Can Cannabinoids Help Me AND My Dog?

Over the past few years, CBD has become very popular. There are many reasons why you might consider CBD for you or your dog. One of the biggest use cases for CBD is anxiety and stress. Anxiety disorders affect roughly 40 million Americans, and only about 37% of those are proactively receiving treatment. What’s worse is that many of the medications offered to those suffering from anxiety aren’t long-term solutions, can lead to addiction, and can create further health issues.

On the other hand, many dogs suffer from issues like anxiety and stress, too. According to one study, separation anxiety alone affects roughly 14% of dogs. Dogs can also have anxiety as a result of fear (which may come from past traumas—especially for adopted dogs) and aggression. And lastly, some dogs have situational anxiety, such as when they’re traveling or feel nauseous from something they ate. Generally speaking, smaller dogs are more likely to suffer from anxiety. Fortunately, there are specialty companies today like cannabidog.com that offer CBD products specifically for dogs. Here’s what you should know:

A Two-for-One Solution

The good news is CBD is a rare solution that can help both you and your dog. Cannabinoids are a natural chemical compound found in the marijuana plant. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has gain widespread attention for its healing properties and coping mechanisms. Unlike THC, CBD cannot get you “high,” but it will help with several ailments, including stress, anxiety, and pain.

One of the most unique aspects of CBD is that it can help dogs just as equally as it can help humans. How is this possible? For starters, CBD works by going through your dog’s endocannabinoid system and directly reacting with the receptors located in the brain and nervous system, the immune system’s regulatory cells, glands, and internal organs. However, because mammals like dogs have very similar endocannabinoid systems, you’ll react to CBD almost exactly the same as your dog would.

When to Know Your Dog Needs CBD

It can be very difficult for dog owners to determine when their dogs are having problems, especially if there are no signs. Some signs can even be even disguised as typical dog behavior. For example, excessive barking, heavy drooling, and urinating in the house are all signs of anxiety in dogs. If a trained dog urinates in the home, this may not just be a simple accident. Pay attention to any signs your dog is exhibiting that are out of the ordinary or worrisome.

Talking to Your Vet

As with any new product your or your dog take, you should always talk to your doctor or veterinarian about what’s best. Unfortunately, CBD is still a touchy subject for healthcare professionals. Because cannabis is still illegal on a federal level, many vets—even those who believe in the promising benefits of CBD—don’t feel comfortable recommending it.

Fortunately, you can expect things to change in the future. In the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was officially removed from the list of controlled substances that could not legally be cultivated. Currently, various states are determining their own plans for regulating the plant, its distribution, and usage. However, this officially means that CBD is actually legal, and more vets are starting to become increasingly comfortable with it. There are some vets—especially in states where marijuana is legal—that sell brands of CBD sprays and tinctures in their office.

“Dogs who suffer from stress may benefit from CBD to improve their mood,” Dr. Gary Richter, an a California-based holistic veterinarian told Herb magazine. “CBD binds to your dog’s CBD receptors and creates a sense of calm and security. Your pet may feel more relaxed and even friendlier because they are in a better mood. Dogs who are hyperactive seem to settle down a bit.”

Using CBD for Pain Management

Suffering from chronic pain can be a major issue. CBD is a reliable method of pain management for both dogs and humans, ensuring a higher quality of life.

“CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it can typically help pets who have problems with joint pain or muscle soreness,” says Nolte. “Taken over time, the inflammation may be reduced, increasing your pet’s mobility and improving their energy levels. Overall, dogs seem more youthful than before they took CBD.”

The same can be said for humans. Furthermore, there are other types of pain it can help with—not just inflammation. Just as it reduces inflammation among pets, it does the same with people. Some studies have found that CBD reacts with the body’s Glycine receptors, which are located in the central nervous system and are responsible for a person’s perception of pain. As a result, it could help treat neuropathic pain.