Stress and Anxiety CBD is a great option for anxiety, and has been used to manage anxiety and depression in humans. Clinical research shows CBD can contribute to the expulsion of aversive memories. Additionally, CBD can mimic serotonin by binding and activating the body’s serotonin receptors. Often called the ‘happy’ chemical, these serotonin receptors are responsible for emotional balance. A 2013 article published in Neuropharmacology found that CBD can help manage negative emotion surrounding triggers, like thunderstorms or fireworks, and helps manage PTSD and anxiety or panic disorders in people and animals. A 2019 study published in the Permanente Journal also found that CBD also has a calming effect on the central nervous system, and is better tolerated than other psychiatric medications. Although some vets recommend giving your dog some children’s Benadryl, it is important to remember that this drug is not intended for animals and can have side effects. For instance, Benadryl can put a strain on a dog’s liver and kidneys, especially if they are already experiencing issues in those areas. Cushing’s Disease Full spectrum Hemp Extract (CBD) can help dogs with Cushing’s Disease by working with the body’s endocannabinoid system to bring the body back to balance. This includes hormonal imbalances like the cortisol imbalance from the adrenal or pituitary glands. CBD can also reduce the growth of tumors, such as those that cause Cushing’s, by inhibiting the formation of blood vessels that feed the tumor. Veterinarians may prescribe hormone-regulating pharmaceuticals, and in some cases recommend surgery. However, surgery can be invasive and dangerous, especially in older dogs, and prescribed medications can cause additional side-effects. Allergies CBD is a great option for dogs with allergies, as it reduces inflammation, modulates the body’s immune system, and also supports the gut, where 80% of the immune system resides. According to a recent study, CBD inhibits the release of the pro-inflammatory chemicals which end up causing the symptoms we know as allergies. Conventional vets often prescribe Apoquel or Benadryl for dogs with allergies. These medications function by suppressing your pet’s immune system in order to mute the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, the longer your pet is on an immunosuppressive drug, the higher the likelihood is that they will develop serious side effects and health conditions as a result. Instead of shutting off immune responses, as drugs like Benadryl and Apoquel do, CBD instead increases communication between cells in the immune system. This encourages a more moderate and targeted response to allergy symptoms. Skin Conditions For dogs suffering from skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, allergies, infections or even tumors, lumps and other unwanted growths, topical CBD is a great option. Scientists at the University of Pisa in Italy published an important study which documented an abundance of the two main cannabinoid receptors throughout the layers of dogs’ skin. This allows for compounds like CBD to stimulate the skin’s local endocannabinoid system pathways. CBD promotes healthy cell growth, inhibits vascular development to tumors, and inhibits growth of malignant cells. CBD salves can be great for topical relief of skin irritation from allergies, soothing inflammation and redness. CBD also helps moderate the immune response to allergens. Although the benefits CBD can have for your pet are incredible, CBD for pets is still a largely unregulated industry. In a study done by Cornell University, researchers analyzed 29 ‘CBD for pets’ products that were labeled ”Full Spectrum,” to determine if the claims on their labels were accurate. Only 10 of the 29 products were within 10% of the total cannabinoid concentrations of their label claim. Additionally, four of the CBD for pets products were contaminated with heavy metals. Only 18 of the 29 CBD for pets products were appropriately labeled. Visit www. cbddoghealth.com for more information and find a product that is right for your pet. 18 YOURNATURALDOG.COM
