Humans and dogs have one thing in common, and it’s the endocannabinoid system. This is the system that affects how your brain functions, heart, skin, stomach, and even your emotional state. The endocannabinoid system affects dogs in the same way.
Cannabinoids are derived from cannabis and hemp plants. Our bodies also produce cannabinoids that affect the endocannabinoid system. This is the reason why cannabis has plenty of effects on the body. While this is true for humans, it also affects other mammals, like dogs, for example.
What is CBD for Dogs
CBD, or cannabidiol in full, is an element in the cannabis and hemp plant that has been found to bring several benefits to both humans and pets. However, since pets are usually smaller compared to people, the dosage and administration differ.
That is why the company manufacturing dog CBD ensures that the final product is well-suited to treating a dog. CBD oil that contains large amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) poses a great risk to a dog’s health.
Therefore, manufacturers of this product go through a thorough process of eliminating THC in the oil to ensure safe usage.
Factors to Look for When Getting Dog CBD
The source
CBD oils are extracted from a variant of the cannabis plant called hemp. This is a strain of cannabis plants containing lower than 0.3% of THC. Hemp as the source of CBD is important in influencing the quality of the oil. For hemp plants to exhibit organic properties, they shouldn’t be grown with the aid of pesticides. This greatly improves the quality of the hemp and hence valuable dog CBD oil.
Method of extraction
The method used in extracting the oil also determines whether to use it on a dog or not. Crushing leaves and seeds is the easiest way to remove oil from the hemp plant, but it is not as efficient in getting chemical compounds. Hydrocarbonation is a method that involves the application of a solvent through the plant and boiling it off to remain with pure oil. Ethanol is the most common solvent used.
The carbon dioxide method, however, is the most efficient way of extraction. It involves the use of compressed liquid CO2 to extract plant molecules. The carbon dioxide liquid disperses to leave behind pure oil. CBD oil extracted using the CO2 method is the purest oil that is ideal for dogs.
Potency
Mg (milligrams) is the measure of potency. It indicates the strength of each dosage. If a dosage has high potency, then the effects are more visible.
Size Variations
Since the potency of CBD oil differs, it comes in different sizes. You can either get 75mg to 600mg. That means the smaller your dog is, the lesser the oil required.
Benefits of CBD Oil in a Dog
We have seen many reports on how CBD oil has helped improve the well-being of many people. Some of these benefits include stimulating appetite, treating anxiety and depression, relieving pain and inflammation, and more. The oil can benefit a dog’s health as well. Dogs can be quite anxious at times, and CBD oil helps reduce anxiety.
It also controls seizures and relieves pain and inflammation in dogs. This is because the oil holds anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. The oil is also known to improve the skin of pets. Though the studies are still ongoing to affirm these benefits, most vets prescribe this oil to dogs to guarantee their well-being.
Conclusion
For many years CD oil has been used worldwide to treat various conditions in dogs. It has other benefits that are not yet approved scientifically, but consumers report positive effects. Administering the right amount will ensure little to no side effects.