Pet Health

5 Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs

As more and more humans have tapped into the potential of CBD for their personal well-being, our canine counterparts aren't being left in the doghouse. Indeed, the bark about CBD for pets has grown as devoted pet parents have fetched for ways to support the wellbeing of their furry friends.

But what exactly are the benefits of CBD for dogs? Let’s dig into it.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis and hemp plant. But don’t worry — CBD won’t get your pup high. Unlike THC — another popular cannabinoid — CBD does not produce psychoactive effects associated with cannabis’s high.

CBD is the most active compound found within hemp, a type of cannabis plant that contains minimal THC. This makes hemp-derived CBD products an excellent choice for those seeking the benefits of cannabidiol without the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.

The potential benefits of CBD are vast and varied. While it has found its way into everything from tinctures to topicals in the human world, its incorporation in pet products has given dog owners another tool in their arsenal for promoting the well-being of their pets.

To truly grasp how CBD might support our pets, it's crucial to understand how it works in harmony with a dog's natural systems.

How Does CBD Work?

To comprehend how CBD can potentially benefit our pets, it's vital to delve into a fundamental system in the mammalian body: the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Every mammal, from humans to dogs, possesses this intricate messaging system. Its role? To help maintain equilibrium, or homeostasis, throughout the body.

The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, which are natural compounds the body creates, and a plethora of receptors, specifically called cannabinoid (CB) receptors — mainly CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found predominantly in the immune system.

These receptors are like locks, and endocannabinoids act as keys. When the body senses an imbalance — like an increase in stress or discomfort — it produces endocannabinoids to bind with these receptors, triggering biological functions aimed at restoring harmony.

This is where CBD comes in. Even though it's a phytocannabinoid (plant-based), it behaves much like the body's endocannabinoids. While CBD doesn’t bind to CB receptors directly, it is believed to interact with the endocannabinoids that do, supporting the ECS's efforts to maintain balance in the body.

5 Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs

With a foundational understanding of the ECS and CBD's role in it, it becomes clearer how CBD oil can offer various potential benefits to our canine companions. Let's dive deeper into some of these health benefits:

1. Soothes Feelings of Stress

Life's unexpected events, like the startling booms of fireworks or the hustle and bustle of a family gathering, can overwhelm our four-legged friends. When dogs encounter such stimuli, their ECS springs into action, producing endocannabinoids to promote relaxation.

CBD, in this scenario, can act as an ally to the ECS. By interacting with the CB receptors, CBD may support the ECS's efforts, helping to soothe overwhelming sensations and encourage the calming effect that your dog is longing for.

2. Encourages Emotional Health

Separation anxiety is a significant concern for many dog owners. Those heartbreaking whines and destructive behaviors are often a cry for comfort. This is where CBD can offer some temporary relief.

By aiding the ECS, CBD can help your furry friend’s body adapt to stressors and maintain healthy stress levels, potentially easing feelings of unease when they're left alone.

3. Eases Physical Discomfort

Just like humans, dogs can experience moments of physical discomfort, particularly as they age or after engaging in strenuous activity. Joints, in particular, can be areas of tension.

Here, CBD can play a supportive role. By working with endocannabinoids and CB receptors at the site of discomfort, CBD can help ease tension and promote comfort temporarily.

4. Supports Heart Health

The heart is undeniably one of the most critical organs in the body, and keeping it in optimal condition is paramount. Research is continually unfolding, but early evidence suggests that CBD’s antioxidant properties may encourage cardiovascular balance.

By assisting the body in maintaining equilibrium and handling stress, CBD may support overall heart health for your furry friend.

5. Encourages Calm Behaviors

Just like humans, our four-legged friends can have days filled with unease. Behavioral signals, whether persistent barking or a penchant for destruction, often have roots in underlying stress.

The potential soothing properties of CBD may support a dog's ability to manage such stressors. In doing so, it can bolster the overall quality of life for your canine companion.

Whether it's helping soothe feelings of stress, easing physical tension, or encouraging emotional wellness, CBD stands as a potential beacon of hope for many pet parents.

How To Use CBD for Dogs

When it comes to administering CBD to dogs, there's a variety of ways to go about it. One of the most straightforward methods is using tinctures or drops. CBD oil products can be easily added to your dog's food or water, making it an almost seamless introduction to their routine.

At Muscle MX, our Balance CBD drops are crafted as a calming, pet-friendly option. Along with the assurance of being all-natural, they are available in a palatable berry flavor and are enriched with CBD and THC, containing a broad spectrum of beneficial hemp terpenes to further support the health of your dog.

When using these drops for your four-legged friends, start with a low dose of CBD (between 5mg and 10 mg) to see how your pup responds to the effects of CBD. From there, you can slowly increase the dose as needed without exceeding the recommended daily dose of your product.

While CBD oils are a convenient way to achieve a precise dosage for your pet, there are other modes of CBD application. CBD topicals for dogs can target specific areas of discomfort on your dog's skin, especially if they're irritated or dry, while CBD chews and CBD dog treats can easily combine wellness with pleasure for our pets. You can even make your own CBD dog treats by adding a few drops of our high-quality CBD oil to their favorite snacks!

No matter what method you choose, it's paramount to ensure any treat or chew is free from harmful additives and aligns with your dog's dietary needs. At Muscle MX, we use only clean and natural ingredients, free of parabens and other harsh chemicals, to ensure our products are safe and healthy for our human users and their furry companions alike.

Is CBD Safe for Pets?

When it comes to our beloved dog’s health, their safety and well-being are paramount for us pet owners. While CBD products can benefit your pup, how do you know if they are safe for them?

While CBD is considered safe and beneficial for dogs, navigating the vast sea of pet CBD available, you'll quickly realize that not every product meets the mark. At Muscle MX, we're committed to emphasizing the undeniable importance of premium CBD oil quality.

When choosing a CBD product for your pooch, always look for a certificate of analysis when shopping, which shares the results of third-party testing and ensures that you're giving your pet a product free from harmful contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals.

Now, let's chat about dosing. We understand the eagerness to see your pet comfortable and happy, but starting with a moderate amount of CBD is key. Though our Relax CBD Drops come with user-friendly dosing instructions, it's important to remember that every pet is unique.

Always be observant of your pet's reactions, and when in doubt, your veterinarian is the best resource. Their guidance can ensure you're making the most informed choices for your furry friend.

And a word to our feline-loving friends: while dogs have been the primary focus of CBD research, cats remain an area with limited data. For now, it's advised to hold off on CBD for your purring pals.

Are There Any Side Effects of Using CBD for Dogs?

While many dogs welcome the benefits of CBD without any hitches, it's worth noting that some might experience mild side effects such as drowsiness or a slight tummy upset, depending on the additives used in the product and the quality of CBD you’re working with.

Spot something out of the ordinary? These side effects are typically minor and resolve on their own, but it's best to pause the CBD and check in with your vet before continuing if you’re noticing any adverse effects.

The Bottom Line

As pet owners, finding ways to support our beloved companion’s health and happiness is an ongoing act of love. While navigating pet health can feel complex, the potential use of CBD might just be the leash to guide you through.

CBD boasts a treasure trove of prospective benefits for dogs, ranging from ushering in waves of calm to bolstering their overall wellness. But, as with any treat in the pet health world, it's crucial to sniff out the facts and choose top-quality products that keep your pup’s welfare front and center.

At Muscle MX, we're not just barking up any tree. We're passionately committed to guiding both you and your pooch towards a healthier horizon with sustainably sourced hemp extract and all-natural ingredients.

Paw-ndering adding CBD to your pet’s routine? Learn more about how to use CBD for pets with Muscle MX.

Sources:

The Endocannabinoid System of Animals | NCBI

Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System | PMC

A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel | PMC

Is the cardiovascular system a therapeutic target for cannabidiol? | PMC

Preliminary Investigation of the Safety of Escalating Cannabinoid Doses in Healthy Dogs | PMC

Endocannabinoid System and Its Regulation by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Full Spectrum Hemp Oils | PMC