Research on possible benefits of CBD and Dogs

At JustCBD – Fine Cannabis Products, full-spectrum CBD for dogs is a topic that is very near and dear to our hearts. We founded this business after our founder treated his ailing dog, Bentley, with CBD and watched it save his life before his eyes. Using full-spectrum CBD for dogs is a passion of ours, and we believe the comfort and wellness of animals is a top priority.

While research is still being conducted, CBD has already been shown to be an effective treatment for some forms of epilepsy in humans, and people are using it as a supplement to help with a wide range of ailments. Similar to humans, dogs as well have an endocannabinoid system and therefore may benefit from supplementing a wellness plan with full-spectrum CBD.

How might full-spectrum CBD affect Houston dogs?

Dogs have CBD-1 receptors in the brain, and in the body, CB-2 receptors. According to a publication by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) regarding the use of CBD for dogs, CBD binds to and activates receptors in dog’s endocannabinoid system (vanilloid, adenosine, and serotonin receptors) which helps to regulate inflammation, temperate, and pain. This also reduces anxiety in dogs by helping to boost dopamine levels. According to the research published by AAHA, CBD also blocks GPR55 signaling, which can help decrease the reproduction of cancer cells!

Now, more than ever before, pets are family. With dogs living longer due to advances in veterinary science, new challenges arise as people search for treatments for their elderly dogs’ health problems. In animal studies and anecdotal reports, cannabinol (CBD) has been shown to help alleviate ailments in dogs such as:

Inflammation

CBD is widely touted for its anti-inflammatory properties. Whether your dog has arthritis or even just a nail clipped too closely, every dog will likely experience inflammation in his or her lifetime.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is when your body responds to something that’s ‘out of place,’ whether it is an injury, a bacteria, or a virus. Inflammation is what sends a signal to the brain to begin ‘healing’ the affected area.

What causes inflammation?

Inflammation is caused when the white blood cells release chemicals into blood or tissue, increasing blood flow to an area, usually an infection or foreign body, but can be a symptom of many conditions in dogs such as injury, arthritis, tooth decay, cancer, or even something as minor as a mild sunburn.

What are the signs and symptoms of inflammation?

There are five classic signs of inflammation in dogs that mirror the signs of inflammation in humans:

Heat (Warm to the touch)

Redness

Swelling

Pain

Loss of function

Inflammation can occur on the skin, or inside the body. Depending on the injury or cause of inflammation, your dog may be suffering an excruciating amount of pain. Many dogs are stoic and hide their pain well, so pay attention to all five signs if you believe your dog is suffering from inflammation.

How might CBD help inflammation in dogs?

CBD is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and may be just as good for inflammation in dogs as it is for their human counterparts. For example,  if your dog jumps too high to catch a frisbee and lands wrong and hurts his leg, his leg may begin to swell and become hot to the touch, signaling inflammation. Taking CBD for inflammation may reduce the inflammation and swelling so that your dog can still comfortably walk while his injury is healing. Sometimes, in cases like arthritis, the body cannot heal itself and the inflammation causes more pain than it does good. That’s where a good anti-inflammatory for dogs comes into play.

CBD for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety is one of the most debilitating things a dog (and dog owner) can experience. When a dog experiences separation anxiety, he may get destructive, whether it’s tearing up the carpet or even self-mutilating by ripping chunks of fur out of his paws or chewing his paw pads. Some dogs bark or howl, urinate in the house or even try to escape the house and find their owner, tearing up doors and windows. This not only gets expensive for dog owners, but it is dangerous for the dog and leaves both the dog and the owner in a state of high anxiety each time the dog owner has to leave the house (or even in some cases, the room.)

What causes separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety in dogs can be caused by a variety of things. Improper training as a puppy (too much coddling, never having learned to be alone of self-soothe) or even mistrust in the owner. This is especially common if the dog has been abandoned before; each time his new owner leaves the house, he becomes afraid that he has been left behind.

What are the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety?

Excessive barking when leaving the house

Signs of digging at doors or windows

Urinating or defecating in the house when the owner is away

Signs of self-mutilation, like bleeding paw pads or chewed up paws

Torn up furniture, pillows, or other household items

How might CBD help separation anxiety in dogs?

CBD is known for its anxiolytic properties and may reduce the symptoms of anxiety in your dog. At JustCBD’s CBD, Fine Cannabis Products, we offer a variety of CBD your pets will like, from flavored treats to tinctures. If you already have CBD, your dog can use the same CBD as you – however, pay attention to different dosages. (We have a handy CBD dosages guide for pets!)

We strongly recommend seeking the advice of your veterinarian before supplementing your dog’s care plan with CBD, especially if he is already taking other medications.

CBD for Allergies in Dogs

What are allergies in dogs?

Dogs, like humans, can have allergies. Dogs can have a wide variety of allergies that present themselves in many different types of ways. An allergy is when the immune system is hypersensitive to a certain substance (an allergen). Allergens can be from a wide range of plants, animals, insects, and foods.

What are the signs and symptoms of allergies in dogs?

Sometimes dogs have allergies that cause rhinitis or bronchitis, but most often, dogs’ allergies present as pruritus, or itchy skin. This is sometimes also called inhalant allergic dermatitis. It causes redness, inflammation, and itchy skin.

What causes allergies in dogs?

Allergies in dogs are caused by repeated exposure to an allergen, which sometimes causes the immune system to attack a substance it shouldn’t. Most allergic reactions involve the protein molecules from the allergen combining with antibodies in the blood before attaching to what’s called a mast cell, which release histamines into the body. This causes the symptoms, like itchiness and inflammation, most associated with an allergic reaction.

How might CBD help allergies in dogs?

CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, one of the main symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is also thought to regulate the behavior of white blood cells.

CBD for Seizures in Dogs

What are seizures in dogs?

Seizures can also be called ‘convulsions’ or ‘fits,’ which, although incredibly common, can be difficult and scary to watch.

What are the signs and symptoms of seizures in dogs?

There are several different types of seizures, but some of the most recognizable signs and symptoms of seizures in dogs are:

Collapse

Loss of bladder control

Stiffening of limbs

Falling on one side and ‘paddling’

Twitching

Foaming at the mouth

A “far away” look in the eyes

What causes seizures in dogs?

Besides idiopathic epilepsy, which is a seizure disorder, seizures in dogs can be caused by liver failure, exposure to toxins, brain trauma or tumors. If your dog experiences a seizure, it is important to make a trip to see your veterinarian as soon as possible after the episode to increase your chances to find out what caused the fit.

How might CBD help seizures in dogs?

CBD has been proven to be an effective treatment option for some people with seizures caused by some forms of epilepsy and is currently being clinically studied as a possible treatment option for epilepsy dogs as well. However, if your dog is already taking any medications for seizures or any other condition, it is important that you consult your veterinarian before supplementing with CBD.

CBD for Situational Anxiety in Dogs

If your dog is not an otherwise anxious dog, and experiences bouts of anxiety during out of the ordinary circumstances, like on long car rides, when he can hear fireworks going off on the 4th of July, or right after you’ve changed homes, this can be considered situational anxiety.

What are the signs and symptoms of situational anxiety in dogs?

Shaking, excessive barking, loss of bladder control, hiding, irritability, nippiness, excessive panting, and growling can all be signs of situational anxiety.

What causes situational anxiety in dogs?

Sometimes, situational anxiety can be avoided by exposing your dog to a variety of things known to cause anxiety to dogs, like going in a crate when company is over or riding in the back of a car. However, even the most well-rounded and well-trained dog can get anxiety when he feels ‘out of place.’ Anything that takes your dog out of his usual routine has the potential to cause situational anxiety.

How might CBD help situational anxiety in dogs?

Like with chronic anxiety, the anxiolytic properties in CBD may help alleviate the symptoms of situational anxiety in your dog. However, it is important that you make an appointment with your veterinarian before giving your dog CBD for anxiety, especially if your dog is already taking pharmaceutical medication.

CBD to alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment

The side-effects of cancer treatment can be debilitating. Loss of appetite, weakness from not eating, nausea, dizziness, and more – dogs, like people, suffer from the side effects of cancer treatment. Full-spectrum CBD may be able to help alleviate some of these symptoms.

What are some of the side effects of cancer treatment in dogs?

Side effects of cancer and cancer treatment in dogs include (but are not limited to):

Generalized pain

Weight loss

Abdominal swelling

Change in appetite

Non-healing sores

Lethargy

Depression

How might CBD help the side effects of cancer in dogs?

CBD has been shown to alleviate generalized pain, increase appetite, ease anxiety and depression, and has cell protective properties.

CBD for pain due to hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip socket is abnormally formed. It usually gets progressively worse with age and can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the joints.

What are the signs and symptoms of the side effects of hip dysplasia in dogs?

While hip dysplasia can affect dogs in different ways, here are some of the most common signs of hip dysplasia in dogs:

Trouble getting up

Showing signs of being sore or “stiff,”

Difficulty going up or down stairs,

“Bunny hopping” or an abnormal gait,

Lost muscle mass in their hips.

What are the side effects of hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia in dogs can cause arthritis and crippling pain. It can also make it harder for dogs to relieve themselves, as they have trouble squatting down, and they may no longer be able to participate in the activities they once enjoyed, such as long walks, fetch, or frisbee.

How might CBD help the side effects of hip dysplasia in dogs?

CBD has been reported to help with the pain associated with hip dysplasia and may reduce the chronic inflammation associated with the condition. The cost of surgery is often prohibitive to many dog owners, and CBD may be able to help alleviate some of the painful symptoms that are caused by hip dysplasia.

Loss of appetite

There are a number of different reasons your dog may be experiencing a lack of appetite, which can be stress-inducing for dogs as well as their owners. The malnutrition, weight loss, and other side effects of loss of appetites in dogs can be dangerous and lead to long-term detriments to your dog’s health. Many people are turning to CBD as a natural, gentle, appetite stimulant for your dog.

What are the signs and symptoms of loss of appetite dogs?

Dogs exhibiting a loss of appetite may not eat as much as they used to, and they might lose weight, become lethargic, and possibly depressed.

What are the causes of loss of appetite in dogs?

Loss of appetite in dogs can have many causes, including infections, diseases, cancer, and even things like grief and anxiety.

How might CBD help loss of appetite in dogs?

CBD has been reported to help with loss of appetite by not only increasing appetite but also alleviating some of the root causes such as anxiety.

Why Might CBD be a better alternative to pharmaceutical drugs?

Some pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for dogs come with a slew of nasty side-effects, including liver failure. There are even some drugs out there, that while they control pain, are all but a death sentence for your dog while his organs being to fail due to the drugs. Full-spectrum CBD for dogs has shown minimal side effects and is being used more and more as a natural, gentle way to treat our furriest family members.

How to give your dog CBD

Full-spectrum CBD for dogs can be administered in a variety of ways. Whether topically in a salve or in food, you can find a form of CBD for dogs that work for you.

Types of CBD for dogs we offer:

Tinctures for ailments

Tinctures for relaxation

Treats

Freeze-dried treats

How much CBD should I give my dog?

We highly recommend speaking with your veterinarian before supplementing with CBD, however, your pet’s wellness is completely your decision. While we will not recommend specific dosages for specific ailments, the universally accepted dosages are as follows:

Low: 0.025mg per pound of body weight  Typically considered a ‘daily dose’ for overall wellness

Average: 0.07 per pound: Commonly used for appetite, digestion, low levels of pain like the early stages of arthritis

Strong: 0.15 per pound May be helpful in alleviating symptoms of severe anxiety, chronic pain, and the side effects of cancer treatment symptoms

How long will CBD take to work for my dog?

Orally, CBD takes typically 30 minutes or so to take effect. However, pay close attention to your dog after administration and adjust according to their specific needs.

We are always searching for the best applications for CBD for dogs. Join our email list to stay updated on the varieties of CBD for dogs that we offer.

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