Dogs are man’s best friend. You can use them for security purposes. Besides that, they make great companions. These furry animals are usually loyal sidekicks. However, they also suffer from various medical conditions including stress. You can treat these conditions. However, there is a growing wave of natural solutions. People are turning to organic medical products to treat various ailments. CBD is one of the most popular organic chemical compounds. This natural solution can treat various ailments in pets like dogs. Below is a review of everything you need to know about CBD dog treats.
Overview of CBD and CBD Dog Treats
Cannabidiol or CBD is a chemical compound that’s naturally found in the cannabis plant. These are hemp and marijuana plants. However, CBD from hemp is the most commonly used for medical purposes. This is because the extracted CBD normally has 0.3 percent THC or nothing at all.
CBD dog treats are simply dog treats that are infused with CBD. They provide a safe, more affordable, and non-toxic method of using CBD for dogs. These products usually contain little to no THC, which is a psychoactive cannabinoid.
Does CBD Affect Dogs Same as It Does on Us?
CBD affects dogs just as it does on us. Dogs also have the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as we do. CBD dog treats affect pets the same way as your daily CBD dosage. If you give them, you will definitely see improvements in their mood, mobility, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
Current reviews indicate that this compound can help treat a myriad of conditions. However, there is no enough evidence to confidently support its effectiveness. Extensive research studies need to be done. This is what will help to establish how CBD works. In addition to that, important aspects such as dosage and administration will be known.
How Does CBD Work and Is It Safe to Use?
Generally, CBD has a good safety profile. So, you can give it to your pet. If you are unsure about it, then first consult with your veterinary. But how does CBD work? Well, the Phyto cannabinoid works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Note that this system is present in all mammals including dogs.
The endocannabinoid system contains two types of cannabinoid receptors. They are found in various parts of the body and they include CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD normally acts on these receptors. Generally, the endocannabinoid system promotes homeostasis. So, it helps to control physiological functions. They include sleep, digestion, immunity, pain, and appetite, etc.
CBD’s interaction with receptors means that it helps to improve all the physiological functions. Because of its multifaceted effects, CBD can also be used with dogs. There are multiple ongoing research studies to determine its full effects.
CBD, Hemp, Marijuana, and THC What’s the Underlying Difference?
Both hemp and marijuana come from the same sativa plant family. However, these plants have different properties. As a result, they tend to produce different effects. Marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is psychoactive that normally produces the “high” effect. It’s for this reason that marijuana is mainly used for recreational purposes.
On the other hand, Hemp contains high amounts of cannabidiol (CBD). This compound has therapeutic effects and that’s why it’s mainly used for medicinal purposes. CBD has effective medicinal properties and it can help treat various forms of health issues.
Benefits of CBD for Dogs
The best cannabis dog treats usually provide pets with lots of health benefits. Generally, products with this organic compound can significantly improve your pet’s health. Numerous reviews, as well as scientific research, indicate that CBD can provide the following benefits.
- Treating Allergies
CBD dog treats can help treat various forms of allergies. Well, this may be allergies from chemicals, allergenic plants, and other harmful substances. They normally manifest in the form of skin redness, eruptions, swelling, and itching. However, CBD as an organic chemical compound has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to that, it helps to enhance the effectiveness of the immune system. As a result, it helps to improve how your pet responds to allergies.
- Enhances Mobility
Dogs usually suffer from age-related wear and tear. The common health issue usually affects joints. This normally affects their mobility and how they move around. With its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can help to modulate pain and ease inflammation. The compound also provides muscle and joint support, leading to better mobility.
- Regulating Brain Activity
Sometimes the brain can easily descend into chaos. This can be a result of too much fatigue or stress. Note that abnormal brain activity can lead to uncontrolled neuromuscular movements or simply Neuromuscular Disorders. Due to aberrant brain activity, your dog may end suffering from uncoordinated muscle jerking. CBD’s ability to effectively control the brain circuits is what makes it effective.
- Controls Malignancy
Dogs sometimes suffer from malignancy. But it’s possible to maintain and control the spread of malignant cells using CBD. The compound has anti-tumor properties. It engulfs and kills the malignant cells. Although it is highly skeptical at this moment and proper research is required.
- Relieves Pain
What makes these treats effective is their analgesic properties. The pain-relieving effects are beneficiary in treating chronic pain. Dogs, just like humans usually suffer from painful conditions like gut and joint inflammations. Besides that, there are certain malignancies that can also cause chronic pain.
- Alleviates Anxiety and Phobias
The calming treats for dogs can help to treat anxiety and certain types of phobias. Research studies show that CBD has potent anxiolytic potential. It helps to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and phobia by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors. It should be noted that the compound also helps to contain neurotransmitters like control moods and other responses like serotonin and dopamine.
Anxiety and phobia in dogs can come in the form of excessive barking and aggression. Besides that, it can be irritation and cowering. All these could be in response to loud noises, fear of water, presence of strangers, and motion sickness, etc.
What Are the Side Effects?
Does giving your dog CBD treats produce negative effects? Well, CBD is a compound with a good safety profile. This means that it normally doesn’t produce adverse effects. However, in some instances, this compound can interact with certain medications. Alternatively, it can also result in allergic reactions. Among the notable side effects include:
- Sleepiness: most dog owners usually give their pets these treats for relaxation. CBD has a soothing effect and can lead to increased sleepiness. However, this effect is mostly notable when you give your pet high doses of CBD treats.
- Dry mouth: this is a common effect of CBD compound. The cannabidiol usually reduces the production of saliva. In humans (as well as dogs) the effects of dry mouth are usually expressed in the form of increased thirst. So, make sure that you give your pet lots of water after giving it CBD treats.
- Lowered blood pressure: Although CBD usually lowers the blood pressure slightly, the effects are usually notable. This can make your dog feel a little drowsy. To reduce the chances of this side effect, make sure that you give your smaller amounts of the treats.
Note: in case of an overdose, there are specific side effects that your dog may exhibit. They include:
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Heavy drooling
- Lethargy
Once you see any of these side effects, then make sure you contact the vet immediately.
The side effects of CBD are not usually life-threatening. However, it’s important to give your dog the appropriate to give your dog the right dosage. Avoid self-medication and consult with your vet and the manufacturer.
Is it Legal to Use?
Do you want to buy CBD dog treats for your pet? Well, it’s important to understand the legality of CBD for pets. If the product contains CBD from hemp, then it’s legal. This means that you can use the product in any American state, as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent THC.
However, the laws governing CBD from marijuana plants vary from state to state. This is because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. In some states, it’s mainly approved for recreational purposes. So, make sure that you understand the legal status of CBD products in your state.
The Bottom Line
Dogs can also suffer from physical and mental ailments. This can be a result of old age, injuries, and other environmental factors. While there are different medications that vets can administer, you can also give your dog CBD treats. These are delicious edibles that contain the effective cannabidiol compound. CBD helps to improve the overall health of the dog. It’s a non-addictive therapeutic compound that produces lasting results.
