Many dog owners are experiencing the wonders of CBD oil for dogs but this does not mean it is the right fit for your pooch. CBD dog treats are amazing for multiple issues dogs have been known to face in their lives. Although, as owners, there are certain things you should know before starting your dog on a CBD dosage.
In this article, we will be covering what CBD oil actually is, some of the benefits it has, and how to find a good brand for your furry friend. All of these things should be learned before giving your dog anything containing CBD oil as it may not be the best option. So let's get into it by starting out with what CBD actually is!
CBD or cannabidiol is a compound found in the Cannabis sativa family of plants including marijuana and Hemp. this compound is part of a family of compounds named cannabinoids which are all found in this classification of plants.
The amazing thing about CBD and cannabinoids is that there is actually a part of the body that is made to function with these compounds. This is called the Endocannabinoid system, which is a part of the body's nervous system and is found in both Humans and Dogs! The way this system works is that when a cannabinoid, like CBD, enters the body this Endocannabinoid system then attracts this compound using receptors and distributes it throughout the body on a chemical level. This can be a little more complicated for dogs however and this is why it is important to know what product you are giving your dogs.
Just like humans, dogs have this endocannabinoid system they are actually not receptive to THC one of the main components to marijuana. THC is the main compound responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana and is a toxic substance for dogs. This means when searching for a CBD product for dogs you should be looking for things containing less than .03% THC. Luckily this is where the Hemp plant comes in!
The Hemp plant, being from the same family, actually contains CBD but only trace amounts of THC. Hemp contains full spectrum CBD and this can be extracted to make what is known as CBD hemp oil or CBD oil. This creates a product without any psychoactive effects which can be a quality CBD oil for dogs. This Hemp extract is an important part as now our dogs can get some of the benefits of medicinal marijuana without getting the toxic aspects of THC in Hemp dog treats.
CBD has loads of beneficial properties to it and many dogs lives are changed daily because of this miracle substance. Some of the leading things that CBD can help include Arthritis, Seizures, Cancer, Anxiety, and even Appetite. Each of these problems can make a dog struggle to get through some simple activities but CBD is helping them get the help they need to start living their lives once more. Now, let's dive into how CBD dog treats helps some of these things through specifics.
Arthritis-Arthritis can be a hard thing to deal with as pet owners because you can see your once playful pup become a slow-moving old dog. Arthritis is typically seen when the joint tissues start degrading and the joints start rubbing together. This creates inflammation in the joint which is ultimately where the pain comes from. One thing CBD does well is being an anti inflammatory which reduces the pain seen in dogs joints. This allows them to get moving a loosening their joints which helps a ton.
Seizures-Seizures can be a scary time for anyone and even as a pet parent watching it happen is a frightening time. CBD is now being shown to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures in scientific testing being done. In this2019 study by the University of Reading, the University of Washington, and Cambridge show CBDs antiseizure efficacy when tested on animals.
Anxiety-Anxiety in dogs is a common occurrence due to things like loud noises, scary objects, crowds, and even a change in their environment. One of the hardest cases of anxiety to deal with however is separation anxiety. All of these things can make a dog act fearful, aggressive, or super worried. One thing CBD can do to help this is by actually provide a calming sensation to your dogs. CBD, when picked up by the endocannabinoid system, can be distributed to the brain where it releases chemicals into the body that give a calming sensation. This is the same reaction that happens in our bodies when we are hugged or held by a loved one.
Cancer-One thing that you never want to hear is the word cancer when referring to anything you love including your dog. Cancer in dogs can be a time of trying your best to make them comfortable. One thing CBD can actually do is stop the growth of cancerous cells. This does not mean that CBD can cure cancer but rather help reduce the severity it may be causing. They show some of the evidence in this2016 article by Davis MP. CBD cannot cure cancer but it can help make it more manageable in our furry friends.
Appetite-Though not as severe as some of the others on the list, your dog not eating can be a serious issue associated with certain sicknesses they may be facing. By not eating dogs can miss out on certain nutritional things that they need in their daily lives to stay healthy. By not eating it can make them less capable of getting better from whatever may be causing this issue. CBD can work with the body to help a dog get their desire to eat back while also helping their digestive system. This allows them to overcome whatever they are facing.
These are just a small selection but some of the more predominant benefits CBD can have for your dog. Now that we know how CBD can help our dog's let's look at what you should consider when finding the right CBD dog treats for Fido.
When deciding what brand or style of CBD dog treats to get for your furry friend there are things to consider. Ask yourself three questions, would your dog enjoy it, is it a reputable brand, and would it work for your dog's habits. Each of these should be taken into consideration as they will most likely mean the difference between you using it and your dog not wanting anything to do with it.
Would your dog enjoy it is not a necessary problem to face as there can be ways around it but if they do like it it makes the whole process so much easier. If you are going to give your dog CBD you may get a tincture or a treat but you should know which will work better before buying. Tinctures are going to be the raw oil format where treats will be CBD infused. The tinctures are known to be better but harder to administer due to the fact that CBD oil for dogs is bitter. Treats may work better for them as they will enjoy and get the entire treat down without any hesitation.
The brand of CBD is also important as not all manufacturers are the same when it comes to their product. For dogs, you want to make sure the brand has less than .03% THC in their product to ensure it is safe for dogs. Along with this, you should make sure if it is a CBD treat that the CBD oil is not baked out in the process. A brand we have enjoyed and trust is Natural doggie as they have multiple CBD products our dogs love.
Lastly, you should consider what the habits of your dog are and if they will actually use one product more than another. For example, my dogs are not huge on their dog food but love treats whenever they hear the bag open. For this I should avoid a CBD supplement I add to their food and rather get them a treat that will easily replace a part of their routine. This will ensure that the process of getting CBD into their bodies is hassle free!
As we stated before our go-to CBD products here at SitStay all come from the wonderful people over at Natural Doggie. Here are some of their awesome products!
To wrap things up CBD can be a great option for any pet parent looking to help their dogs through a tough time. Make sure to take into consideration what CBD product you should use for your furry friend before buying it. We also recommend contacting your veterinarian anytime you are changing a part of your dog's supplement intake so they can help you out more. If you use CBD oil for dogs feel free to leave a comment about how it has helped. Also, share this information so everyone can learn about CBD dog treats!
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