Are you wondering about CBD oil for dogs? If you think about it, if CBD is so beneficial to the human body and has so many healing elements, surely it could do the same for your dog.
So let’s delve into the basics of CBD and specifically how it works for your furry best friend. CBD for dogs: Breaking down how CBD works
Firstly I should mention, CBD used in human CBD products is in fact the same CBD that is used in CBD oil for dogs South Africa. It comes from the same plant and is extracted in the same way. If you are a beginner, I am sure you want to know what CBD is. CBD is a chemical compound referred to as a ‘cannabinoid’ found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. The CBD is extracted in various different methods and turned into your different forms of CBD which are vastly found in the marketplace e.g. CBD oil CBD is far more complex than other chemicals which are taken in and then exit the body- here is why.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
In the 90’s, scientists discovered that every human and animal ie dogs with a spinal column has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) inside their bodies. This system is responsible for regulating and processing systems that the body goes through as well as the way in which the body reacts to these processes. To name a few; pain, memory, appetite, hormonal balancing, our immune system and sleep among many things. Humans and animals have hundreds of receptors throughout the body. These aid our body’s functioning to become activated. Two receptors that work specifically with our ECS and CBD are our CB1 and CB2 receptors which are referred to as our ‘cannabinoid receptors’. These receptors are found throughout the body including our brain, skin, immune cells, fat, bone, nerves and gastrointestinal tract. Our CB1 receptor is connected to our brain and central nervous system, whereas our CB2 receptor is found in many places of the body including our immune system. When you give your dog CBD or CBD oil, these receptors along with the CBD work together to alert the ECS and therefore allows it to work wherever it is needed.
Why should you use CBD for dogs?
The way in which CBD benefits humans, knowing that we share an Endocannabinoid system, benefits dogs in the same way. CBD for dogs has proven to help with sleeping, pain and inflammation, nausea, stimulation of appetite, controlling mood such as anxiety, aggression or overall fearfulness. What CBD oil is believed to aid dogs with:
- Controlling diabetes in dogs by reducing insulin levels.
- Controlling fits, seizures or tremors in dog sufferers.
- Decreasing inflammation of the pancreas.
- Easing arthritis as it works as an anti-inflammatory to decrease pain.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) as well as the symptoms that go along with IBS including vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Managing anxiety or other mood irregularities.
How to dispense CBD oil to my dog?
Although as mentioned, the CBD oil that humans consume is the same as that for your dog- it cannot be dosed the same way. There are still some things you need to consider when administering you’re CBD oil for dogs South Africa. Consider what you are using the CBD oil to treat- how severe are your dog’s symptoms?
Example, if your dog is suffering from nausea or vomiting, administering small doses three times a day would most probably work best. If your dog however is suffering from old-age and you intend to use oil or CBD to help him/her sleep, administering a stronger does before bedtime would be preferable. Other things to factor in are your dog’s weight and height- this will also impact how much CBD to give them. An alternative is to apply CBD oil as a topical directly onto your dog’s skin, which will then absorb through the skin into the bloodstream. This can also help ease any skin irritations or allergies.
How much CBD oil should I give my dog?
The same way in which human dosages differ, as do that of dogs.
Here are some simple guidelines to follow when determining how much CBD oil to give your dog.
- Always start with a small dose and you can increase slowly.
- Consider that different dogs have different metabolism rates which is why again it is important to start with a smaller dose.
- Depending on your dog’s ailment or symptoms, a larger dose may be required.
- The same concept applies to humans, CBD may react differently with different medications that your dog may be on so check with your veterinarian should they be taking any other medications.
Stay away from THC!
Although most humans can handle the side effects of THC, dogs do not react so well when administered THC as it seems to be very overwhelming for them. Always check your CBD products and either go for a Broad Spectrum or a CBD Isolate which contains zero THC – CBD Oil For Pets
Reference – CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know