All living beings with a spine comprise an internal bodily system of functional receptors that communicate with cannabinoids. It is known as the endocannabinoid system and is responsible for maintaining the overall homeostasis or balance within the body.
For dogs, the ECS setup differs slightly from that of humans showing more receptors in their brains than other vertebrates giving them a greater sensitivity to the chemical compounds found in the hemp plant. For this reason, elements with the potential for toxicity in pups like THC need to be eliminated or kept at trace amounts.
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the mind-altering reactions with marijuana consumption. In elevated amounts, it can be lethal for dogs.
The hemp part of the cannabis plant has minimal to zero levels of THC, which is the only reason the species became legal a couple of years ago and why CBD products derived from the plant deem safe for canines. HEMP dog treats and the vast array of other formulas on the market all come from the hemp species. Anything deriving from marijuana will find itself on the illicit drug list and will make your pet extraordinarily ill.
Sensitivities Go Beyond The ECS Into Taste For Puppy
While a puppy’s internal system reacts extra sensitively to the effects of cannabinoids, precautions will prevent problems in that way. But what do pet parents do when the canine doesn’t like the taste of the substance? How do you get the dose in there?
Most dogs will eat basically anything without really ever tasting it at all. Many have a specific treat that they enjoy regularly, allowing parents to disguise the animal’s least favorite heartworm pills or perhaps drops from a CBD tincture with no problem.
In many cases, a treat can hide the texture and flavor of any cannabidiol you choose for the dog allowing an adequate dose to find its way into puppy’s system. But, sometimes, a canine will be smarter than the treat and refuse it when it just doesn’t smell like it’s supposed to because their sense of smell is bar-none.What then? For tips on CBD for pups go to http://theleafonline.com/c/lifestyle/2020/09/cbd-for-dogs-2020/.
- Infused Treats: These are not the highest recommended option for effectiveness with dogs, but they are an option that dogs are willing to accept. The consensus is that pups enjoy the flavors and consume them with a minimal struggle between animal and pet parents.
There is also a DIY (or you can find it on the market as well) coconut oil infused with CBD oil that many canines enjoy, and coconut oil offers its own set of wellness benefits, making it an exceptional choice.
- Just Do It: With some pets, you have to give it to them directly out in the open and without intricacies. Dogs are smart, some are picky, and others want to play, making providing any “remedy” a genuine struggle.
Sometimes you just need to take control and put the tincture drops into the jowls or put it on a spoon. It’s hard for pet parents to be “the boss,” but just like with kids, there are moments when you need to think of their greater good.
Using the tincture drops notes to be the most effective method for animals, and while it makes you feel like a bad guy, it will ultimately help your furry friend.
- Dry Dog Food: While dog treats are a “fan favorite,” they’re also added calories and have the potential for putting pounds on puppy, particularly if you need to give the dog a few doses at a time.
Adding drops to the animal’s dry food is an acceptable method. You want to avoid adding to wet food options because the compound often separates when combined with these.
You can be sure when the substance separates, puppy is smart enough to eat the food and leave the oil behind, making this an ineffective technique for you and puppy.
When you’re trying to determine how much CBD you’re supposed to give to your dog, especially if you’re new to the products, you must read the packaging that comes with the substance because manufacturers will give succinct guidelines. But if these are not clear for you, call the supplier.
Hopefully, before you ever ordered CBD for your pet, you consulted with a vet. While a medical provider for animals does not have the capacity to prescribe the compound, they can advise if the animal will benefit from the products according to their health, what dosage might be appropriate, and what brands to direct you to.
No pet parent should ever start an animal on any regimen without a vet-guided treatment plan. While the doctor cannot dictate a universal dose or give specific guidelines because these don’t have an establishment yet, the professional offers knowledge that is essential to the health of your pet. You should never give anything to an animal that you know nothing about – for their safety if nothing else. Learn if cannabidiol is safe for dogs – pullthe link.
Final Thought
Dogs are a unique species in many ways, but one of those is the fact that their receptors are more plentiful in their endocannabinoid system. We all tend to believe that cats are finicky and their bellies are sensitive (and they are), but a dog is super sensitive.
When introducing cannabinoids into the animal’s system, it’s essential to ensure that those that present toxicity like THC is at as low a level as possible or entirely eliminated. A dog is susceptible to toxicity. It might not prove lethal, but there have been cases of fatalities for dogs who have inadvertently gotten into marijuana left exposed to them in edible form.
When attempting to administer your dog’s dose, it can be a struggle, but you can merely make it a simple process. As a pet parent (I do try to watch calories for real), but dogs love peanut butter. If you put a few drops on a small spoonful of peanut butter, the animal will get its dose every time.
It doesn’t have to be a struggle of wills. These beautiful creatures are our babies, and all we want to do is help them feel good. We can do that gently.
