10 Things You Didn’t Know About CBD for Dogs

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Holistic vets have been sending some interesting reports about the benefits of CBD oil for dogs in their care…

A senior Staffordshire Terrier had a 6cm mammary tumor and metastasis that disappeared in 3 months and didn’t come back…

A Jack Russell Terrier had a severe heart murmur and painful arthritis and, after a month, he wanted to go for long walks and his murmur was much improved…

These are two examples of how Australian veterinarian Edward Bassingthwaighte discovered how CBD oil could be a critical part of his holistic veterinary practice. This article from Dogs Naturally Magazine explains ten things you might not know about CBD oil for dogs and humans alike.

1. CBD Is Not Psychoactive

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. THC is the compound found in cannabis that gives marijunana its psychoactive properties. Most CBD oils are the beneficial CBD without the THC, and typically come from hemp, not marijuana. This means you/your dog won’t get “high” from CBD oil, just the relaxation without intoxication.

2. CBD Oil Reduces Anxiety

Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety or noise phobias? CBD has been extensively studied for its effect on stress and anxiety. In humans, it’s been found to

  • reduce anxiety caused by public speaking
  • Reduce anxiety in both healthy people and people with anxiety disorders
  • Be effective for panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders

3. CBD Can Fight Cancer

CBD has been found to have an anti-tumor effect. It’s even been shown to stop cancer cells from growing and increased tumor cell death.

  • CBD helps the immune system’s killer cells to cause cancer cell death.
  • CBD kills cancer cells by blocking their ability to produce energy.
  • CBD’s anti-tumor properties slow and inhibit glioma cell growth.
  • CBD can help increase the efficacy of conventional cancer treatment.

4. CBD Can Treat Seizures and Epilepsy

Most dogs with seizures are put on drugs such  as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. While they may help control the seizures, they can be extremely harmful to your dogs liver and other organs in the long term. The drugs don’t work in all cases.

CBD has been shown to work well in drug-resistant epilepsy. In one study, 7 of 8 patients with epilepsy that was resistant to drugs saw a definite improvement within 4-5 months of taking CBD.

A survey of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy found that 84% of the children taking CBD had a reduction in frequency of seizures.

5. CBD Relieves Pain

The cannabinoids in CBD work so well for pain that scientists are considering it as a new class of drug for treatment of chronic pain. Studies show CBD is effective for:

  • Decreasing nerve-related pain
  • Decreasing impact of inflammation on the oxidative stress (which causes degeneration and premature aging)
  • Decreasing inflammation in acute pancreatitis
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Reducing intestinal inflammation (associated with irritable bowel disease)

6. CBD Can Help With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Animal studies show that CBD can prevent colitis (IBD) and restore normal gut mobility in inflammatory bowel disease.  CBD also has antibiotic properties.

7. CBD Reduces Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease

CBD has been shown to decrease production and release of inflammatory cytokines that can cause allergies, hypersensitivities, and autoimmunity. It also inhibits the production of inflammatory macrophages and decreases chronic inflammation, in addition to being a powerful antioxidant.

8. CBD Can Protect the Nervous System and Help with Neurodegenerative Diseases

For dogs suffering from degenerative myelopathy and other spine and nerve issues, CBD shows a lot of promise. It’s been shown to help patients with Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by protecting brain cells from toxicity.

For senior dogs, CBD has been shown to protect the brain from cell death caused by free radicals and toxins.

9. CBD Increases Appetite and Helps With Nausea

If you’re having trouble getting your dog to eat, CBD may help. The National Cancer Institute reports that CBD increases appetite and  helps with vomiting and nausea, even when they’re the result of toxins and drugs.

10. CBD Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Just as Dr. Bassingthwaighte discovered, CBD has been linked to heart health. Studies show it can reduce the damage from damaged blood vessels and irregular heart rates, protect blood vessels from damage and dilate the arteries, and reduce heart rate and blood pressure associated with stress and anxiety.

Bonus: CBD Oil is Legal and Safe

The most encouraging result is that CBD appears to be safe, even when taken in high doses and over extended periods of time. It can decrease activity of liver enzymes used to metabolize many prescription drugs, so check with your vet before using CBD if your dog is on medication. For more on choosing a good CBD oil for your dog, visit DNM Blog.