The growing popularity of CBD over the past few years is no accident. The Internet has made it possible for people around the globe to get acquainted with its advantages, and recent developments in the pet industry have yielded products that improve the health and wellbeing of man’s most loyal companions.
Dog-owners are now more than happy to implement various hemp-derived solutions in their pets’ daily routine, owing to methods of extraction from different parts of this cannabis plant. People tend to associate cannabis with psychoactive effects. Click here to find out more.
However, it’s very important to make a clear distinction between the chemical compounds found inside the plant so that we can be absolutely sure that no harm will come to our canine friends.
What is CBD Oil?
The substance called CBD, short for Cannabidiol is only one of the 100 compounds found in cannabis plants. By way of extraction from stalks and flowers of the hemp, companies have managed to produce oil that is perfectly safe and natural for dogs. The seeds can also serve as a source of oil, better known as hemp seed oil.
Hemp is a close relative to marijuana, which has much higher levels of the compound THC, responsible for the euphoria that is triggered after consuming it. CBD, on the other hand, offers no such “high.” This is precisely why it is the main ingredient used for producing oil: it provides a number of health benefits for your pet without being intoxicating in any way.
There is a system in our bodies called ECS, or endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in regulating our stress, anxiety, digestion, etc. When substances such as CBD enter our bodies, they connect with this system to make it more functional and effective. Thus, we can think of this system as a host and CBD as a guest that is more than welcome.
Use and benefits
Apart from being useful, CBD oil is extremely practical. It is stored conveniently in dropper bottles, ready for immediate use with no previous preparation. You can either drop it directly in the dog’s mouth or add it as a supplement to their food. As some dogs are known to be stubborn when it comes to ingesting things outside their regular diet, you might find the latter option more suitable.
Now, let’s examine the ways in which CBD oil for dogs is an idea worth exploring. It is probably best known for its soothing effect. Dogs, often to the chagrin of the owners and their neighbors, are sensitive to loud noises such as thunder, aggressive car honking, fireworks, or the sight of other dogs in their immediate surroundings. That often leads to excessive barking.
The oil provides the necessary psychological relief to calm the dog down and eliminate potential triggers for anxiety and stress. Other situations where the dog is out of its comfort zone are visits to the vet, long car rides, etc. It’s very comforting to see how only several CBD drops will help to balance out the mood of your dog and enable it to go about its day peacefully.
Dogs are called man’s best friends for a reason. They love people and are extremely loyal to them. Because of this, it is advisable to use the oil for treating separation anxiety, as dogs tend to get very anxious and moody when they are forced to spend some time away from their owners.
On the physical end of things, CBD is very beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis. Just like in humans, this condition can impair their mobility, stiffen the joints and cause general physical discomfort. Luckily, this oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that reduce the swelling in the dog’s major joints, enabling them to function normally.
Another common issue among our furry friends is seizures. Dog-owners frequently try to put an end to these unpredictable fits that many dogs experience by using more mainstream medical solutions; however, the side effects of these medications can bring about undesirable side effects, which makes CBD oil a much more convenient tool for dealing with seizures.
Even though dogs are famed for their ravenous appetite, just like in the case of their owners, when feeling unwell, food isn’t really the first thing on their minds. This is where the oil comes in handy once again.
By interacting with the abovementioned ECS system, it helps to improve digestion and make the dog wag its tail eagerly when you approach it with food.
Potential side effects
Considering that the level of THC in CBD oil is insignificant (0-0.3%), most dogs can safely consume this product without any unwelcome consequences. Having said that, some pets may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, drowsiness, and drooling, none of which can inflict serious damage on their health. Hence, it’s important that you consult your vet before deciding whether you’re going to make these changes in the dog’s routine.
Is CBD worth it?
The small number of scientific studies that support and encourage the use of CBD oil is mainly due to its relative novelty. However, the proof we have so far clearly points to the overall positive impact of the product, and we believe that it will eventually find its place in most pet households. Is it worth it? A firm yes. But before you do anything, make sure to consult your vet.
