CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. Dr. Klein says it is essential to note that in most cases, CBD oil does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. In fact, most CBD products are derived from hemp and not from marijuana.

Currently, there has been no formal study on how CBD affects dogs. What scientists do know is that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which help maintain balance in the body and keep it in a normal healthy state.

While there’s no definitive scientific data on using CBD to treat dogs, there’s anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain, especially neuropathic pain, as well as helping to control seizures.

According to Dr. Klein, CBD is also used because of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and for possible anti-cancer benefits, although there’s no conclusive data on this use.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is sponsoring a study, through the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, that will evaluate the use of CBD in treatment-resistant epileptic dogs. The CHF hopes that this will be the first study to gain scientific data on the use of CBD in dogs with this condition.

CBD for pets may be able to help with a number of different ailments that impact both cats and dogs. Although the medication is still new, promising research has shown great results with CBD helping to reduce pain and anxiety in pets. Some common ailments CBD may be able to help with include:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Pain associated with hip and elbow dysplasia
• Nausea
• Cancers
• Cardiac Diseases
• Appetite Stimulant

In addition, CBD may have anti-cancer properties, but these are still under scientific development requiring proper research. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties which can make this an excellent choice for cats and dogs that have been injured, or are recovering from an injury.

In humans, the wellness-promoting properties of CBD are realized by the way the cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is said to be one of the most important physiological systems involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the entire body and are considered the “bridge between body and mind.”

All animals, vertebrates and invertebrates (save for the sea sponge) are known to have an ECS. Mammals, fish, birds, reptiles — you name it!

Because of the presence of the ECS in pets, it’s suggested that CBD affects our animals in much the same way us.

Within the ECS are two cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2. These receptors have two major functions. One is to regulate the behavioral effects of cannabis. The other is to govern the effects of the body’s natural cannabinoids, known as anandamide and 2-AG.

CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system and affect functions such as cognition, memory and motor movements. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system, as well as the immune system, gastrointestinal tract.

While CBD has little binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, its effects are caused by an indirect impact on these very important cannabinoid receptors. This indirect impact regulates your pet’s natural endocannabinoid system to naturally enhance their well-being.

The ECS is responsible for the following functions in both humans and our pets:

• Balance and coordination
• Appetite
• Digestive system function
• Mood regulation
• Memory
• Muscle movement

When there is a disturbance in your pet’s ECS (big or small), your pet can experience suppressed function in any of these processes.

We don’t typically pay much mind to the internal anatomy of our pets. They’re great to cuddle, but we’re usually not thinking about how their digestive or immune systems function.

Knowing that our pets all have an ECS just like we do, it makes sense that CBD would affect us both similarly. When our ECS is functioning properly, our bodies achieve ultimate balance and well-being. Same goes for our beloved fur babies. When there is any kind of imbalance in the ECS, several various concerns can manifest. This is as true for us as it is for our pets.