Although it's still controversial; a growing number of pet parents have discovered the benefits of CBD. Keep in mind that while CBD has numerous benefits (some of which have been back by scientific studies); you should never administer CBD to your pets without a proper diagnosis by a veterinarian or medical professional.
CBD stands for cannabinoid. Cannabinoid derives from the cannabis plant (otherwise known as marijuana); however, it isn't the same as the psychoactive derivative know as the chemical compound THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD isn't a psychoactive drug and it will not get your dog high. CBD and THC are both derived from the cannabis plant; however, they aren't the same thing. They're actually quite different!
THC is the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant - it's what gives people the effect of feeling high.
CBD is not psychoactive. CBD has many healing properties without the negative side effects of feeling high or stoned.
Contrary to what some CBD Companies would have your believe, CBD is not legal in all 50 states. At this time, CBD is legal in 44 states; but laws are consistently changing, so check your local laws before purchasing CBD.
The best way to determine if CBD is legal where you live is to look up CBD laws in your state or to call your local law professional. Some states have laws specific to CBD and others don't at this time. It's also important to have an understanding of the DEA's views on CBD for dogs versus for humans; especially since this can be different than local and/or state regulations.
Currently in Texas, CBD is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC (this would be considered a full-spectrum CBD). If you are pulled over by police with CBD in your vehicle, they're allowed to confiscate your CBD for testing to ensure that it's within the legal limit. Make sure you purchase CBD that is lab tested and made in the 🇺🇸 USA.
EPILEPSY AND SEIZURES: It is estimated that 1 in 5 dogs will suffer from either idiopathic or symptomatic seizures. CBD can help reduce seizure activity in dogs with seizures disorders and/or epilepsy. (See Colorado State University Study). If your dog has a seizure; check with your veterinarian before starting CBD to ensure that your dog doesn't have something else medically wrong beside a seizure disorder or epilepsy.
TUMORS: Cancerous tumors can be reduced in size or killed off completely with the use of CBD; multiple studies have demonstrated the potential anti-tumor effects of CBD. While this needs to be researched more in canines; there is a lot of anecdotal evidence from pet parents. Here is an example of a dog that had aggressive cancer. However, even if CBD doesn't cure cancer, it can help your dog with the side effects of cancer (nausea, loss of appetite and more).
CHRONIC PAIN: CBD can be used to control chronic pain resulting from illness and/or injury. Some veterinarians have started suggesting CBD as a pain reliever; especially for dogs that may not be able to take traditional pain medications. For example, canines with heart rhythms abnormalities are unable to take traditional pain relief medications. CBD has been shown to provide pain relief without the cardiovascular side effects of narcotics.
ARTHRITIC PAIN: In clinical trials, CBD has been shown to provide significant impact on pain caused by severe arthritis. The reason this is important is because arthritic pain doesn't always respond to traditional pain management medications. CBD effects arthritic pain directly by reducing inflammation. Statistically, dogs with severe arthritis are generally senior dogs; therefore, the use of traditional medication may be contraindicated due to cardiac weakness. CBD can be safer for at-risk populations as it doesn't have the same type of cardiac effect.
ANXIETY: CBD can be used to medicate anxiety in dogs; with some hints that it can aid depression. The calming effect of CBD are thought to be the result of the cannabidiol acting on serration receptors in the brain, and CBD helping the hippocampus regenerate neurons.
JOINT PAIN: Arthritis aside, CBD can be used to treat joint pain in our pets caused by strains, sprains and tears. Once again, CBD works to medicate pain without the negative side effects of narcotic medications.
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS): CBD may be used to treat dogs with IBS. Because CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it can be helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with IBS; which can lead to reduced pain.
GLAUCOMA: Dogs with glaucoma have been successfully treated with CBD; this is actually one of the most well known benefits of the cannabis plant. Consistent ingestion of CBD has shown the reduction of pressure in the eye of glaucoma patients. Note that the reduction of pressure may not be permanent, but it can provide temporary relief.
CANCER: Studies have suggested that CBD slow down or even stop the growth of cancer cells. This is the result of CBD blocking cancer cell production, prohibiting cell growth, and helping to boost the immune system. Veterinarians have been researching this potential benefit and how to use CBD in dogs with various cancers.
ANOREXIA: Whether caused by an illness or treatment of an illness; anorexia is dogs is a real issue, particularly senior dogs. CBD can help stimulate appetite by increasing sensitivity to smell and taste for dogs; making eating a more rewarding experience.
BONE HEALTH: CBD can be beneficial to dogs with serious bone breaks or sever osteoporosis. CBD can stimulate new bone growth; as well as, strengthen bones that have been damaged by osteoporosis. The anti-inflammatory and pain killing properties here also help in your dog's recovery process.
NAUSEA: Many chronic health conditions and heavy duty drugs come with nausea as a side effect. This is unpleasant, but it can also lead to more detrimental health problems like severe weight loss or weakened immune systems. CBD can be used to deter nausea and help stimulate appetite.
BRAIN HEALTH: CBD is a powerful neuro-protectant - meaning it serves to protect dog's nerve cells from different types of damage, degeneration, and impairment of function. Whether administering following a neurological event or as an ongoing for dogs with a high likelihood of a neurological event; CBD has been shown to protect the brain from damage and reduce the likelihood of a neurological event.
DIABETES: When used correctly in diabetic dogs or dogs with trouble regulating their blood sugar levels; CBD can have multiple benefits. With type 1, CBD can regulate the immune system to reduce damage to the pancreas which results in the worsening of the diabetic symptoms. In type 2 diabetes, CBD can improve sensitivity to insulin.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: CBD can help regulate an overactive immune system and reduce the damage on the natural functions and structures of the body.
INFECTIONS: Different types of bacterial growth can be slowed by CBD. For dogs with chronic and born bacterial infections that are unresponsive to traditional treatments; CBD can work to slow or eliminate growth of the bacteria.
POST SURGERICAL HEALING: The reduction of inflammation, pain relief, and bone support CBD provides makes it ideal for speeding up the process of healing following surgery; particularly after orthopedic surgeries.
MUSCLE SPASMS: Muscle spasms in dogs can result from allergies, injury, neurological damage, physical injury, or a reaction to medication. Most of these localized spasms can be helped with CBD. In addition to treating muscle spasms, can work to treat conditions that cause muscles to tighten up; such as muscle hypertonicity, meningitis, myositis, myasthenia gravis.
SLEEP DISORDERS: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (dementia) in dogs often results in confusion between day and night (sundowners syndrome); interrupting sleep patterns. CBD can help to establish sleep patterns by inducing drowsiness.
BLOOD FLOW: There're numerous causes of poor blood flow in dogs; however, CBD has been shown to improve circulation and reduce complications associated with poor blood flow.
PSORIASIS: Although rare, dog can suffer from psoriasis; and CBD can help treat this disorder. Like other conditions that result from inflammation and an immune response, psoriasis can be treated by the potent anti-inflammatory and immune regulating properties of CBD.
ANTIOXIDENT: CBD is a powerful antioxidant. Like other antioxidants, CBD reduces cell damage that results from free radicals. Which makes CBD for dogs a great source of relief, especially for dog with severe allergies, skin conditions, and dogs with age related deterioration.
ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE: In addition to preventing tumor growth; CBD can play a part in preventing the migration of tumor cells and the adhesion of tumor cells to tissue and organs in the dog's body. This makes CBD a powerful treatment in modulating the metastasis of cancerous cells.
Statements regarding CBD haven't been evaluated by the US Food & Drug Administration; and aren't intended to cure, mitigate, diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Any information contained in or made available through marketing material is not intended to provide or be the substitute for veterinary, medical or legal advice. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or possible complications before using any CBD products.