Greencamp explains how CBD for dogs can help for family's best friend.
Cannabidiol or CBD is on the rise for pets alongside the legalization of medical marijuana in many states throughout the U.S. Greencamp, a medical cannabis blog, has poured hours of research into the natural pain relief industry to offer some clarity to pet owners.
CBD's anti-inflammatory, calming, and pain relief properties have proven effective in helping pets with:
- Cancer
- Skin allergies
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Anxiety, including fears and phobias and separation anxiety
- Aggression
- Anti-nausea
- Appetite stimulant
- Glaucoma
- Seizures
- Chronic pain
Helena Miles, Content Manager for Greencamp, answered some of our questions pertaining to CBD use for pets. Miles recently penned a post that poses as a "practical guide for dog parents in need."
Miles' article included this infographic tutorial breaking down dosing and the physiological influence CBD has inside your dog's body. Here's how CBD works for dogs:
Greencamp doesn't sell anything, nor is the website backed by annoying pop-up ads. Instead, it's fueled by dedicated hemp product supporters who have done their fair share of digging through cyberspace to present information on CBD in an effort to educate the general public. Diving into the pet world is a recent endeavor which they hope to continue expanding upon.
When it comes to CBD oil for pets, many guardians are confused as to the legality. Miles told Wide Open Pets:
"CBD for pets is not approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) but is completely legal to purchase and consume, as it's usually derived from industrial hemp which is legal around the world."
In fact, many pure CBD products are marketed as hemp oil derivations to clear the muddied water surrounding recreational marijuana.
Miles said:
"There are many reputable CBD companies that deliver high quality products to people's doorstep, including a few companies who specialize in pet CBD products."
Recreational marijuana has a fair amount of mind-altering THC which results in a "high." Miles warned about giving pets human-grade pot. She told us:
"Pets should not be given cannabis products that contain THC, as THC is toxic to pets and it may produce an increased heart rate, respiratory depression, abnormal behavior and, in extreme cases, even death."
As evidenced with the above Greencamp infographic, dogs can process cannabinoids due to the presence of respective neural receptors—much like mammalian brains have nicotine receptors. However, THC poses a threat to canine health. Miles explained:
"Even though all mammals have an endocannabinoid system that interacts with the compounds from cannabis, the problem lies in the way THC affects our pets' neurological system. Just to be safe, stick to CBD products extracted from hemp and all should be fine."
Additionally, it is recommended that CBD products for pets are purchased directly through a veterinarian to ensure reputability, as percentage CBD can be inaccurate through online distributors or have hidden amounts of THC.
Weight loss and loss of appetite and are a common side effect of many illnesses and medical conditions. My doxie has heart disease and I just started CBD oil to increase is appetite. I'm hopeful. CBD oil is also supposed to be a wonderful alternative to traditional drugs and can act as an anti-anxiety medication.
There are so many health benefits! We're hoping our senior dog gets the munchies enough to gain body weight over the next few weeks. Can CBD help?
My blood pressure rises when I think about all the food I've tried with my senior and it's devastating watching him not eat anything some days. His immune system needs a real boost and only food can help! I'm relying on the effects of CBD this week to help his overall well-being. Based on everything we know about the benefits of CBD we should see a big difference in the coming days and his lack of appetite should completely disappear!
Has you dog ever benefited from CBD? Tell us about it in the comments below.
WATCH NOW: Pets Lead to Good Health
