It's early in the morning, just after breakfast, and six-year-old Cayley is wide awake, eagerly awaiting her daily dose of cannabis. The tail-wagging black Labrador licks the liquid dye that his owner, Brett Hartmann, squirts into his mouth, a remedy he uses morning and night to help ease Cayley's anxiety. The multi-billion dollar medical and recreational marijuana industry for humans grows in the United States, and so does a new customer base – animals.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment for conditions such as anxiety, pain and epilepsy. But did you know that CBD can also be used to relieve pain in dogs? We spoke with a veterinarian and CBD expert to give you the lowdown on CBD for dogs.

What is CBD?

CBD is a natural compound found in Marijuana or hemp plants. CBD derived from industrial hemp plants, with 0.3% THC or less, is legal to buy and sell throughout the United States. Cannabibiol is just one of the 80-plus cannabinoids found in marijuana plants, but unlike its more famous cousin, THC, it is not psychoactive. This means that it does not cause dizziness and does not make humans or dogs “high”. But it has numerous potential medical benefits.

How does CBD work for dogs?

“CBD has much the same effect on humans and animals,” says Dr. Gary Richter , a holistic veterinarian in Oakland, California, author of “ The Ultimate Pet Health Guide .” domestic servants"). “CBD works on the endocannabinoid system , which is a system of neurotransmitters in the body that helps balance and maintain normal bodily functions.”

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In fact, all mammals, dogs as well as humans, have cannabinoid systems and endocannabinoid receptors throughout their bodies. Our bodies also produce natural cannabinoids, such as anandamide, also known as the “joy molecule” for its role in mental health, pain relief and hunger.

What CBD can be used to treat dogs?

CBD can help with a number of ailments and pains in both dogs and people, including:

• Pain and inflammation
• Anxiety
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Cancer
• Autoimmune diseases
• Sleep
• Arthritis

Dr. Gary Richter says the most common reason owners are using CBD is to help their dogs with pain, stress and anxiety.

Brandon Nolte, author of “The Ultimate Guide to CBD Health Oil” and founder and CEO of Healthy Hemp Oil , reiterated Dr. Richter's assertion that CBD for dogs it can help with stress, pain and even sleep.

“Dogs suffering from stress might benefit from CBD to improve their mood,” Nolte says. “CBD binds to your dog's CBD receptors and creates a sense of calm and security. Your pet may feel more relaxed and even friendlier because he or she is in a better mood. Hyperactive dogs seem to calm down a bit.”

CBD for dogs can help with pain and inflammation, especially in older or injured pets.

“CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it can typically help animals with joint pain or soreness issues,” Nolte says. “Taken over time, inflammation may reduce, increasing your pet's mobility and improving their energy levels. In general, dogs look more youthful than before taking CBD.”

Is CBD for dogs safe? Does it have any side effects?

Since CBD comes from the hemp plant it is non-intoxicating, so your dog won't get stoned. Dr. Richter says CBD for dogs is safe as long as owners use an appropriate dose.

“The worst-case scenario from the perspective of CBD alone is that it might make the dog a little drowsy,” says Dr. Richter. “But this is the worst that could happen. Once every dad dies, there's a dog that suffers a bit of gastrointestinal issues, but it's actually pretty rare. But, as I often tell people, any drug or supplement could potentially cause tummy trouble.”

Brandon Nolte adds that CBD for dogs or humans can take about a week for the body to get used to it, so don't expect an overnight cure.

“When CBD starts to get into the animals' bloodstream, you start to see the dogs return more towards their normal state. Lethargic and tired dogs, who may be in pain, begin to feel more relaxed and agile and begin to regain lost energy. On the other hand, hyperactive and anxious dogs may stop their destructive behavior such as chewing [and] scratching furniture, and they may appear calmer. It may sound bizarre, but CBD really helps on both sides of the spectrum.”

How to Administer CBD to Dogs

These days, there are so many CBD products that it can be a little daunting. How do you know which CBD is best for dogs? There are CBD kibbles as well as hemp CBD oils and tinctures, each with their own pros and cons.

CBD oils and tinctures can be put directly into dog food. Dr. Richter says dogs can also take CBD oils made for humans.

CBD dog treats will take longer to absorb than oils, but they will provide relief for longer, so deciding between the two will depend on your pet. Some trusted brands we recommend include: Green Roads World , Treatibles , and Nolte's company, Healthy Hemp Oil.

As for doses, Nolte recommends giving animals approximately 5mg of CBD for every 22 kilograms of weight and then adjusting accordingly. However, Nolte also notes that he is not a doctor, and the best course of action is to consult your veterinarian first about CBD for dogs. A good general rule for CBD for both dogs and humans is “start low and go slow.”

Another thing people should be careful about when purchasing any CBD product is to make sure it has been tested by an external laboratory to ensure its safety and quality.

MamaMary produces its own Hemp Oil for animals with the greatest care and attention, following all the processes that have allowed the oil to be certified as safe for our little friends.

Is CBD legal?

CBD derived from industrial hemp plants is legal in all American states. In places where there is adult use of Cannabis, pet owners can also purchase CBD and THC products derived from the Marijuana plant for their pets. However, there is a caveat for California: Dr. Richter says that veterinarians cannot legally recommend Cannabis products for animals due to the plant's federal government classification of “Schedule I,” “Schedule I.” ”.

“People are going to buy cannabis products for their pets. They're buying them in pet stores and dispensaries, and the only people in the entire state [of California] who are prohibited from advising pet owners on how to safely administer them is the veterinary community,” says Dr. Richter .

It may seem crazy, but that's how things are currently. Dr. Richter added that there is a good chance that California will introduce legislation on the issue soon.