If you live in Canada, you will probably have heard of cannabidiol and its purported health benefits. Commonly known as CBD, cannabidiol has hit the health supplement market in Canada and in countries across the globe where it has become legal in the last few years.
Backed up by new research into its therapeutic effects on the human body, CBD is a cannabis-derived compound that is finding its way into a growing number of commercially available health and beauty products. You may have seen products like face creams, oils, vapes, and capsules containing the substance which many people are calling a ‘wonder drug’.
One place that you may not have expected to see CBD is in products designed for canine consumption. In this article, we will take a brief look at why dog owners in Canada often decide on CBD products for their faithful hounds.
CBD: What is it and where does it come from?
CBD is a naturally-occurring chemical compound found in the cannabis and hemp plants. It can be extracted from cannabis or hemp plant matter using a CO2 solvent extraction process. The end product of this process is an oil containing nothing more than CBD and a number of other cannabinoids and terpenes. This versatile oil can then be infused in a wide variety of products. It has become increasingly popular in Canada since legalization.
The canine benefits of CBD
The benefits of CBD for dogs are much the same as those it provides for humans. CBD works by interacting with a system of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes, known as the endocannabinoid system, which is common to the anatomy of all 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.
Anxiety
If you have a dog, you will know that there are certain times of the year when your pup will react nervously to its surroundings. Any special occasion that people celebrate by letting off fireworks can equal a thoroughly miserable time for your dog. No matter where they try to hide, whether it be under the kitchen table or in the stair cupboard, the loud bangs can leave your pet shivering and whimpering.
There is some strong evidence that CBD is a good way of relieving anxiety in humans, and there is no reason that it cannot do the same for dogs too.
Arthritis and osteoporosis
As dogs advance in years, it is not uncommon for them to develop problems like arthritis and osteoporosis. This is especially true for breeds like Labradors and Alsatians, whose quality of life can sometimes be severely hampered by creaky and stiff joints.
Since CBD is excellent at both relieving pain and reducing inflammation, it may be a solution that you should look into if your dog suffers from aches and pains in its joints. Many dog owners are reporting that their pets have shown improvement having undergone a course of CBD treatment.
Epilepsy
You might not realize it, but the incidence of epilepsy is pretty high in canines. The debilitating condition manifests as frequent seizures that can be almost as distressing to watch for dog owners as they must be for the dog itself.
CBD has undergone extensive research for its potential to reduce the frequency of seizures in human epilepsy patients. The findings have proved that high doses of cannabinoid can prevent attacks. And as many dog owners whose pets suffer from seizures have reported, it can work in the same way for dogs as well.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
Although more research into the question of whether CBD is completely safe for canine consumption is needed, many people have been feeding their animals CBD for a long time with no adverse effects. CBD is considered to be extremely safe for humans, and there is no reason why it should not also be for dogs.
The final word
The market in Canada for CBD dog treats, sprays, and drops is growing rapidly. Many people are finding that it both boosts the overall health of their dogs and can help in the treatment of some common health conditions. Why not buy some today to see how your own dog gets along with it?