The Couch
Do You Know This Hidden Benefit of CBD for Dogs?
When your dog is in pain, it’s a terrible feeling, isn’t it? You want to do whatever it takes, to help him or her feel better.
That’s exactly how I felt, when my American Eskimo, Baggins, suffered from arthritis. I took him for acupuncture and fed him anti-inflammatory herbs to ease the pain. But if he were still alive today, I’d give him CBD products.
That’s because a growing body of research shows that, in addition to the fact that CBD oil is beneficial for humans, there are dozens of benefits of CBD for dogs. It’s completely natural and a safe alternative to traditional medications.
In this article, you’ll discover the science behind why CBD is so powerful and how it can help your dog. But first, allow me to explain what it is.
What is CBD?
Let’s make one thing clear: CBD, or cannabinoid, will not get anyone “high.” It can’t. It’s a different part of the hemp plant than marijuana, and it doesn’t have the same characteristics (high levels of THC).
Instead, the hemp plant was used for thousands of years to make rope, clothing, paper, and even fuel. Hemp was perfectly mainstream and it’s even said the original Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.
The hemp plant has been used from paper to pain relief
Unfortunately, hemp underwent a smear campaign in the 1930’s (which is a story for another post). The short version is, hemp was reclassified as marijuana, an anti-drug campaign was launched by the Federal Government, and hemp was declared illegal.
As you know, those laws are being repealed, and a growing body of research shows that CBD has dozens of benefits for dogs and humans.
One of those benefits is effective and natural pain relief.
CBD: Nature’s Pain Relief
It turns out that your dog has a built-in system created to work with the active ingredients in CBD for natural pain relief.
This system, called the endocabbinoid system, has an essential role to play when it comes to stress and pain relief. You’re probably familiar with the central nervous system. That’s the internal network of nerves and receptors that process messages from the brain all day long. Imagine special receptors that, if activated, can reduce pain in your dog, but there’s a catch – they require a special ingredient.
That’s the essence of the endocabbionoid system, and CBD is the special ingredient. For too long, these receptors have been ignored. However, thanks to continuing advances in science, we now know they exist, and we also know that CBD acts as a key to unlock the healing powers of these receptors.
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Imagine that your dog is stressed and in pain, then you give him a CBD-infused dog treat, or a few drops of a tincture, and he’s able to relax. That’s the power of CBD. It reminds those receptors to release serotonin – nature’s stress reliever.
It also increases the naturally occurring pain compound, anandamide, in the body, so it can flow through the bloodstream.
But all CBD products aren’t created equal.
What Do You Need to Know, Before You Buy CBD?
CBD pet products come in a wide range of tinctures, topicals, treats, and more. However, they aren’t all created equal, and some can even be toxic. In this wild west world of CBD, there are few regulations, which means it’s up to the manufacturer to create and abide by their guidelines.
Look for a company that uses a high-quality processing method, like using pharmaceutical grade ethanol, to safely remove toxins. Look for independent testing and low THC. Quality CBD pet products have less than .03% THC. Any more could be dangerous to animals.
You’ll also want to know how much to dose your pet. A large breed like a Newfoundland will take more than a teacup-sized dog. It’s a good idea to start with the lowest dosage, of a drop or less a day – especially if you have a small dog – and to then work your way up. Your veterinarian may be able to give you more customized guidelines, and most recommend .05 mg/pound.
Marijuana can be used to help furry friends
How Long Will It Take to Reduce Your Dog’s Pain?
Some dogs will show immediate relief, whereas some may need a few days before it takes effect. If your dog shows no relief after a few days at the lowest dosage, you may want to add a little more (which is why it’s good to make notes, so you can keep track of any changes in behavior or dosage).
The research is just beginning on the endocabbinoid system and how it affects pain relief, but I think you’ll agree that, if your dog is suffering in pain, it’s a worth trying. Now that you know natural pain relief is a primary benefit of CBD for dogs, you can find quality CBD pet products to help your pet feel his or her best.
