Your guide to CBD for dogs
You’ve heard about CBD oil for dogs, and you’re wondering if it will do your dog any good? Keep reading to learn more about natural health support for your dog.
First of all,
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant, meaning it does not produce any “high” or “buzz”. CBD Rich Hemp Oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and even the stems of mature hemp plants. CBD activates your dog’s endocannabinoid system (which all mammals have) to help maintain your dog’s normal body function and can help with a variety of health issues.
How CBD works in dogs
The Endocannabinoid system in dogs is part of what maintains the natural balance in the body and it is usually stimulated by endocannabinoids (which are produced internally). However, the endocannabinoid system can also be stimulated by external cannabinoids, including Cannabidiol (CBD) – the non-phsycoactive compound found in industrial hemp.
CBD dosage for your dog
We know you want to see results of CBD, but you don't want to offer your dog the highest dose on the first day. Any new addition to your dog’s wellness routine will take some adjusting.
Very generally speaking, a rough “starting point” in terms of CBD for dogs is 0.05mg x lb., twice daily. We advise that you start with the smallest serving size for your dog’s weight and incrementally increase it so that you will be able to pinpoint the exact threshold where the effect of CBD becomes noticeable.
It may take a few weeks, so be patient and consistently dose for the best results.
Best CBD oil for dogs
There are so many new CBD products for dogs on the market, so it's important as a dog parent that you know what to look for! Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Look for “CBD Rich Hemp Oil” instead of “Hemp Oil”
You're probably thinking, what's the difference? There actually is a HUGE difference.
Most "hemp oils" are extracted from hemp seeds, which contain minimum amounts of CBD. This is usually why you see the "hemp" products on the market for a much lower price.⠀
CBD Hemp Oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and even the stems of mature hemp plants. The extraction process is expensive and sophisticated, but it is necessary to ensure quality and quantity of CBD. The higher the quality and purity, usually the higher the cost.
Look for test results
When you are researching or looking into a product, make sure the products have been tested by a third-party, ensuring that there is less than 0.3% THC.
THC is one of the cannabinoids that is responsible for the "high" feeling when ingested and in high doses can be toxic for pets. CBD derived from the hemp plant has less than 0.3% THC. In other words, your pup will not get high.
You also want to see test results to insure you are getting a product that has good amounts of CBD in it.
Know your extraction methods
There are many ways to extract CBD oil from the cannabis plant, each has its pros and cons. Some methods are safer and more effective than others. The best extraction method is supercritical (or subcritical) CO2 extraction. This process uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperatures to assure the purity of the extracted oil. It’s the most expensive extraction method, producing a non-toxic, pure, natural, non-flammable product. The extract also has a cleaner taste.
Avoid any products made with solvents like propane, butane, pentane or hexane (toxic flammable hydrocarbon gases found in petroleum). Inhalation can cause cardiac and respiratory problems.⠀
Make sure the product is organic
Why is this important? Well, hemp is naturally resistant to pest and other pitfalls, so hemp is grown most of the time without using pesticides and herbicides. However, most people don’t realize the hemp plant actually cleans the soil. Because of hemp’s amazing ability to clean and absorb materials, it is vital that industrial hemp is grown in good, organic soil. Organically grown hemp needs soil that is free of toxins, so those toxins don’t show up in the finished product. In other words, it is important to make sure your pups CBD product is made with organic hemp so that is it free from toxins and therefore safe!
