Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis, as described by Harvard health publishing. Unlike other components of the plant, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means there are multiple therapeutic benefits you can enjoy without getting "stoned" in various forms: oils, creams or lotions, capsules or pills, edibles, and vapes. But this blog is dedicated to our little fur buddies. If you are someone who wants to explore the world of CBD for your pet, here is a starter guide about the benefits of CBD and how your pet can consume it.

Although the research on CBD for dogs isn’t as extensive, there are various established facets of health that CBD helps with. The most seen one is canine osteoarthritis which is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility resulting in the dog to become lethargic and irritable. According to an article by Forbes, researchers estimate that it affects at least 20% of all dogs older than 1 year old, with higher risk for older dogs. Studies have shown that when given in appropriate amounts, CBD can relieve pain substantially as compared to other medications like placebo oil.

CBD also helps with other health conditions in dogs such as anxiety and seizures, which can be caused by a variety of reasons. Dogs undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer treatments are also known to benefit from CBD.

While CBD has many health benefits and curing properties, there are some things you must keep in consideration while purchasing it:

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CBD vs THC:

It should not be confused with THC, which is another ingredient of the cannabis plant, and it contains high levels of psychoactive properties that can cause serious problems for your pet. The effects can be long-lasting, depending on the amount of consumption, and in such conditions your pet might not be able to eat or play.

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QUALITY IS KEY:

If you find yourself questioning the price of the product, it is important to remember that the quality of the product you give to your pet matters immensely. Good quality products have information written on the packaging that mentions how much CBD and THC concentrate is in the bottle or container, which should be a guide for you to purchase the one that contains no THC and only CBD. Cheaper products could include additives or preservatives that might not be too good for your pet.  Also, it is always better to check out reviews of the store and the product beforehand as well.

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DOSAGE MATTERS:

Studies on using CBD for dogs with arthritis or seizures generally use a dose between 2-8 mg/kg, with most papers erring on the lower side of that estimate (roughly 1-2 milligrams per pound of body weight), twice daily.

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Dogs are our ride or die companions, the most loyal and loving little buddies. Finding that one right product for them can involve some extra work, but they deserve all the good things and a better quality of life in general, don’t they?

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Sources:

Osteoarthritis. Retrieved fromwww.forbes.com:https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilyearlenbaugh/2020/07/01/cbd-for-dogs-new-research-backs-canine-cannabis-use-for-osteoarthritis/?sh=483d275b40ac

Gamble, L. J.,Boesch, J. M., Frye, C. W., Schwark, W. S., Mann, S., Wolfe, L., . . .Wakshlag, J. J. (2018, Jul 23). Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and ClinicalEfficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Retrieved frompubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30083539/

Grinspoon, P.(2021, September 24). Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don't.Retrieved from www.health.harvard.edu:https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

Miller, M. E.(2017, April 21). CBD for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know. Retrievedfrom www.petmd.com:https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/cannabis-oil-dogs-everything-you-need-know

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