Over the last few years, cannabidiol (CBD) oil has gained popularity among pet owners. Found in hemp and cannabis plants, this compound has been hailed for its efficacy in treating health conditions in both human beings and pets. In human beings, studies show that CBD oil offers a wide range of health benefits. Humans derive these benefits because they have an endocannabinoid system that supports CBD absorption by the body.
All animals that have a spinal column have an endocannabinoid system—and pet dogs are not an exception. As such, CBD oil for dogs has been found to work in canines in the same way it does in humans. They have receptors known as CB1 and CB2, which enable them to absorb CBD for dogs for improved health and wellbeing.
Before you put your pet dog on CBD oil, it is important that you understand how this product works in their bodies. Below are several ways that CBD oil will work inside your pet dog’s body:
1. CBD Oil Supports Nervous System Health
CBD oil for dogs works in your pet’s brain to protect or slow down the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The nervous system is critical to the health of your pet dog and CBD oil for dogs helps with degenerative myelopathy and other nerve issues. The oil has antioxidative properties that serve as neuroprotective agents that are instrumental in protecting the central nervous system and the brain from neurotoxicity.
For dogs that are advanced in age, CBD for dogs protects brain cells from dying as a result of toxins and free radicals. CBD oil also protects dogs from neuronal injury without causing side effects or toxicity, whether it is administered in large doses or chronically.
2. Dogs Do Not Get High On CBD Oil
Though CBD is derived from the hemp and cannabis plant, it is not psychoactive and your pet dog will not get high for taking it. Cannabis contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but hemp has significantly low THC levels. THC is a psychoactive compound that is associated with the “high” feeling cannabis users get.
CBD oil is basically extracted from the hemp plant, which contains low levels of THC—below 0.3%. This means that a lot of CBD oil products for dogs in the market just contain CBD—they do not have THC. As such, your furry friend will not be intoxicated if you give it CBD oil for dogs.
3. CBD Oil Supports Heart Health
Once in your pet dog’s body, CBD oil can support its heart health in different ways. The oil can reduce damages resulting from irregular heartbeat and blood vessel injury in your pet dog. Giving your pet dog CBD oil can also dilate arteries, reducing blood pressure and improving their heart rate when the dog experiences anxiety or stress.
4. CBD Oil Helps With Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common conditions that pet dogs suffer from. Triggered by factors such as car rides, vet trips, separation, and fireworks, anxiety is uncomfortable and makes it difficult for dogs to stay calm and relaxed. CBD oil for dogs can help reduce anxiety in your furry friend, helping it relax and stay calm.
CBD oil does this by exerting actions in your dog’s brain similar to an antidepressant prescription called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This enhances your dog’s nerve impulse signals, which, in turn, lowers anxiety. CBD oil for dogs is especially effective in treating canine separation anxiety disorder. If you have a pet dog that suffers from noise phobia, depression or social interaction anxiety, a daily dose of CBD oil for dogs can provide long-term relief for it.
5. CBD Oil Helps With Pain Relief
If your dog has an illness that causes it pain and your veterinarian recommends CBD oil, he has a good point. CBD oil for dogs has anti-inflammatory properties that help with pain relief in pets.
Most dogs develop varying ailments that cause them excruciating pain as they age. Some diseases that are associated with pain include arthritis, chronic neuropathy, dysplasia, and joint inflammation. If your pet dog is in pain, giving it a regular dose of CBD oil for dogs can help ease their pain and enable it to live a better, comfortable life.
Wrapping Up
CBD oil for dogs can be a game changer for your pet if you choose to put it on a daily dose. In addition to the five things discussed above, the oil can improve your dog’s appetite and if it suffers from nausea, CBD oil for dogs can reduce it. As you administer the product to your pet dog, look out for common side effects such as vomiting, dry mouth, mood and appetite changes, as well as drowsiness.