We’ve put together this quick-read guide covering all the basics of CBD oil for dogs. There is no doubt that CBD oil for dogs is incredibly popular right now. It seems everyone is talking about it. If you’re thinking about using it for your four-legged friend, we cover what every pet parent should know.
Whether it is because dog parents are using CBD oil themselves and want their furry friends to experience its benefits, or whether they are looking for more natural treatment options using CBD oil for dogs is on the minds of many pet parents.
For most of us, giving anything to our dogs comes with questions. Consequently, we want to know exactly what it is, how it works and anything else that ensures a safe and positive experience for our fur babies. CBD is relatively new to the dog world, and at this time veterinarians can not recommend its use. As a result, there is a lot of confusion about this subject.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of over 200 compounds called phytocannabinoids found primarily in the flowers and leaves of the hemp and cannabis plants. One reason for its popularity is that CBD doesn’t have any of the intoxicating or mind-bending effects of its more infamous cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Consequently, it’s also one of the reasons why CBD, is one of the most researched of all the cannabinoids. As a result of the scientific community’s interest, CBD has shown promise as an effective and safe, agent in both humans and animals, for a variety of medical conditions.
Is CBD Legal?
The answer to this is not as easy as one might think, and it really depends on whether the CBD comes from industrial hemp or cannabis. With the introduction of the “Farm Bill”, the federal government removed all restrictions on industrial hemp. Consequently, CBD oils and products made with hemp-derived CBD are federally legal, provided they contain less than 0.3 percent THC. In contrast, CBD oil or products made with a cannabis-derived CBD extract are not federally legal. Although they may be in a few states where medical and recreational cannabis is legal.
Is CBD Oil for Dogs Safe?
With the exception of GM Pharma’s Epidiolex, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD in humans. It is no wonder dog parents are concerned about the safety of using CBD oil for their dogs. Add to that the fact that with any medication or supplement there is always a potential risk of a negative reaction, and it’s only natural to be cautious.
Luckily, the safety profile of CBD is well established for use in both humans as well as animals. Because CBD is neither psychotropic nor intoxicating, you can rest assured that your dog can take full advantage of all the benefits of CBD without feeling “high”.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that you can’t give the same CBD oil you use for yourself to your dog. Importantly, products made for human use often include additives that are not good for your dog. It is these, rather than the CBD that could cause problems. That’s why you should always buy a product that is specifically formulated for dogs.
What Other Compounds Do You Find in CBD Oil for Dogs?
CBD is not the only beneficial compound found in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hemp extracts. In addition to CBD, there is a range of other phytocannabinoids and aromatic compounds called terpenes.
Let’s take a look.
What Are Cannabinoids?
To date, scientists have identified 83 different types of phytocannabinoids. However, most of these are found in such small quantities, that it is difficult to study them. In addition to CBD, there are four other abundant phytocannabinoids under investigation for their beneficial properties.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Next to CBD, THC is probably one of the most well-known of all the phytocannabinoids and responsible for cannabis’ psychotropic effects. THC may have powerful benefits including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotectant, anti-emetic and sedative properties. However, it is best not to give your dog CBD products that contain THC because of the potential psychotropic effects.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Just like CBD, CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that scientists believe to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties. Scientists are researching CBG extensively for its potential ability to promote bone growth in dogs who have experienced trauma or suffering from osteoporosis.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC is also a non-psychotropic cannabinoid. Scientists believe it may have several benefits in both humans and animals. Some of these benefits include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-cancer, and neuro-regenerative properties. CBC has also shown potential for its ability to promote bone growth.
Cannabichromevarin (CBN)
CBN is a mildly psychotropic cannabinoid produced from the degradation of THC. It is believed to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative properties, and anticonvulsant properties. As a result, it is especially useful for dogs suffering from seizure disorders.
What Are Terpenes?
Most plants produce another type of compound known as terpenes. They give flowers, herbs, and plants their distinctive aromas and flavors. Terpenes are also what give plants their many beneficial effects. As a result, they have a long history of use in natural remedies such as aromatherapy, as well as in supplements and cosmetics.
Humulene
It has a herbal, woody aroma and is also found in hops, sage, ginseng, coriander, cloves, basil, and ginger.
Potential Benefits include:
Limonene
It has a lemony aroma and is also found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, rosemary, juniper, and peppermint.
Potential Benefits include:
Pinene
It has a fresh pine aroma and is also found in pine, conifers, rosemary, basil, parsley, and dill.
Potential Benefits include:
- Relieves asthma and other respiratory issues
- Pain relief
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-anxiety
- Protects gastrointestinal tract
Myrcene
It has a peppery, spicy, herbal aroma and is also found in mango, thyme, lemongrass, parsley, hops, and bay leaf.
Potential Benefits include:
- Antiseptic
- Pain Relief
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Muscle relaxant
Linalool
It has a floral, spicy or woody aroma and is also found in lavender, birch bark, some citrus, rosewood, laurels, and coriander
Potential Benefits include:
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-depressant
- Aids sleep
- Relieves pain
- Anti-inflammatory
- Protects against cognitive deficits
Caryophyllene
The only terpene that acts as a cannabinoid and activates the endocannabinoid system. It has a peppery, spicy, woody, clove aroma and is also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
Potential Benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-depressant
- Gastroprotectant
What Is the Entourage Effect?
Scientists are now catching up with herbalists and other types of holistic plant-medicine practitioners. They are realizing that when you use the whole plant, it works better than when you only use single compounds. This phenomenon is called the entourage effect.
The entourage effect centers on the idea that when all the cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant compounds found in the hemp plant are used together, they work together synergistically. In other words, the benefits of the whole-plant are much more powerful than the sum of its parts.
The entourage effect is important to keep in mind when choosing a product for your dog. Many researchers and vets who use cannabinoid medicines in their practice agree that the entourage effect is real and that dogs seem to respond better to CBD oils and products that contain broad-spectrum extracts as opposed to CBD isolates (more on this below).
Types of CBD Oils for Dogs
CBD oils can come in a variety of different forms types and grades. Each has its own set of qualities, benefits, and drawbacks. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between these when choosing a product for your dog.
Full-spectrum CBD Oils
Full-spectrum CBD oils are products containing whole-plant extracts that still have all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids contained in the hemp plant. Full-spectrum products are considered by many to be the most beneficial because of what is known as the entourage effect.
However, when it comes to THC, we don’t recommend that you give THC to your dog as every species will experience different reactions to it. For instance, dogs are highly sensitive to its psychoactive properties, while cats seem to be less susceptible. Our veterinarians who have dispensed thousands of THC-free CBD products find that THC-free CBD works remarkably well on its own. So, with that in mind, we recommend skipping full-spectrum CBD extracts for now.
Broad-spectrum CBD Oils
Broad-spectrum CBD is very similar to full-spectrum in so far as containing all compounds present in the hemp plant, but unlike full-spectrum CBD oils, all THC has been removed. This makes it the preferred choice for dogs as you get the benefit of the entourage effect without the THC – which some dogs may be hypersensitive too.
CBD Oils from Isolate
Because there is a misconception that other cannabinoids are potentially harmful to dogs, some dog owners may prefer using a CBD oil made from isolates. This is because, as the name suggests, these products are stripped of all other cannabinoids, terpenes and plant compounds. They contain only a CBD Isolate that is close to 99.9% pure. Although CBD oils from isolates are safe to use, our veterinarians believe that broad-spectrum CBD oils work better because of the entourage effect.
Hemp Seed Oil
Technically not a CBD oil, hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains no cannabinoids. However, it is rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that are highly beneficial for your dog. As a result, it is often used as a carrier medium in many CBD products.
ElovaPet CBD oil for Dogs
ElovaPet’s premium, proprietary CBD oil for dogs line of products is based on THC-free, broad-spectrum and organically grown hemp extracts. Our CBD is rich in the natural medicinal compounds found in the hemp plant, including CBD, CBG, CBN, flavonoids, and terpenes. We pair hemp with other active, natural ingredients to create supplements optimized for your four-legged friends.
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