Dog owners may get stressed out when their canine friend is sick; some will spend a lot of time researching and seeking a solution for their dog.
Recently, Cannabidiol (CBD) has been the stand out medicine for pets around the globe. Many dog owners have recently started to use CBD pills for their pets because of their potential health benefits.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol found in hemp is a non-psychoactive compound which most people refer to as CBD. It is among those naturally occurring cannabinoids substances found in Cannabis.
Before we discuss the benefits of CBD pills for dogs, let’s get some background on it, started with some basic facts.
There are several species of the Cannabis plant, but hemp is the plant that is usually used to extract CBD. Your dog can’t get high on CBD as it has no psychoactive effects, unlike its well-know cousin Tetrahydrocannabid (THC). THC can be found in certain CBD products, but if present is at such small concentrations, it is unlikely to cause any problems.
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How CBD was discovered
Cannabis has been used as a health supplement for a long time. The first recorded use was in 2727 BC. It was used by Emperor Sheng Neng of China to help him with different health issues like malaria, gout, and poor memory; he was usually served Cannabis-based tea.
In 1940, chemist Roger Adams successfully extracted CBD from a strain of Cannabis. After this extraction, research started on what exactly CBD may do.
In 1960, the Israeli organic chemist Raphael Mechoulam officially proved that CBD is a non-psychoactive part of Cannabis.
Today, there are several companies dedicated to manufacturing CBD for beneficial use, not just for humans, but for pets as well.
Is CBD legal?
Many dog owners know the health benefits of CBD, but they may be rather skeptical about CBD legality because they know it’s been derived from the Cannabis plant. If your veterinarian recommends CBD for your furry friend, don’t worry. CBD products are legal if derived from industrial hemp.
The United States has recently made progressive changes in its Cannabis laws. Many states have legalized all Cannabis for medical use, while 11 have legalized it for all uses. Of course, that is just referring to Cannabis in general. Hemp products (like CBD pills) have been legalized federally, meaning that it is available in all 50 states.
How it works
There are two main receptors that are produced in the body and interact with the compounds in Cannabis, and they are CB1 and CB2. CBD affects the body by interacting with these receptors. CB1 is located mainly in the brain. The receptors are responsible for coordination, pain, memories, appetite, and other functions. As CB2, they are usually found in the immune system. They tend to affect inflammation and pain. This is the same for people and dogs.
Those CB1 and CB2 receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system. It is found in most mammals, including furry friends. This is why CBD pills work in people and dogs.
What is the right amount to give your dog?
Dog owners should know that there are many factors that will determine the amount of CBD that will be therapeutic. They should also know that there aren’t any serious side effects associated with dogs and CBD.
There are specific kinds of CBD pills made, especially for dogs. These usually have high-quality ingredients and recommended dosages, which may improve your dog’s health.
It is easy to know when we have to pull back on something we are taking. It’s harder to say that for our pets. Because of this, it is essential that while giving your dog CBD pills, you start with the smallest possible amount. By starting low and then slowly increasing dosages, you will find the right dose that will improve your dog’s health.
We humans are all different, so are our dogs. That is why every dog owner that wants to use CBD use begins with a small amount and should monitor any changes and adjust from there. Most products have a description of how to use and the dosage, but that your dog may require a different dosage.
Keep CBD away from your dog
Like most supplements we use at home, the manufacturer always advises keeping this product away from children. The same also applies to CBD pills and other related products, and you have to keep them so your canine friend won’t eat more than they should.
It is advisable to separate regular treats and food from CBD. Even if CBD pill for dogs does not contain THC, dog owners should be careful where they place this supplement after use. Too much of a good thing may be a bad thing. It is important that you store the pills in a place they won’t get confused for treats or food.
Does it take effect immediately?
After the dog has taken the pill, we all want to know when it will start to affect your pup. Well, it depends. When you want to reduce anxiety in your dog, you will notice the effect in the space of 5 to 30 minutes. For effects on joint health and flexibility, full benefits might take a couple of days, maybe even weeks. Sometimes it depends on the dosage amount giving to the dog as well as the severity of the condition your pet is experiencing.
How to find the right CBD Pill for Dog
Before you start giving CBD pills to your dog, always consult your veterinarian for advice, brands, and dosage. Cannabis-related products for pets are generally unregulated, so most dog owners should be careful and keep an eye on the ingredients of the CBD pills.
Any dog owner that wants to purchase these CBD pills should be sure to check for the following:
- The company should follow good and transparent manufacturing practices
- When shopping online, check the reviews on these products, see what other pet owners have to say about it
- The company should be able to provide COA (Certificate of Analysis) through a QR code on the label
- The lab information should be showing some vital information like the amount of CBD (and THC) each pill contains.
- The company should have third-party testing for verification of ingredients.
With these, you are ensuring that the product is made in a clean, healthy environment and made with safe ingredients.
Bottom line
Recently we have started to see the importance of CBD in our daily life and how it may improve our pets’ health. It may be effective for dogs, and many veterinarians recommend these pills for dog owners.
All dogs need attention and care, and every pet owner wants to do their best for their dogs. CBD could be a way to do that.
