Okay, I know there have been emotional back to back posts, so I really wanted to do a more research/fact piece today. Take out some of that whole emotion thing for a hot minute. As you may have seen on my Instagram, my recent foster Sycamore had pretty bad anxiety. To combat this, we started him on some CBD oil from Blooming Culture. Now, we only had him for 10 days and he was on CBD for about eight of those days, but by the end of his stay, I was a believer in CBD.
CBD oil is an extremely complicated issue. I broke it down the best I could in my first blog about the oil but there are still a lot of questions about it. So, I collected your questions and then turned to Andreana Droz Pena, the founder of Blooming Culture, to clarify some things. There were a lot of questions so I’ve divided this into a two part series!
Full transparency, I know Andreana very well and I trust her implicitly. She is careful and meticulous with her products and I always send people her way when they have CBD questions. She has given me a bottle of CBD to start my own dog with in hopes of preventing cancer. 58% of Greyhounds pass away from cancer, with 45% of those cases being osteosarcoma. We hope the CBD will keep Rawlings healthy and happy for many years to come.
Okay, now let’s get to your first set questions!
Q: What is CBD oil and how does work on Dogs?
A: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that is derived from cannabis plants. CBD is usually found in oil form which is taken orally, but it can also be in capsules, creams, etc.
Your dog’s endocannabinoid system is made up of special receptors that can interact with CBD. Do note, your dog’s endocannabinoid system is unique, like a fingerprint. That means certain dogs may be less or more sensitive to the impact of CBD.
CBD interacts with receptors / activators which regulate mood, sleep, pain, memory, appetite, inflammation, nausea, and stress levels. It regulates what is out of balance to evoke a longer lasting therapeutic response without causing toxic effects.
Q: Does it get dogs “high”?
A: CBD is amazing for the pet community because it provides so many benefits to your pet without the psychoactive effect. There are many cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. The most prominent are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD rich oil does not have any psychoactive effects but instead offers a myriad of benefits.
Q: Where do you put it and what are the benefits?
A: We recommend dosing 30 minutes before or after eating and putting the drops directly into your pet’s mouth. This provides the most quick and direct absorption into the bloodstream.
Cannabidiol can relieve anxiety, arthritis, seizures, pain and inflammation, while protecting the nervous system and helping with bowel problems. It has also been used in treating some side effects from cancer treatment.
The benefits are numerous. When it comes to seizures, first, we always recommend you get an MRI if possible to eliminate underlying factors. However, 80% of seizures in dogs are idiopathic and CBD can help. We know from personal experience that when your dog is having a seizure it is a terrifying experience. Based on research by Colorado State University, 89% of dogs who received CBD in a clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
As to cancer, did you know that over 50% of dogs over the age of 10 years old are diagnosed with cancer? CBD has long been believed to have anti-cancer and tumor-reducing effects, according to research at the University of Milan. Multiple studies have also pointed to the possibility that CBD may affect cancer genes by shutting down cancer cellular growth receptors. This is believed to be true for reproductive cancers as well as lung, bladder, colon, and pancreatic cancers. CBD can also help a dog be more comfortable while going through some adverse side effects that come with a cancer diagnosis.
As it pertains to anxiety, which often is the cause of excessive barking, 83% of veterinarians surveyed have prescribed an anti-anxiety medication to patients. CBD has shown to be a game changer when wanting an all-natural and effective remedy in helping calm your dog. As a dog parent, you can rest easier, too, knowing that you are giving them a natural option
Q: How do you know what to look for to make sure it’s okay for Dogs?
A: Man’s best friend deserves the very best CBD. We believe that sourcing from a reputable local company that is transparent with their 3rd party test results and uses the “whole plant” or “full spectrum” is a good place to start.
Third party lab tests provide results on actual cannabinoid levels and if residual toxins are present in the CBD once extracted. Every batch we produce is independently tested for potency and residual chemicals.
The CBD we use is sourced from an organic Colorado farm that is licensed by the Department of Agriculture. We do not use industrial hemp, which is often sourced overseas. Huge amounts of industrial hemp are required to extract a small amount of CBD, thereby raising the risk of contaminants because hemp is a “bio-accumulator” that can draw toxins from the soil.
Q: Is CBD oil better than hemp oil?
A: A full spectrum CBD/Hemp Oil sourced from the USA is your best bet. The names CBD and Hemp Oil are sometimes used interchangeably, just make sure it is not Hemp SEED oil. Hemp seeds have benefits, but they are completely different from cannabinoids which are extracted from the plant. When you are not using a full spectrum, you are missing out on some of the other terpenes that work synergistically with CBD for a more complete effect. If the brand you are using is only pulling hemp oil from the stalk (which is common overseas but can happen here too) you are not getting full spectrum and all the pesticides in the ground also can leach up into the stalk where they will be left in the final product.
Q: Is there a difference between CBD oil for people and dogs?
A: The actual CBD for pets and people is the same. What can differ is the strength for dosing, additives, or flavorings. The flavor and smell profile of our products is very neutral, which is so important. Certain ingredients can cause inflammation in your pets which can be a catalyst for cancer, arthritis and heart disease. All CBD needs a carrier for bioavailability and we keep it clean and simple by using only MCT oil. It is almost tasteless and odorless, and, because of its chemistry, we believe it makes for the best absorption in the body.
Some human CBD-rich oils do contain levels of THC that can be dangerous for your pet. If you do want to share your CBD with your furry friend, definitely watch out for artificial sweeteners that some brands put in human products, which can be dangerous for pets. Also, make sure you understand the dosing and that it is 100% free of anything that could harm them.
A huge thank you to Andreana for taking the time to answer our questions! As I mentioned, this is a two part series so check out next week with more questions and answers about CBD!
THE RESCUE:
Cowgirl – This sweet, sensitive girl was left at a vet’s office for boarding and never picked up. Because of her long stay, she’s still weary of all the world has to offer. She takes a minute to warm up but oh man, once she trusts you, she’s just wonderful. She’s about three years old and would do well in almost any home. For more information about Cowgirl, click here.
THE STYLE:
Plants help pets could be my most favorite slogan, plus this tee is made out of hemp! Currently, this it’s not available but Blooming Culture does have a few other options! I paired it with my brand new LC Lauren Conrad blazer that I am loving. It fits so well!
xoxo,
Christine
