Because dogs deserve to feel their best too...
We have gone over what seems like hundreds of facts about CBD and its effects on humans. I was finally starting to feel like we had cracked the surface of CBD and all its amazing properties; and then I was hit with a realization: we have gone into so much detail about the how, why and what of CBD in terms of humans, but what about the dogs? I know we have briefly discussed the topic a time or two, but I feel that the doggos deserve a bit more than that. Let’s do right by them and learn all about how CBD can help to improve their lives and, in turn, improve ours.
Endocannabinoid System in Dogs
The specifics of the science behind CBD’s effect on humans has been discussed quite a few times on this blog. To summarize, CBD and other phytocannabinoids target the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body. If the endocannabinoid system isn’t working correctly, CBD gives it a nudge to do so. The ECS is responsible for regulating functions such as sleep, stress, appetite, mood, inflammatory responses, pain, motor control, memory, etc., and is present in every body regardless of whether or not a person (or pet) uses CBD.
Endocannabinoids are basically the body’s naturally-produced version of cannabinoids. As it turns out, dog’s brains actually have more ECS receptors than humans do, making them more susceptible to the effects of CBD. This means that CBD quality and dosage are even more important factors when it comes to your pets. It also means that your fur babies stand to benefit greatly from CBD. So… how can CBD help your fluffy friend(s)?
Mood Stabilization
As always, I have to mention the impressive amount of mood stabilization that CBD offers. As I said earlier, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is home to the serotonin (5HT) receptor, which is deemed the mood stabilization hormone. CBD’s interaction with this receptor can offer your dog relief from stress, anxiety, unnecessary aggression, depression, etc. CBD will have your four-legged friend feeling hormonally balanced and ready to get back to their usual self--whether that be playful, calm, sweet, or energetic.
Effects of Aging
As a dog’s age climbs, their brain and bodily functions typically decline in efficiency. CBD helps support cognitive brain responses by encouraging the ECS to maintain the stability of chemicals/hormones in the brain. And while on the topic of brain function, CBD is also known to calm seizures and/or epilepsy. Seizures are caused by erratic activity in the brain that spread and cause uncontrollable movements, so it is no surprise that CBD calms these through its effects on nerve cells in the brain.
Not only does CBD aid in improving brain functions as old age attempts to deteriorate them, but it can also help ease physical ailments that come with age. CBD can help in the natural process of aging through its interaction with the ECS. If your dog experiences arthritis, achy joints or is simply moving a little slower these days, CBD and the ECS can help by offering relief of pain and inflammation while improving the overall health of joints and bones. With the introduction of CBD, your old doggo will be feeling good as new.
Keep Cancer at Bay
CBD helps animals with cancer and cancer symptoms in the same way that it helps humans. Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system may play a huge role in tumor generation and progressions and that CBD can slow tumor growth, tumor invasion and induce tumor cell death. Studies are piling up to support this notion and the evidence should not be ignored any longer.
Not only does the ECS and CBD help keep cancer at bay, but it can also help reduce the negative effects of cancer treatment. For example, CBD is thought to ease nausea, improve appetite, and regulate metabolic processes that may be affected by radiation treatment. CBD is also helpful in terms of pain reduction, inflammation and overall mood. Day-to-day life can be rocked by cancer and all that comes along with it; not just for humans, but for dogs and their families too. It is our hope that CBD can help maintain some semblance of normalcy throughout recovery.
As always…
We want to suggest that you only supply your furry friends with the best CBD there is to offer. Always check for a Certificate of Analysis on the product page of the website to confirm that the CBD product has been third-party tested and that the label displays accurate information. Start off with a low dosage and journal to keep track of results. Once you find the perfect CBD routine, both your life and your pups life will improve drastically. We can’t wait for your fur babies to try.
