Nowadays you probably heard about CBD, particularly if you live in Canada.
CBD is becoming more and more popular among people seeking natural therapeutic relief.
It has been demonstrated to have many health benefits and has been shown to help chronic inflammations, skin conditions and sleeping problems.
But one place where Canadians may not expect to see CBD is in products designed for dogs. The CBD market for dogs and other pets(mainly cats) in Canada is growing rapidly like the rest of the industry.
Is CBD Legal in Canada?
In Canada CBD is completely legal since October, 2018.
Buy and consume CBD products are legal for both recreational and medical use and either from marijuana or hemp.
There are no legal limits either in CBD or THC content.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol and it’s one of the many cannabinoids that can be extracted from cannabis plants, both hemp and marijuana, and then manufacture in a different form.
Marijuana usually contains high levels of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) which leads to psychoactive effects.
However, hemp contains low levels of THC and high levels of CBD, and this doesn’t have psychoactive effects.
CBD can be extracted with solvent extraction (ethanol, butane, propane, isopropyl or alcohol ) or by using a CO2 extraction process.
The end product of this extraction is an oil containing CBD and a number of other cannabinoids and terpenes, depending on if it’s isolate or full-spectrum.
It’s then used in the production of foods and beverages, personal care products and nutritional supplements.
CBD naturally interacts with the receptors of our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating several factors in our bodies, such as pain, appetite and sleep.
It’s because of this natural interaction between the CBD and the receptors of the ECS that ingesting or applying topically CBD helps relieve pain, inflammations and sleeping.
Why Choose CBD for your Dog?
We are not the only species that can benefit from CBD products, as demonstrated by numerous researches in cannabinoids for animals as well.
That’s why now several companies market biscuits, edibles and capsules containing CBD for pet owners.
The benefits of CBD for dogs are pretty much the same as for us, due to the common anatomy of mammal species.
As a result, it is being used by dog owners to treat many of the same diseases and conditions that it is used to treat in humans.
Here are some of the most common ones.
Pain and inflammation relief
The receptors of the endocannabinoid system are everywhere in dogs bodies including skin, muscles and nerves.
When you apply a CBD topical on their skin, the CBD gets fastly absorbed, without having to reach the bloodstream.
On its way, it interacts with CB1, TRPV and other receptors and as a result, it adjusts the pain and inflammation reactions.
Help with thunderstorm or fireworks phobia
Many dogs have overreactions to thunderstorms or fireworks.
Younger dogs who are not accustomed to the noise may suffer from nausea as an effect.
CBD oil reduces the nauseating feeling without causing any side effects.
It will just ensure that they eat properly, improving bowel regulation and enhancing the appetite.
Anxiety
During thunderstorms and even more with fireworks many dogs will react nervously to their surroundings.
What is for us a special occasion to celebrate can be a thoroughly miserable time for our dogs.
They can try to hide and can be shivering and whimpering.
Several researches demonstrate that giving them CBD oil is a good way of relieving these anxiety effects.
Arthritis and osteoporosis
Older pets often develop problems like arthritis and osteoporosis.
Breeds like Labradors and Alsatians, are affected more than others and their quality of life can sometimes be severely impeded by creaky and stiff joints.
As CBD is an excellent relief solution for pain and inflammation, it is an excellent choice if your dog suffers from aches and pains in its joints.
Many dog owners report even improvements after a full course of CBD treatment.
Epilepsy
Not many know that the occurrence of epilepsy is pretty high in dogs.
This debilitating condition manifests as frequent seizures that can be awful for both the dog itself the dog owner which can do nothing but watch.
CBD has undergone extensive researches that have proved that high doses can prevent attacks and reduce the frequency of seizures in human epilepsy patients.
The same findings have been demonstrated for dogs who suffer from seizures.
Conclusions
Some dog owners are embracing the use of it as they notice that improves the general health of their dogs, others more specifically use it because it is helpful in the treatment of some health conditions.
It can be purchased as treats, sprays, oils, topicals and drops.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind