CBD products are rapidly growing in popularity, both for humans and pets. While research is still in the beginning phases, it seems cannabidiol (CBD) may provide similar benefits for dogs as it does for humans.
Some studies and anecdotal evidence report that CBD for dogs may be useful in managing pain, mitigating stress and anxiety, treating seizures, and more. If nothing else, it’s an excellent wellness supplement for promoting general health.
CBD pet products are sold in many of the same forms used by humans, including oils, topicals, and edibles, like chewable treats. CBD treats are perhaps the easiest and most convenient way to administer CBD for pets.
Below, we explore the reasons to give CBD treats to your dog in more detail.
How Does CBD for Dogs Work?
Dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a signaling system that helps regulate appetite, sleep, the immune system, pain, and more. CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in this system to exert physical and psychological effects.
Once CBD makes its way into your body, it impacts the activity of the messengers found in the brain, immune system, central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system via the cannabinoid receptors. Then, a response is signaled in the ECS, which influences things like your dog’s mood, sleep, inflammation, and motor strength.
Much like in humans, CBD for dogs may be so beneficial due to how the cannabinoid interacts with the ECS.
Potential Benefits of CBD Treats for Dogs
There are a few ways you can give your CBD. However, it’s almost always easier to get your dog to eat a tasty yet healthy CBD-infused treat instead of taking oil.
CBD dog treats have made it easier than ever before to give your furry friend CBD. Most companies sell CBD treats in a range of tasty flavors, like bacon, salmon, and peanut butter. Plus, there is a varying range of concentrations, so you can find a potency to suit your dog’s needs.
Here are a few of the ways CBD for dogs may be beneficial.
CBD for Dogs with Anxiety
Many dogs fear loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and vacuum cleaners. Other dogs may get anxious during car rides or encountering strangers or other animals. Or perhaps your pup has separation anxiety; they panic when left alone. Like humans, many things can trigger your dog’s anxiety or increase stress levels.
Anxiety is a popular reason dog owners turn to CBD for pets. While a lot more research is needed on the topic, CBD has shown promise in this area. The cannabinoid is thought to ease nervousness and induce feelings of calm. CBD may be most beneficial for anxiety when administered over some time. So if your pup is prone to anxiety, a daily dose such as a CBD treat a day may be best.
CBD for Dogs with Pain
Pain is another common reason to choose CBD for dogs. The cannabinoid may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain when absorbed by an animal’s body. While experts are still investigating how CBD helps manage pain, it’s believed to affect the ECS and other nerves producing pain sensations.
In a 2018 study, researchers at Cornell University reported that dogs given CBD for osteoarthritis and multi-joint pain showed a decrease in pain and were more active.
CBD for Dogs with Seizures
CBD for seizures is perhaps the most-studied application of CBD in humans, but limited research exists for pets. Nonetheless, CBD is believed to help dogs with seizures in a similar way.
As reported in a 2019 study, CBD may help dogs with epilepsy by reducing the frequency of seizures. The CBD was, however, used in combination with traditional antiseizure medications.
CBD may help reduce seizures because of the way it interacts with the ECS. It’s believed that CBD may prevent nerves in the brain from firing too much, thereby lowering the number of electrolytes contributing to seizure conditions.
CBD to Support General Wellness and Mood
Finally, CBD is an excellent natural supplement for supporting general wellness and mood. Experts believe that CBD may activate some of the same areas of the brain as serotonin, a hormone that induces feelings of happiness and relaxation. Furthermore, serotonin also plays a role in stabilizing digestion and sleep.
Plus, by reducing pain, relieving anxiety, and CBD’s other beneficial effects, the cannabinoid indirectly improves mood. For instance, if your pup suffers from pain, they’re sure to be miserable. By giving him/her CBD treats to help manage the pain, they’re bound to become happier and more at ease.
Final Thoughts on CBD Treats for Dogs
As demonstrated above, there are several reasons to give CBD treats to your dog. CBD may help reduce anxiety, mitigate pain, decrease the frequency of seizures, and more.
While there are a few ways to administer CBD for dogs, CBD treats are perhaps the easiest, most convenient, and enjoyable way for your pup to reap the benefits.
