy to treat, mainly if they cause your little one to develop skin conditions.
Allergies are also a common reason for dogs to be euthanized. That sounds terrible, doesn’t it? Luckily, CBD for dogs is here to save the day. It can aid in relieving itchy and dry skin and boost the growth of healthy and new skin cells.
You can give your furry friend CBD internally for its allergies, or you can choose to apply it externally for interdigital cysts and hotspots.
Should CBD Be Given To Dogs?
As stated before, CBD for dogs impacts various aspects of their body. Therefore, before purchasing any product, you must take a professional’s advice.
Once your vet permits you to go ahead, you may have to try out several doses, forms, and brands to find the perfect one for your canine. Try not to be discouraged by this process because it will be worth it for your beloved four-legged companion.