Cannabinoids, also known as CBD, is one of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not possess psychoactive properties. Cannabinoid pharmacology was first discovered in 1940 and has since made remarkable changes in medicine. CBD being healthy and legal has allowed extensive scientific research to exploit its potential.
CBD products have, for a long time, benefited humans by easing the symptoms of an array of health conditions. The compound works well for dogs too.
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
The body contains cannabinoid-like molecules produced by the endocannabinoid system. CBD from cannabis activates the endocannabinoid system. CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptor type 1 found in the central nervous system, the brain, heart, and glands.
It also interacts with cannabinoid- receptor type 2 located in the cells of the immune system and peripheral tissues. The receptors are pathways for inflammatory, anxiety, and pain responses. CBD interacts with the two receptors and regulates the transmission of the signals to the brain.
Benefits of CBD for dogs
Dogs too have the endocannabinoid system. CBD products can help dogs with health problems. Here are the benefits of CBD for dogs.
Pain Relief
Conditions such as osteoarthritis cause pain in dogs. Using CBD helps in the management of pain and increase the comfort of dogs living with conditions such as arthritis. The endocannabinoid system’s role is to regulate the immune response in mammals, which includes dogs. CBD oil administered to your dog interacts with type 1 and 2 cannabinoid receptors in the dog’s body. It creates a balance by regulating the intensity of the immune response.
In the case of pain, it reduces the reaction resulting in pain relief. A dog’s body has inadequate cannabinoids hence making it difficult to maintain balance. Supplementing the available CBD restores the balance in the endocannabinoid system.
Control of Seizures
CBD is an anticonvulsant. Kidney failure, brain tumor, toxins, and liver disease could cause seizures in dogs. In other cases, dogs inherit the disorder, a condition known as idiopathic epilepsy. CBD reduces the frequency of seizures in dogs. Epilepsy and seizures are a neurological disorder and CBD works by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors found in the central nervous system to maintain balance.
There is no cure for seizures but administering CBD is a natural way to manage the condition, minus any side effects.
CBD for Cancer Treatment in Dogs
CBD oil is an effective and popular treatment option for cancer and its symptoms in dogs. CBD reduces and shrinks tumors and prevents the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body. Tumors in the stomach or legs of dogs result in pain. CBD provides natural pain relief. Cancer may be accompanied by symptoms such as aching joints: CBD effectively manages inflammation.
Other symptoms of cancer include loss of appetite and insomnia. CBD helps maintain a regular eating routine and increases appetite. More so, the therapeutic properties of CBD help in combating insomnia.
Homeostasis
For human beings to survive, internal physical and chemical conditions must be balanced. Environmental changes might offset the balance resulting in illness. CBD is useful in maintaining the overall health of your dog. By stimulating cannabinoid receptors, it promotes immune regulation.
Natural Antiemetic
Several conditions cause nausea and vomiting in dogs. They include cancer, liver disease, intestinal obstruction, and colitis. If not treated, vomiting in dogs could result in a plethora of issues like acid-based disorders, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. CBD is effective in treating nausea and vomiting.
Types of CBD Oils for Dogs
CBD oils are either full-spectrum or isolate. Knowing their components is vital for the selection of the best product for your dog.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoid and terpene compounds of the cannabis plant. The extra ingredients enhance the product and help with an array of conditions: that is promoting bone growth, treating fungal infections among other health benefits.
CBD isolate has no extra ingredients only contains CBD and has no psychoactive and other effects.
There are several ways you can administer CBD oil to your dog. You can put it in porous treats so that your dog ingests it. The method is useful if you are giving small doses. CBD oil is also applied inside a dog’s mouth using a dropper and letting the dog swallow it, or mixing it with food.
Cannabinoid components in the CBD oil interact with the endocannabinoid system of your dog to create balance in its immune system. The result is a wide range of health benefits such as pain relief, management of seizures, and prevention of the growth and spread of tumor cells. CBD has no psychoactive properties or side effects, which makes it the best treatment option for different health conditions.