CBD Oil
Seems like I hear about CBD oil pretty much anywhere I turn lately. It’s on blogs. Vendors are selling it online and at pet events. Magazines are running articles. People are talking about it. A Lot!
This is probably for a couple of reasons. First, it’s legal in all 50 states in some form. States that didn’t allow it before. Second, as people use it more and various studies are done, the benefits are getting noticed and discussed.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is found in cannabis and hemp; related but different plants. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found in cannabis, is the substance that causes the high.
Most CBD oils are made from hemp and have very little if any THC, allowing them to be used therapeutically without causing any psychoactive effects. As a matter of fact, state laws limit the amount of THC to a level that doesn’t cause detection by a drug screen, so even those made from cannabis have very little THC.
How does it work?
CBD stimulates receptors in the brain which affect the various aspects of health. Humans, cats, dogs, and horses all have this system, which is why they’re all able to benefit from the effects of CBD.
Uses of CBD Oil
Here’s a list of many of the uses of CBD. You may have heard of others since the list seems to grow every day.
Epilepsy – may help decrease the frequency of seizures without the harmful effects of many epilepsy meds.
Cancer – studies are showing that it slows the growth of tumor cells and helps the immune system fight them off.
Anxiety – may affect areas of the brain that decrease anxiety.
Pain – can help decrease inflammation and help the body help itself by enacting the natural pain relief substances already there.
Inflammation – decreases the body’s reaction to inflammation by inhibiting the substances that cause it.
Nervous system – protects brain and cells from toxic substances with strong antioxidant properties.
Appetite – can help resolve nausea and therefore increase appetite.
Heart – because it decreases inflammation, it decreases damage to the blood vessels. Plus, its antianxiety effects decrease stress.
Take a look at this post from DogsNaturally Magazine for more using CBD.
Where can you get it?
CBD isn’t regulated, so quality and results vary quite a bit. You can get the most for your money by doing these things;
- Do your research. Does the product you’re considering have any lab analysis for quality and content?
- Ensure that the product is organic and free of extras.
- Don’t just go by lower price since stronger concentration usually means higher cost.
- Check for level of THC. To be legal, that level needs to be below a certain level as set by the state you’re in. You can purchase CBD as THC free, but you have to watch for it.
- Buy as a tincture rather than mixed in treats, etc. You can control the dose more accurately and adjust as needed.
Why you might want to use CBD Oil for your dogs
Research is getting more widespread. Plus, people are using CBD products more, so they have more anecdotal evidence to discuss. These two factors are helping to make use of these products more attractive. The potential benefits are numerous, as I listed above. And the risks are fairly small.
Overdose is the most likely risk, although it’s not frequent. You’ll want to start at lower doses and work up so you don’t give more than your dog needs. That way, you can make sure you get the relief you’re hoping for without overdosing or wasting your money.
We use CBD Oil for our dogs and are really liking the results so far. Two of our dogs have physical issues (Quinn has juvenile arthritis and Lincoln has hip dysplasia). In the months we’ve been giving them CBD, their activity levels have increased and they seem to be having a lot less pain.
Read my posts, How do you know if your dog is in pain and How to help your anxious dog, for some ways to use CBD Oil. For updates about our CBD journey, please read my latest post.
Have you tried CBD products for your dogs? Tell me about it in the comments below.
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