CBD is a natural compound found in cannabis that doesn’t make you feel high. It interacts with different receptors in the body, which gives it various health benefits. These benefits include protecting the brain, helping with seizures, reducing anxiety, easing pain, and even possibly fighting cancer.
In the field of veterinary medicine, the use of CBD for animals is a relatively new idea. Scientists have found that dogs have receptors in their bodies that can be affected by CBD. This suggests that CBD could be helpful for dogs in many ways, such as managing pain, improving their well-being, and treating skin and gastrointestinal issues.
There are several potential uses of CBD in animals, including pain relief, addressing neurological problems like seizures, reducing anxiety, improving gastrointestinal health, treating skin conditions, and possibly supporting the immune system.
As people learn more about the possible advantages of Cannabis products, especially CBD, for pets, more veterinarians and pet owners are looking into using them. Most pet owners and vets have a positive view of CBD, but some vets feel they lack enough knowledge about its benefits and potential risks.
CBD for Pain Relief in Dogs
Cannabis has been used for pain relief for more than 1,500 years. Scientists have discovered that our bodies have receptors that interact with cannabis compounds called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids can help reduce pain.
Studies in animals have shown that cannabinoids can decrease pain and inflammation in various ways. They can affect nerve fibers, reduce the release of pain-causing substances, and even influence areas in the brain involved in pain control.
Researchers have also explored the use of cannabinoids for treating conditions like osteoarthritis in dogs. Some studies have found that CBD, a specific cannabinoid, significantly reduced pain and improved the dogs’ activity and quality of life. However, not all studies showed the same results.
While CBD seems to have promise as a pain-relieving option for dogs, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and potential side effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD) for Epilepsy in Dogs
CBD can help treat epilepsy in dogs. It works by reducing inflammation and controlling neuronal activity.
There have been two studies that showed that CBD can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs with epilepsy.
In one study, CBD reduced the frequency of seizures by 33%, and in the other study, CBD reduced the frequency of seizures by 50%.
However, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of CBD for treating epilepsy in dogs.
Currently, there are only a few small studies on the topic, and more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and frequency of CBD for treating epilepsy in dogs.
Behavioral disorders
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in many physiological functions, including emotional behavior.
The ECS is important for learning and the ability to respond to stressful events.
Research has shown that CBD can have an anxiolytic effect, meaning that it can reduce anxiety.
CBD works by activating 5-HT1A receptors, which are involved in the regulation of anxiety.
There are a few studies that have looked at the effects of CBD on anxiety in dogs.
One study found that CBD did not have an anxiolytic effect in dogs that were exposed to fear-inducing stimuli.
However, another study found that CBD could reduce aggressive behavior in shelter dogs.
A third study found that CBD could have an anxiolytic effect in dogs that were experiencing a separation event or a car travel.
However, the dose of CBD that was used in this study was much higher than the dose that was used in the other two studies.
Overall, the research on the effects of CBD on anxiety in dogs is mixed. More research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of CBD for treating anxiety in dogs.
Skin diseases
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in skin health. It helps to protect the skin from inflammation, itch, and pain.
One compound in the ECS, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), has been shown to be effective in reducing itch in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
PEA works by down-regulating mast cells, which are cells that release histamine, a chemical that causes itch.
Another compound in the ECS, cannabidiol (CBD), may also be effective in reducing itch.
CBD does not directly interact with CB1 or CB2 receptors, but it may interact with other receptor systems that are involved in itch.
There have been two studies that have looked at the effects of CBD on itch in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Both studies found that CBD was effective in reducing itch.
A third study looked at the effects of CBD on the daily activity of dogs. The study found that CBD may reduce scratching in dogs.
Overall, the research on the effects of CBD on itch in dogs is promising.
More research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of CBD for treating itch in dogs.
Tolerability of CBD
CBD does not have psychoactive properties. This means that it does not get you high.
CBD has been shown to be safe for dogs when given in doses of 2-20 mg/kg per day.
The most common side effects of CBD in dogs are drowsiness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Some dogs may also experience gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and loose stools.
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
In rare cases, dogs may experience neurological signs such as somnolence, lethargy, and ataxia.
These signs are usually dose-dependent and go away after the dose is decreased.
One study reported a case of a dog that developed widespread cutaneous erythema and ulceration after receiving an oral hemp oil formulation containing CBD.
The authors of the study believe that this was a possible CADR (cutaneous adverse reaction to drugs) to CBD.
Another study found that CBD can cause an increase in alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) activity in some dogs.
However, this is usually a reversible side effect and does not cause any long-term problems.
Overall, CBD is a safe and effective compound for dogs. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to find the right dose for your dog. You should also talk to your veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog.
Conclusion
CBD is a compound that is being studied for its potential benefits in dogs. However, there is still not enough research to know how well it works or how safe it is.
There is some evidence that CBD may be beneficial for dogs with certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, epilepsy, and behavioral problems.
However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits and to determine the optimal dosage and formulation of CBD for dogs.
The side effects of CBD in dogs are not well-known. Some studies have reported mild side effects, such as drowsiness and diarrhea. Other studies have not reported any side effects.
It is important to talk to your veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog.
source: Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge
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