Using CBD to care for your dog: Pixabay
Cannabidiol (CBD) is attracting the attention of pet owners, for good reason. Science has revealed the immense potential of CBD in addressing some of the disturbing symptoms that are often troublesome to pets. Hence, pet owners are seeking to understand how best their pets can enjoy some medical marijuana health benefits.
As you may know, our furry friends experience most of the health challenges that we as humans often experience. In their case, they may exhibit their symptoms differently. A dog would, for example, chew and lick excessively when anxious, or they may pant or shake. A depressed dog may refrain from human company, preferring to remain isolated. A dog in pain may whimper endlessly.
If you are a pet owner and notice some of these symptoms, they should alert you that your dog may be unwell. An anxious dog requires attention and therapy even as the underlying stressor is addressed. CBD dog treats offer a range of benefits to dogs including alleviating pain, boosting the immune system, improving appetite, and promoting general health and wellness.
Highlights
- Dogs have an endocannabinoid system that supports homeostasis in the body.
- CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system of pets to reestablish homeostasis and help to relieve pain, anxiety, and depression, among other conditions.
- There are a myriad of CBD products for pets in the market that may be of help. They include CBD tinctures, edible treats, topical sprays, and creams.
- CBD can be given to your dog through various methods, tinctures can be given sublingually (beneath the tongue) while treats can be mixed in food.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) does not have negative psychoactive properties; therefore, it will not make your pet “high.”
Do CBD Treats For Dogs Work?
Anecdotal and preliminary evidence strongly suggest that CBD treats for dogs work. Dogs, like other mammals, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that is made up of receptors and endocannabinoids. The ECS play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, which is a state of internal balance. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interact with the endocannabinoid system through its receptors that are distributed in most parts of the body. When dogs are offered CBD treats they are able to recover due to the interaction of the CBD with the endocannabinoid system.
Do CBD Dog Treats Work for Anxiety?
CBD for anxiety: Picpedia
When CBD dog treats are offered to anxious dogs, most experience significant relief.
A 2018 study conducted by the University of veterinary medicine in Hannover confirmed the presence of the ECS in dogs and its role in the inflammation process. A different 2012 study conducted by the University of Pisa revealed the presence of endocannabinoid receptors in the dogs’ skin.
Anxiety is one of the primary reasons for which pet owners use CBD oil. Full-spectrum CBD treats containing beneficial terpenes are effective in treating anxiety in pets.
A 2010 study showed that CBD is effective in reducing symptoms of social anxiety in humans. Pet owners who have tried CBD oil have also reported improvements in their pets’ behaviors when subjected to high-pressure situations.
These natural hemp-derived compounds have the added advantage of having minimal side effects compared to chemical-derived pharmaceuticals.
Do CBD Treats Get Dogs High?
CBD treats are not likely to get dogs high. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that makes marijuana psychoactive. THC binds directly to the CB1 receptor in the brain and causes euphoria. CBD does not have an affinity for CB1 receptors and hence it does not cause euphoria.
Most CBD oils are hemp-derived and therefore have little to no THC. Having little to no THC, CBD dog treats will not intoxicate your dog.
How Long Does it Take for CBD Dog Treats to Kick In?
Ideally, it should take around 30-45 minutes before your dog can start to enjoy the effects of the CBD treats. However, different factors will affect this, such as whether the CBD was consumed on an empty stomach.
CBD treats are a creative way to give CBD to your pet and may even work better for a dog that likes to try out new stuff. CBD treats may have flavors such as bacon and peanut butter that may appeal to your dog’s taste buds. You can break the doggie treats into small bits and mix them with the dog’s food or give them whole to your dog.
How much CBD is safe for dogs?
The recommended dosage of CBD for pets is 1-2mg of CBD per every 10 pounds of body weight. For example, a 10kg dog should consume 10mg-20mg of CBD per day. Start your dog on a low dose of CBD and observe how they respond to it.
What Quality Factors Should You Look for in CBD Dog Treats?
When purchasing CBD dog treats, there are several things to be on the lookout for. They include the following:
- Go for CBD treats that are hemp-derived. This will ensure that the treats have little to no THC and hence will not alter your dog’s mental status.
- Go for organic CBD treats, free of chemical contaminants such as pesticides, fungicides, solvents, and other pollutants.
- Ask for third-party testing certificates to confirm the potency and purity of the treats.
- Compare prices, but don’t be fooled by low prices.
CBD for Dogs is Legal and Safe
CBD for dogs is both safe and legal. Even in high doses, dogs appear to tolerate CBD well. A World Health Organization (WHO) report stated that CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile in humans and pets. Adverse effects are primarily associated with drug interactions.
Receptra offers hemp-derived CBD products for pets; CBD dog treats and tinctures. Hemp is legal throughout the US and the UK, as long as it contains less than 0.3% and 0.2% THC, respectively. This means that CBD oil that is made from hemp is both safe and legal.
However, CBD may interact with some drugs, such as those metabolized through the CYP450 pathway. Before starting your dog on CBD, consult your veterinarian, who should be able to advise accordingly.