What is CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is derived from the word cannabis. It is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as cannabis or hemp. There are over 80 chemicals found in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD is used for anxiety, pain, a muscle disorder called dystonia, Parkinson disease, Crohn disease, and many other conditions. Do not confuse it with marijuana. It is not produced from marijuana but from hemp.
History of Cannabidiol Oil
The oil and seeds from cannabis plants have been used as a food source in China since 6000 BCE. They began to research the potential balancing effects of cannabis plants, and they recorded their findings. The first documented use of CBD as a form of self-care dates back to 2737 BCE in China. While on the other hand, the extraction of oil from CBD dates back to 1940 by a Harvard graduate named Roger Adams.
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD Oil has been beneficial to humans in various forms. And the fact that it is very much natural has attracted more and more people towards it. The scientifically proven benefits include –
Offset anxiety and depression – The ability of CBD to calm a person down is by far the most popular use. There are studies that show CBD having similar results as anti-depressants.
Treat Select Epilepsy Syndromes – In 2018, the FDA approved the use of CBD to treat seizures resulting from certain types of epilepsy.
Reduce PTSD symptoms – Studies have shown the use of CBD along with routine psychiatric care for eight weeks has helped reduce PTSD symptoms to a great extent
Cure Opioid Addiction – Patients with substance use disorders can try CBD for relieving their addiction of it. It helps by reducing cue-induced cravings, withdrawal anxiety, resting heart rate, and salivary cortisol levels.
Pain relief – Topical CBD can be used on the pain-induced areas for a pronounced effect
Control diabetic problems – CBD helps reduce the effects of high glucose levels on other cells in the body which basically is the reason for diabetic complications
There are other significant uses as well. Now some of these may not be applicable to our pets but few are relevant and we may think that if it can help humans then why not dogs? The answer is Yes, CBD oil is safe and beneficial for dogs.
Is CBD Oil safe for your dog?
The answer is Yes. It is safe to use on dogs. There are certain cautions and methods to use though but all-in-all it is a safe and actually a beneficial oil for dogs. It can be used for a number of medical treatments like anxiety to nausea. There are however, scientific evidences missing on most of the applications but there are a lot of use cases and witnesses of the benefits, making CBD oil a popular choice amongst pet owners.
Benefits of CBD Oil on Dogs
The endocannabinoid system is a messenger system present in the body of dogs. It helps regulate sleep, appetite, pain, the immune system and more. CBD stimulates the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as the brain and hence impacts this system. This is why, there can be several deep benefits of CBD oil for dogs. These include –
Join Problems – CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory element without the side effects of its drug counterparts. It binds the CB1 receptors in the brain which stimulate the immune system to reduce inflammation. It hence works as a medicine for –
Arthritis
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Sprains and strains
Torn ligaments
Cancer – Around 50% of dogs suffer from cancer. CBD helps in slowing the growth of mammary cancer cells which increases survival time. It can also slow the growth of tumors. It can kill cancer cells and also makes them sensitive to other treatments, increasing the effectiveness of remedies.
Seizures and Epilepsy – Vets often treat seizures in dogs with antiepileptic drugs. The only problem with that is, they cause harm to liver and other organs as a side effect and that too not with the surety of curing seizures. CBD on the other hand has been found effective on over 90% of dogs with frequent seizures by reducing the frequency and severity.
Anxiety – Due to its calming effect, it is a common solution for anxiety related to
Noise phobia
Separation anxiety
Aggression
Fear
CBD can work quickly given directly by mouth when your dog gets stressed. It usually only takes 5 to 20 minutes to work.
Pain Relief – Pain Relief is the most popular area where CBD works its magic. From nerve pain to arthritis, it works well and without the harmful side effects of pain medications.
Allergies – Allergies are a common reason dogs are euthanized. CBD can help relieve dry and itchy skin. And it can promote the growth of new healthy skin cells.
Improve Appetite – The fact that it can work on nausea and can relax the central nervous system, makes it better for your pup’s digestive tract, hence increasing appetite.
7 significant benefits that CBD oils can give your loved doggies. What more is there to ask for?
Now let’s come to the caution part while using CBD oil on dogs.
How to use CBD Oil on Dogs?
Oil can be taken orally or mixed in with food
CBD edibles in the form of chewable treats or filled capsules are available
Topical creams or ointments can be used on the skin
How much CBD Oil should be used on Dogs?
Firstly, when any new element is introduced to your dog, always start with small doses irrespective of safety levels. It is important to check the suitability of the substance on your dog. Then, it depends on the size and weight of the dog, according to which the quantity of CBD oil can be decided. The recommended quantities are –
5-10 Pounds – 0.25-0.5 mg
20-40 pounds – 1-2 mg
60-80 pounds – 3-4 mg
100-120 pounds – 5-6 mg
The quantity can be increased once the dog is found to be suitable with its effect.
Side Effects of CBD Oil on Dogs
There are no major side effects as such. However, there are some risks which can be seen on dogs after an introduction to CBD oil. These include –
Dry mouth: It is possible for CBD to decrease the production of saliva. For dogs, this would mean an increased thirst
Lowered blood pressure: Similar to the after effect of marijuana, a high doses of CBD can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. Even if the drop is small, it might create a brief feeling of light-headedness
Drowsiness: The calming effect of CBD can also cause slight drowsiness
Conclusion
CBD oil, despite not having much scientific proofs about the benefits, can work like magic for your dog in various conditions something as minor as joint pain to something as major as cancer. Just remember that always look for organic oil, do not go for the cheapest option available, read about the manufacturer and supplier and buy liquid form instead to ready-made CBD oil infused products to tailor the quantity as per your dog.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
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