Did you know that around 33% of people in America have used CBD at some point in their lives? But what about pets? As CBD products continue to grow in popularity, they are not only being marketed to people but to cats, dogs, and other pets too.
If you have a dog, you might be wondering if CBD for dogs is a good idea or if it might only be a fad. Luckily, this article will tell you everything you need to know when it comes to giving CBD products to dogs. First, let’s take a better look at what CBD is, how it might work on your dog, and the CBD benefits your dog could experience.
What Is CBD?
CBD is also known as cannabidiol and is one of the many cannabinoids that can come from cannabis or hemp plants. Most CBD manufacturers tend to get most of their CBD from hemp plants rather than cannabis plants. This is because there are higher concentrations of CBD in hemp plants and small concentrations of another cannabinoid, THC.
Cannabis plants, in contrast, have high concentrations of THC and low concentrations of CBD. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that can produce a high when consumed. CBD is not psychoactive and therefore cannot produce a high, but it is full of various health benefits.
CBD works on the brain by interacting with the brain’s endocannabinoid system. This system is full of receptors that are designed to receive and interact with cannabinoids like CBD. There are two main receptors in this system: CB1 and CB2.
These receptors are responsible for regulating mood, pain, and the immunological system. If these receptors don’t work properly, pain and inflammation throughout the body could occur. However, when cannabinoids bind to these receptors, these adverse symptoms are often corrected.
The endocannabinoid system is the same in humans as it is in dogs because almost all mammals have this system. There are also many different types of CBD products that may produce variations in the effects of CBD, depending on the potency and mode of consumption.
For humans, CBD can come in the form of candy, vape juices, oils, and tinctures. CBD products for dogs, of course, are designed to be more appetizing for dogs. They can include treats, pet tinctures, and topical products.
So, now that you know what CBD is and how it works on the body, what kind of benefits might it offer to your pet?
What Are the Benefits of CBD for Dogs?
The benefits of CBD for dogs and humans are similar. The first thing you should know is that CBD for dogs is completely safe as long as you follow the correct CBD dosage. Often, whenever you buy CBD products specifically for pets, the product will come with dosage instructions depending on the size of your dog and your dog’s health problems.
One of the many benefits of CBD is that it is an anticonvulsant. In fact, the FDA has recently approved a medication for humans that is meant to treat seizures, and its active ingredient is CBD. Other CBD products such as oils and tinctures can work in a similar way for dogs who suffer from seizures.
Seizures occur when the neurons in the brain start to fire at an uncontrolled rate. Scientists do not yet know how CBD can help reduce the frequency of seizures, but it is believed that CBD can prevent seizures by balancing the electrical impulses in the neurons.
Another big benefit is that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. As dogs get older, much like humans, their body eventually starts to suffer from wear and tear over the years. Their joints won’t move as smoothly as they used to, and some dogs might even develop health conditions such as arthritis.
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and can make it painful and difficult to move due to stiff and inflamed joints. It is believed that CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory because it is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants work to reduce inflammation in the body by reducing free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can accelerate aging and create inflammation.
More CBD Benefits
CBD is also valuable for reducing stress. Many dogs may experience stress and anxiety for one reason or another. Your dog might be anxious all the time or only during certain times, such as when going to the vet or when fireworks are going off outside.
Whatever the reason, anxiety and dogs can be a real hassle. Often, dogs let out their anxiety by barking, trembling, or chewing on furniture. CBD can help to calm your dog down.
It isn’t known exactly how CBD helps to soothe anxiety. Some researchers believe that it has something to do with the serotonin receptors in the brain. If CBD can target these receptors like anti-anxiety medications can, then the overall levels of serotonin in the brain will increase.
Since serotonin is important for one’s mood, more serotonin often correlates with less anxiety and a better mood overall. If your dog suffers from anxiety or aggression, CBD might be a great choice. You should also keep in mind that CBD won’t make your dog drowsy or “high” but rather relaxed and at peace.
Everything You Need to Know About Giving Your Dog CBD
By the end of this article, you should no longer be unsure about CBD for dogs. You should now know how CBD can offer your pet plenty of benefits, including relief from body inflammation and anxiety, among other things.
To learn more about this topic, don’t hesitate to check out the health section on our website.
