Have you heard of CBD for dogs and are now curious about how it can help your dog? In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the topic! We’ll explain what CBD actually is, how it affects a dog’s body, and what benefits it offers. You’ll also find out what experiences other dog owners have had with CBD for their dogs. Let’s get started!
The Basics: The Endocannabinoid System in Dogs
Just like humans, our dogs have their own endocannabinoid system. This is a complex network of receptors and cannabinoids produced by the body itself. The most important receptors (CB1 and CB2) are found primarily in our central nervous system and in cells of the immune system. They bind with cannabinoids and thus regulate important processes in our body, such as our perception of stress.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are messenger substances that influence cellular metabolism and can either stimulate or inhibit cellular activity. They act as a kind of “body’s internal police,” monitoring the balance of all bodily functions. When this balance is disrupted, they work to restore it.
What disrupts the endocannabinoid system in dogs?
Disruptions in the endocannabinoid system occur primarily during periods of anxiety and stress or as people age, particularly in the second half of life.
Symptoms may include, for example
- Signs of aging
- sensitive psyche (e.g., anxiety and restlessness)
- hormonal issues
- and much more
What is CBD? And how does it work in dogs?
So what does CBD have to do with all of this? CBD stands for “cannabidiol,” an exogenous, plant-based cannabinoid derived from the female hemp plant. It’s important to know that CBD has no psychoactive effects whatsoever.
It acts on the same receptors in our bodies and our dogs' bodies as the body's own cannabinoids.
What are the benefits of CBD for dogs?
A sufficient supply of cannabinoids is essential for physical balance and many bodily functions. When the body’s own system is out of balance, it can have a negative impact on the body. This is precisely when our pets can benefit from the intake of plant-based cannabinoids such as CBD.
CBD can be used to help alleviate anxiety and as a complementary treatment for a variety of conditions.
What's important to consider when it comes to CBD for dogs?
- High-quality product – It’s always important to look for high-quality products—because the differences here are huge. Find out how to recognize a high-quality CBD oil here.
- Proper Dosage – Even though it’s hard to go wrong here, the right dosage is crucial for optimal results. In many cases where CBD has been used without any noticeable changes, the CBD products were either too low in dosage or weren’t given for long enough. How much CBD your dog can take depends primarily on its weight. We recommend testing a daily dose of between 0.5 and 1 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight over a period of at least 4 to 6 weeks before drawing a final conclusion. You won’t see any changes after just a few drops of the oil or a few treats. First, the baseline CBD level must be established over 2 to 3 weeks with regular CBD administration (i.e., 0.5 mg of CBD per kilogram daily). Only then will higher doses become effective, and in extreme stress situations such as New Year’s Eve, the dose can be temporarily increased to 3 to 4 times the standard amount. However, there are also dogs that require a higher dosage on an ongoing basis to maintain a consistent effect (usually 1 mg per kilogram, and in some cases even more).
- Consistent Dosage – CBD should be administered daily, ideally in three doses throughout the day, to maintain a consistent CBD level.
What experiences have other dog owners had with CBD for their dogs?
If you're completely new to CBD and still a bit skeptical, it might help to read about other people's experiences.
We conducted a survey of dog owners who have already tried CBD for their dogs. Nearly 90% reported that they had noticed positive changes in their dogs.
If you'd like to read reviews or chat with others about CBD for dogs, feel free to check out our Facebook group. Members regularly share their experiences with CBD and our products there.
CBD as a support for the body's endocannabinoid system
Let’s be clear: Our bodies, as well as those of our dogs, produce cannabinoids naturally. Cannabinoids act like a kind of internal regulatory system, naturally regulating important bodily processes. CBD is a plant-based cannabinoid that supports our body’s own system, particularly when it’s out of balance, and thus has a positive effect on the body, mind, and spirit. Many dog owners have already noticed positive changes in their pets thanks to CBD.
Transform your dog’s life with nacani’s CBD products!
In our own production facility, we craft our CBD snacks with love and care and sell high-quality CBD oil. Our products have been proven to have a positive effect on both body and mind and are designed to improve the quality of life for our four-legged friends. They can be given individually, but also work wonderfully when combined!
If you have any questions about our products or would like to chat about them, feel free to join our nacani Facebook group and follow us on Instagram!
