CBD, or Cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent compound in the cannabis plant, after THC. Recently, CBD is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, which often have harsh side effects. Research shows CBD has many therapeutic attributes, including managing your pet’s chronic pain, anxiety, seizures, inflammation, as well as aiding against cancer, autoimmune disease and neurological conditions.
Unfortunately, not all CBD is created equal, and the CBD for pets industry remains largely unregulated. That’s why we emphasize the importance of researching your product prior to purchase.
What is Full Spectrum and Why is it Important?
A full-spectrum extract is one where all the naturally occurring, bioactive compounds have been left in their natural state. While there are thousands of cannabinoids and terpenes present in each plant, and it is not possible to preserve every single one during the manufacturing process, full-spectrum means that none of the cannabinoids were purposefully removed. When these synergistic compounds go through additional processing, the benefits of the plant are diminished and the incidence of side effects is increased.
One of the biggest reasons full spectrum is so important is because the cannabinoids and terpenes all work together to enhance each other. This effect is called the Entourage Effect, and makes it possible for different cannabinoids to interact to achieve maximum effects ensuring maximum results.
What is a COA?
A CBD product’s certificate of analysis, or COA, is a document with lab results showing you exactly what is in the product you are purchasing for your pet. This report will give you the specific quantity for each cannabinoid, including CBD and THC, that is in the product. This is how you can be sure that you are indeed buying a full-spectrum CBD product.
A COA should always be issued by a third-party lab. That means a company that is not affiliated with the company producing the CBD product. You can determine if this is a third party by checking the logo and contact information on the document. You can also contact the lab to confirm the results of your product’s COA.
Can CBD Help My Pet?
CBD is gaining recognition for its many reported health benefits, and recent research is revealing how it can help animals too. Studies are showing how CBD and the other cannabinoids in a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract may be able to help your pet, from managing pain to reducing seizure frequency. If your pet suffers from arthritis, chronic pain, anxiety, allergies, skin conditions, cancer, tumors, autoimmune disorders or seizures, CBD may be the right choice for your pet.
CBD for Your Pet’s Arthritis & Joint Pain
CBD is super effective at reducing the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and joint pain. This is one of the most researched subjects in the application of cannabis medicine for pets. CBD, and other compounds found in a full spectrum hemp extract such as THC, CBC, CBG, and THCV, are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
In most cases of arthritis, the pain that our dogs feel is a direct result of inflammation in their joints. By soothing that inflammation, we can address the cause of the problem and also prevent the hurt. Cornell University’s study on dogs suffering from osteoarthritis found that 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily helped increase comfort and activity in dogs with Osteoarthritis. A Baylor College of Medicine study also found significant improvements in dogs with Osteoarthritis, who received consistent doses of full-spectrum hemp extract.
Conventional veterinarians often prescribe NSAIDs, which can lead to joint and soft tissue deterioration. They can also damage your dog’s liver and kidneys. CBD is a safe anti-inflammatory alternative, without any of the negative side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.
