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The Facts About CBD for dogs

Sep 30, 2021 09:31AM ● By Dianne Wagman
CBD in correct dosage can be very beneficial for dogs of almost all ages and sizes. For puppies teething, a drop on your fingertip rubbed on the gums can aid with pain and inflammation from new teeth coming in.  However, CBD use is not suggested for calming active and healthy puppies. Puppies are full of energy and need lots of play time to burn off that energy while building healthy muscle, connective tissue and healthy bones while growth plates continue to grow and set. 

In middle aged dogs it can help with anxiety or stress, aid in appetite, antiseizure, metabolism, immune response, affects from Cancer (side effects from treatments), sleep or help keep dogs calm while recovering from injury.

While in older dogs it can help aid with pain management from arthritis, joint inflammation, loss of appetite, affects from Cancer (side effects from treatment), antiseizure, anxiety, mood, memory, movement & coordination.

Now that we have discussed how CBD can be beneficial let’s take a closer look at what CBD is and how CBD for dogs works.

What is CBD?

CBD is Terpene or otherwise known as primary components of and essential oil. Terpenes are everywhere. Ever hear of stop and smell the roses? That’s a terpene.  Your favorite Christmas tree smell? Beer hops? Herbs & Flowers? Those are Terpenes you smell. Virtually every smell has a terpene profile. The benefits are beyond their effects on aroma, terpenes have been shown to magnify the therapeutic benefits of a plant’s individual compounds.

CBD oils are a delicate balance of a blend of terpenes infused in a carrier oil to help with relaxation, focus, comfort, happy feelings, and energizing.

How does CBD work?

All mammalians have an Endocannabinoid System. Discovered in the 20th century, our endocannabinoid system consists of numerous cannabinoid receptors that are endogenous to the mammalian brain, and play a pivotal role in psychological processes such as mood, memory, immune, organs, pain and appetite. CBD suppresses the breakdown of anandamide, a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the body that is responsible for activating the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain & central nervous system and a lesser extent in other tissues.

CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral organs especially cells associated with the immune system. 

What is CBD, and does it cause a high?

Although THC and CBD are both present in cannabis, using CBD alone will not cause a “high”. CBD’s chemical composition and its effects are the same, whether extracted from hemp or other varieties of the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids produced by the C. sativa plant. It is one of more than 500 compounds Trusted Source that come from cannabis plants.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another well-known cannabinoid that produces the strong psychoactive effects of being “high”. Animals Consuming or using CBD alone will not cause the “high” associated with THC. CBD and THC are present in all types of cannabis plants but in different quantities. Certain varieties of C. sativa and Cannabis indica contain higher amounts of THC and low amounts of CBD. As of 2014, the average cannabis plant contained 12% THC and less than 0.15% CBD Trusted Source.

Hemp, on the other hand, is a non-intoxicating variety of C. sativa. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp plants must contain less than 0.3% THC Trusted Source. The average hemp plant has up to 18% CBD.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis plants. THC binds to cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors Trusted Source located in brain regions associated with learning, memory, movement, pain sensation, and inflammation. It also binds to cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors located in the brainstem and hippocampus, which has links to memory and emotions. Immune cells, bone cells, and spleen and liver cells also contain CB2 receptors. This widespread distribution of cannabinoid receptors is the reason why THC produces such powerful physical and psychological effects.

Possible Risks and side effects

While most animals tolerate CBD well, it can lead to adverse side effects in some breeds like the Collie breeds.  Some of the side effects such as:

  • drowsiness or fatigue
  • a dry mouth
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • changes in mood, such as increased agitation and irritability
  • interactions with prescription or over-the-counter drugs
  • increased risk of sedation, drowsiness
  • increased or decreased appetite
  • liver damage due to drug interactions
  • Extremely high levels of THC can cause liver damage (levels higher than 0.03% THC)

If a person is considering using CBD for their dog or pet, they should speak to a doctor or expert first.

Summary

CBD does not make a dog “high.” Although CBD comes from cannabis plants, it does not produce the same euphoric intoxication as cannabis or THC. CBD continues attracting attention from members of the general public, scientific communities, and healthcare organizations. An ever-growing body of preclinical and clinical research suggests that CBD may help treat various medical conditions, such as anxiety, inflammatory diseases, and chronic pain. CBD is available in oral capsules, oils, tinctures, topical patches, and edible products. While most dogs tolerate CBD well, they should only purchase CBD products from high-quality, reputable manufacturers and distributors.

Dianne Wagman, VT, CMG, aPHR, President & CEO of Hounds N Herbs, LLC. 2519 S Queen St. York, PA 17402. Olde Tollgate Village Shopping Center. 717-804-9111. HoundsNHerbs.com.

 







In-Print, Natural Pet October 2021 CBD for Dogs

 

April 2025

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