CBD and Our Pets
- Melissa Clymer; Traditional Naturopath
- Feb 26, 2019
- 5 min read
Did you know that mammals have an endocannabinoid system that regulates sleep, pain and immune system response, plus much more? We do! This includes our beloved pets as well. CBD works wonderfully with that system!
What is CBD?
If you have not read any of our CBD blogs yet, you can find them listed on the CBD page of our website. CBD is a natural remedy that may aid in the management of many things from physical pain, anxiety and cancer related symptoms to epilepsy, arthritis and emotional pain. As stated in our blog Why CBD?, Cannabidiol (CBD), the second most common cannabinoid in cannabis, is the non-psychoactive compound with many medicinal qualities. It has been shown in scientific studies to have potent anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-spasmodic (stops spasms,) and anti-emetic effects (stops vomiting) along with anti-convulsant properties. It also has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth.
Research shows that full-spectrum (contains THC at or below the federal legal limit of 0.3%) CBD has anti-inflammatory properties while boosting the immune system and helping those who use it better able to cope with anxious feelings. In an article published on the Veterinary News website, Cornell takes the lead in cannabidiol research, “A new pharmacokinetic and clinical study recently completed at Cornell suggests that 2 mg/kg of cannabidiol (CBD) oil twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.” (1) That's phenomenol! Now, our beloved pets have options other than pharmaceuticals, as we do too.
How does it work?
When CBD enters the body via the mouth or skin, it naturally stimulates the endocannabinoid system and enhances communication between the brain and the receptors throughout the body. "Cannabinoids are chemical substances which act primarily on specific cannabinoid receptors and are basically divided into three groups; beside endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) also herbal cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) and synthetic cannabinoids". (3)
"Cannabinoid CB1 receptors are among the most plentiful and widely distributed receptors... CB1 receptors are present primarily in the central nervous system in regions of the brain that are responsible for pain modulation, movement or memory processing. To a lesser extent, they can also be found in some peripheral tissues such as pituitary gland, immune cells, reproductive tissues, gastrointestinal tissues, sympathetic ganglia, heart, lung, urinary bladder and adrenal glands." (3)
As you can see, they are almost everywhere. That is why CBD has such a far and wide reach in the body. We have seen and known about the effects of marijuana on the body since 2,600 BC as you will see below. Our findings are not new, we are just understanding it more. CBD is in the same category as marijuana, only with little to no psycotropic effects based on the federally legal limit of THC.
In an article published on pubmed.com titled, Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids, "Numerous physical, psychological, and emotional benefits have been attributed to marijuana since its first reported use in 2,600 BC in a Chinese pharmacopoeia. The phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD), and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) are the most studied extracts from cannabis sativa subspecies hemp and marijuana. CBD and Δ9-THC interact uniquely with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Through direct and indirect actions, intrinsic endocannabinoids and plant-based phytocannabinoids modulate and influence a variety of physiological systems influenced by the ECS." "Current research indicates the phytocannabinoids have a powerful therapeutic potential in a variety of ailments primarily through their interaction with the ECS. CBD is of particular interest due to its wide-ranging capabilities and lack of side effects in a variety of neurological conditions and diseases." (2)
In another article published by Veterinarni Medicina, titled The use of cannabinoids in animals and therapeutic implications for veterinary medicine: a review "Cannabinoids/medical marijuana and their possible therapeutic use have received increased attention in human medicine during the last years. This increased attention is also an issue for veterinarians because particularly companion animal owners now show an increased interest in the use of these compounds in veterinary medicine." These studies have seen beneficial use in laboratory animals and examples of possible beneficial use in other animal species (ferrets, cats, dogs, monkeys).
As you can see, we already have these receptors in our bodies so adding CBD as a supplement can aid the function if we are deficient.
What are the Side Effects of CBD on Pets?
As of right now, there are no known side effects for pets. It is a great alternative modality to add to your routine should you want options other than, or in addition to prescription drugs.
How Much Should I Give My Pet?
I want to stress that I am not a medical doctor, nor a veterinarian. This information is based on my knowledge of CBD, reading numerous studies and using it on our own animals. When using CBD with your pet, keep a journal. This is going to give you the best insight into how they are feeling since they can't exactly tell you how or what they are feeling. It would also be a good idea to seek out a holistic vet or a vet that is open to the use of alternative modalities.
Since we don't sell pet dosed bottles, I am going to explain how to make them yourself from what we have. We sell 15 ml bottles that are 375 mg, you can find them here. To make a pet dose bottle, you will need:
2 ounce dropper bottle
30 ml (1 ounce) Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fill your new, 2 ounce bottle with the contents of the 15 ml bottle (375 mg of CBD), then add 30 ml (1 ounce) of fractionated coconut oil. You now have 1.5 ounces or 45 ml of 8.33 mg per ml of CBD. Based on the weight of your pet, dosing is below. This is ONLY for CBD that is 8.33 mg per ml.
For Dogs and Cats:
1-5 Pounds - 2 drops 2x daily
5-15 Pounds - 3 drops 2x daily
15-25 Pounds - 5 drops 2x daily
26-50 Pounds - 10 drops 2x daily
50+ pounds - 15 drops 2x daily
Drops can be placed directly in their mouth or on their food. We usually add directly to the mouth as sometimes when they are in pain or anxious they don't want to eat.
We have a little miniature dachshund who is deathly afraid of fireworks or popping type noises like gunshots. We have used CBD with her for anxiety and it works beautifully. We have also used it on our German Shepherd when she hurt her leg playing with our kids. She limped and whined less while using it.
Should you have any questions, please send an email to melissa@sweetwillowspirit.com. Have a wonderful day!
Love and light,
Melissa
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