Supplied by Paul Jacobson, owner of Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition
58.8% of dog owners are currently using CBD products on their dog, according to a 2016 report published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (JAHVMA). Over three-quarters of those products were prescribed by a veterinarian.
What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive extract from Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) and Hemp (a strain of Cannabis sativa). CBD is distinct from THC, the main compound which produces the “high” effect of marijuana. Although both compounds have been shown to be beneficial to humans, due to differences between the human and canine brains, THC can have adverse effects in dogs.
The challenge is to extract the essential oils of CBD without any traces of THC. As Hemp contains no THC and Cannabis does, it’s easier and safer to extract CBD from the Hemp plant.
Quality is key
The other challenge, as a consumer, is to know whose CBD to use. It appears that everyone and their aunty is now producing their own CBD extract. There are also some dubious imports from Asia.
The product of choice should be laboratory tested and should be GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified. In fact, each batch produced should come with a Certificate of Analysis.
Why is this important? Firstly, you want assurances that what you are actually buying is as per the label or description. Secondly, it’s imperative that your CBD is organic and properly distilled so that there’s no residue of pesticides, chemicals or alcohol. And, obviously, you need proof that there are no traces of THC.
How does it work?
According to research by The American Animal Hospital Association, when a dog ingests CBD, it can affect how they perceive pain and stress, and boost their dopamine levels, lifting their mood. On a physical level, CBD’s interaction with the canine can reduce inflammation and lower cancer cell reproduction.
Therefore, CBD could help dogs with a variety of physical and emotional ailments, including:
- Relieving arthritis and joint pain
- Reducing inflammation, which affects skin ailments and bladder disorders
- Relieving anxiety and related barking or whining from separation anxiety, stressful vet or grooming appointments, scary thunderstorms or fireworks
- Reducing nausea and vomiting from other medications or car rides
- Reducing seizures or epilepsy
- Suppressing muscle spasms
- Improving sleep
- Improving digestive and nervous system health
- Improving appetite
How to administer CBD Oil
Now that we’ve understood what quality certified CBD to buy and have noted the medicinal benefits, we must understand how much to administer (the dose).
The strength of the oil (measured in milligrams) is what’s important: it can vary from 50mg – 3500mg, and the daily recommended dose can vary from 1mg – 10mg and more. This depends on the size of the dog and whether you’re using the oil for daily health and wellness or are treating an ailment. Feeding guidelines will be prescribed on the product label.
It’s recommended that one administer a low strength CBD oil with more volume rather than a very high strength oil and only a few drops. This is because dogs have a more complex endocannabinoid system as humans, with many more receptors.
Also, the CBD is mixed with various carriers and essential oils, from olive oil to grape seed oil to coconut oil. We recommend a practitioner-grade MCT (medium chain triglyceride)/coconut oil. Therefore, a low strength CBD oil administered with larger volume is beneficial, as it also includes the nutritional values from those carriers.
The use of CBD oil for pets and its associated health benefits is relatively new, yet there are already unbelievable studies/tests and anecdotal evidence supporting its daily use.
A few heartwarming testimonials of CBD oil:
Monty (Paul Jacobson, owner of Vondi’s Holistic Pet)
“Monty, our family’s beloved companion who sadly recently passed away at 17 years old, got a whole new lease on life when we put him on CBD Oil. After administering CBD for only two weeks, everyone at our cricket club could hardly believe his new zest and bounce.”
Champ (Katerina Bogiages)
“My poor Champ has struggled with arthritis from as early as four years old. To this day (he’s 11) he still will do anything to play with his ball. We tried every and any medicine that might help and eventually got him onto CBD. To date it’s the only thing that sufficiently helped him enough to a point where he can ‘semi-pain-free’ play with his ball again!”
Ruby Tuesday (Rochelle Levitt)
“Ruby Tuesday Levitt absolutely loves her CBD Vondi’s cookie every morning and every night. Her 14-year-old Staffie coat is feeling and looking so much better. The really amazing thing about the CBD biscuits is the mere fact that I’ve not used her rather expensive eye drops since trying them out about eight weeks ago. Ruby gets a hard film over her already blind eyes, which had to be lubricated and wiped out constantly, and now no more eye drops!”