CBD is fast becoming popular and heavily consumed among humans today. This is due to its many benefits, the most important of them being that it is a great pain reliever. Today, dogs have gotten into the ecosystem of CBD consumers. In the grand scheme of things, it shouldn’t come as a surprise; after all, dogs are man’s best friend.
Before we dive into dogs and this pain-relieving chemical, we should look at the chemical to understand what it is all about.
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What is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol in full is one of the 100 plus chemical compounds gotten from the cannabis plant, often called marijuana. However, cannabidiol is obtained from hemp, which is the cousin of the marijuana plant. It has been found that CBD doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana that causes the ecstatic feeling it is known for. This means that it is in no way psychoactive and will never cause a high no matter the quantity consumed.
Early Uses of Cannabis
From way back as far as 4,000 years BC, humans have been cultivating and consuming cannabis. Early Chinese records reveal that hemp was one of the major crops cultivated in the country. It also showed that the techniques for planting and processing the plant rapidly became advanced.
Although the crop had been used extensively for medicinal purposes, scientific study of the health benefits of the crop, however, didn’t begin until 1533. Records show that in 1533 King Henry VIII mandated every farmer to dedicate to planting cannabis, a quarter of an acre for every sixty acres of land.
During the period, hemp was one of the plants used in making paper. Interestingly, the first draft of the American constitution was written on paper made from hemp. Fast forward centuries later, the use of the cannabis plant has spread across the entire world and is widely noted for its medicinal and industrial benefits.
Discovery of Cannabidiol
Despite the dated use of the cannabis plant, the discovery and use of cannabidiol are still considered a recent phenomenon. In 1940, thanks to Roger Adams, a chemist, cannabidiol was discovered. He was able to isolate CBD from the plant to study it independently.
In the early 1950s, other scientists were able to extract the compound for study as well. After they were able to prove that it wasn’t capable of causing ecstasy or euphoria and that it was 100 percent non-psychoactive, the battle for legalization began and dragged on till 1960.
In 1960, Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli organic chemist, officially declared cannabidiol a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. This confirmation gave room for more research and study into the possible benefits and uses of the compound. Click here to learn more about Raphael Mechoulam and his cannabis research.
CBD and Dogs Today
Today, a wide range of products are being made for dogs from the compound. Like humans, dogs have been found to experience stress and anxiety on different occasions. Because humans enjoy the benefits of the compound, it was only normal that such products be made for dogs to relieve pain, stress, and anxiety.
CBD Products for Dogs
There are several ways dogs can consume cannabidiol. The compound can be made as edible oil, gummies, capsules, dog treats, and topical lotions. Dogs will react differently to these products in terms of preference. Therefore, the dog owner’s responsibility is to try out the different ways the compound can be consumed and see which one the dog fancies. Most dogs prefer treats, and yours might be too.
CBD Oil for Dogs
When people think of CBD consumption, the first method that pops into their heads is oil, which is understandable. It is incredibly easy to measure the dosage of cannabidiol when it is in bottles that have droppers. These oils can be given to a dog directly in the mouth or added to its food.
In choosing cannabidiol oil for your dog, the potency and amount of terpene present should be considered. Broad-spectrum cannabidiol oil is often recommended because it is known to contain the highest amount of naturally occurring plant compounds that have incredible health benefits.
Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Your Dog
1. Search for products that follow the best manufacturing practices and carry the seal of governmental health institutions like the National Animal Supplement Council.
2. Buy only organic products
3. Don’t try to save money on it. The best ones are usually the costliest because it does cost money to properly purify the oil.
4. Most good products will have the percent composition of CBD clearly written on them. However, if, for some reason, it is not or you are unable to find it, do not be scared of asking the retailer.
5. Make sure there are no additives.
Visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/how-to-shop-for-cbd/ to learn more about how to shop for CBD products.
Getting the Right Dosage
Getting the right dosage for your pet is as important as getting the best product. Factors that can influence the dosage are:
- Your dog’s weight and size
- The potency of the oil
- What you are treating
Final Thoughts
Do consult your vet. There’s only so much information online about cannabidiol and its uses for pets. To be sure you are doing the right thing, ask your animal doctor, especially if your dog has been on other medications. The compound may react with the medication and cause complications. To play it safe, you should let your vet tell you how to go about it.
Another thing to consider is pricing. CBD products can be expensive, especially if you plan on long-term use for your dog. If money is no problem for you, then it’s fine. However, if it will be a factor, you might want to consider addressing what causes your pet to be stressed or anxious in the first place.
