Should You Give Full Spectrum CBD Oils to Your Dogs?
It may shock you to know that recent studies show 20% of canines exhibit signs they are in pain. This pain is more prevalent in dogs who are overweight and older.
Pets are often seen as children. Watching them struggle with chronic pain is both difficult and heartbreaking.
Fret not!
There are some exciting new treatments from the cannabis plant that may help ease your pets pain.
We’re talking about full spectrum CBD oils.
Full spectrum CBD oils will include CBD and trace amounts of THC, no more than .03%. It’s because of this many experts say full spectrum products are more effective.
They provide a wide variety of benefits and treat a range of issues common among our furry friends.
Read on to learn more about giving full spectrum products to your canine companions.
CBD, THC, Hemp ... What's What?
We get it.
It’s a veritable alphabet soup out there when it comes to cannabis products. So what’s what in the world of marijuana acronyms when it comes to making the best choice for your furry friend?
CBD, THC, and Hemp are all one-in-the-same.
The plant as a whole, is cannabis. It’s made up of many different compounds.
One of them is CBD. It’s a non-psychoactive compound, which has vast medicinal applications for humans, and non-humans.
Full spectrum products contain both Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Two of many compounds in the cannabis plant. When these compounds work together they produce what’s known as ‘the entourage effect.’
Meaning they work synergistically; better together than when isolated.
THC is the psychoactive compound of the plant. The part that produces euphoria, or ‘gets you high.’ Isolates are products that separate the THC and CBD. In an attempt to avoid any psychoactive effects, and adhere to local guidelines.
‘Hemp’ is the word often used to describe the non-drug functionality of the plant. Such as hemp fiber, hemp oil, and hemp paper. Hemp products will contain no more than .3% of THC by dry weight.
Who Benefits From CBD?
All creatures, vertebrates and invertebrates, have a built-in endocannabinoid system (ECS). This means all critters are equipped to process and produce their own cannabinoids.
Research is still coming in hot around how exactly this system works. Here’s what we know so far:
Every single creature has an ECS. Receptors in this system play a role in several essential biological processes including:
- neuronal plasticity
- anxiety
- inflammation
- neuro-inflammation
- pain management
- immune function
- metabolic regulation
- bone growth
Experts think the main function of this system is to help keep bodies in balance.
If an animal isn’t producing enough cannabinoids to keep that balance, a high-quality full spectrum CBD product may be just what the doctor, or veterinarian, ordered.
What Is It Good For?
We’ve talked a bit about what CBD is and who it’s good for, but you still have questions on the specific issues it can treat.
Fear not! We’re here to fill you in on some of the most common applications of this wonder substance.
Pain Management
CBD is great for helping your dog manage pain and decrease inflammation.
Whether that’s arthritic pain, tummy pain, or an injury, CBD oils are said to help manage it, if not eliminate it.
Anxiety
Is your pup a bit high-strung? Perhaps they deal with some separation anxiety? Or sensitive to noise.
Full spectrum CBD can help!
Skin Conditions
Does your pup suffer from doggy psoriasis, itchy skin, or other skin problems?
A daily dose of CBD may help alleviate or eliminate these issues.
Neurological Benefits
There are promising studies that show full spectrum CBD can help manage epileptic seizures in dogs.
Full Spectrum CBD Oils vs. Isolate
Now that you’re up to speed with some of the benefits of using CBD for your pup, let’s dive deeper.
Should I give my companion something full spectrum or an isolate? Is there a big difference? Which one is better?
Opinions differ on this, both in the world of science and the world of veterinarians. Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer.
A 2015 study done at the Lautenberg Center for General Tumor Immunology in Jerusalem, compared treatments with full spectrum CBD vs. the use of a CBD isolate.
The study, which used mice, found that mice treated with the full spectrum product seemed to have better health indicators than those treated with the isolate.
Scientists think that the ‘entourage effect’ has something to do with this outcome. Some veterinarians think that this effect is meaningful in dogs, others do not.
It’s important to talk with your care provider to figure out the best product for your pooch.
A provider who markets themselves as ‘natural’ or ‘holistic,’ may have a better understanding of CBD. They can point you in the right direction for your canines’ particular issues and weight class.
Things to Keep in Mind
Just like with your human family members, your pets’ medical needs will be unique. It’s important to keep a few things in mind when deciding if full spectrum CBD oil is right for your pup.
1. What Is the Potency?
Not all medicines are created equal and while cannabis is an old plant these are new medicines.
Some good questions to ask yourself are: Is the product organic? How is it processed? What’s the THC level?
Put a little time into researching the company you are thinking about buying from. Make sure they test their products through independent scientists and/or labs.
2. What Is Your Dog's Size and Weight?
Many companies have handy dosing guidelines on their websites. Make sure you discuss all alternative treatments with your primary vet first.
3. What Is the Ailment You Are Treating?
As we’ve illustrated, CBD is great for a wide variety of issues that may plague your furry friend.
Double check with your vet before administering any new medicines, especially if you are using any other prescriptions for the issue.
Take the Plunge
Now that you’re fully versed on the in’s and out’s of full spectrum CBD for your furry friends the fun can begin.
Today there are plenty of reputable sources to buy high-quality products from.
Investing in your pup’s health is easy. By supplementing a healthy diet and lifestyle with full spectrum CBD oils, you’ve got the recipe for a happy, healthy pooch.
