CBD Tincture for Dogs, The Best Way for Them to Take It

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. There are approximately 100 different types of cannabinoids already identified, most of which are perfectly safe on humans and pets, except maybe THC. These include:

• CBD (cannabidiol)
• CBG (Cannabigerol)
• CBDA (cannabidolic acid)
• CBC (cannabichromene)
• and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), among many others.

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the one compound known to trigger feelings of high when consumed.  First discovered in the 1940s, cannabinoids proved to be quite beneficial in promoting health and overall well-being in humans and pets. These cannabinoids have an almost similar molecular structure as endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids. Naturally produced by the mammal bodies as a key part of the endocannabinoid system quest for homeostasis.  The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is responsible for regulating various essential functions of the body in order to promote balance in the body.

What is CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most prevalent cannabinoid from the cannabis plant and an increasingly popular option for enthusiasts.  On the other hand, the most abundant cannabinoid, which also happened to be the undisputed favorite by many, is THC. Discovered in 1942, CBD soon showed that it packs powerful properties that come in handy in promoting good health in men and dogs alike. Like most other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, improving its efficiency in regulating various bodily functions. Manufacturers extract CBD from the hemp variety of cannabis; it first comes out as CBD concentrate. The concentrate then goes through a dilution process with a carrier oil, making it usable and safe for humans and pets to use.

As for the marketing, they typically present CBD oil, a supplement that happens to come in a lot of different presentations. Those including gummies, tinctures, concentrates, and pure CBD as their main presentations, just to name a few. CBD tincture for dogs is one of the most recommended forms of CBD for our beloved canines for a reason.

Tinctures have a somewhat higher bioavailability and enter the bloodstream almost instantly when applied sublingually. By using a dropper, just a drop, or two, of the tincture is enough for your beloved dog. You, however, need to ensure the CBD tincture has less than 0.3% THC content before giving it to your dog or any other pet. Anything with a higher THC content will trigger undesired results, with most dogs showing hypersensitivity and aggression from such. Not to mention, most CBD with over 0.3% THC might be illegal in most states.

How Dogs Benefit from CBD

Dogs, like other mammals, have an endocannabinoid system that regulates various functions, including:

• Appetite.
• Sleep.
• Pain.
• Anxiety.
• Reproduction.
• Learning and memory.
• Metabolism.
• Growth and development.

While it might not seem so, dogs too are vulnerable to many conditions afflicting us, including anxiety, age, appetite changes, and arthritis. As mentioned earlier, CBD interacts with the ECS through CB1 and CB2 receptors, improving its functions and restoring homeostasis. According to research, CBD seems quite effective in improving the symptoms of lack of appetite, sleep, and arthritis in dogs. Outlined below are some of the benefits and reasons to consider CBD tincture for dogs:

1.        Reduces Epileptic Seizures

Epilepsy is as common in dogs as it is with humans. The root cause of the condition is yet to be determined. Yet, scientists believe seizures from it occur due to electric shocks in the brain, causing the subject to lose consciousness and shake uncontrollably. CBD, however, proved to be quite effective in reducing the frequency of these seizures not only in humans but dogs and cats as well.  CBD, through CB1 receptors, helps create a state of homeostasis by regulating the responsible hormones and electrical signals sent to the brain.

2.        Helps Fight Pain and Inflammation

Pains due to age, pains due to an injury, or arthritis can be debilitating for most dogs. Arthritis, in particular, can take a toll on your dog’s health and quality of life, causing them to lose the vigor and happiness they once had. CBD can, however, help manage such painful conditions with ease.  It works by interacting and blocking pain receptors in the brain. It also triggers the increased production of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that, among other things, softens pain sensation. As an added advantage, the potent antioxidants in CBD help fend off inflammation on the injured/affected part. Thus, enabling your beloved pet dog to feel less handicapped by pain.

3.        Reduce Nausea and Anxiety

Most dogs with an underlying health condition will not only hurt physically but also suffer from anxiety. Left unchecked, these conditions can cause their appetite to dip, making their potential recovery even harder. CBD oil, however, shows an ability to help fight off nausea and improve appetite in dogs and other pets. By fighting off nausea, your dog will be able to enjoy its once-favorite meal. Thus, begin to recover quickly and without any problems.

Some vets also believe CBD might hold the key to reducing vomiting in dogs. CBD tincture for dogs is one great recommendation for elderly dogs for they are more susceptible to nausea and anxiety.

Adding a few drops of a CBD tincture or oil may help manage the condition. CBD helps relieve anxiety by inducing mental relaxation and calmness. Thus, helping the dog to overcome their worrying fears and making it easier for them to interact with others as a result.

4.        Reduce Gastrointestinal Conditions While Improving Digestion

Gastrointestinal diseases and indigestion are common phenomena with most aging dogs. Some of these conditions may surface in younger dogs, particularly after being seriously ill. Such impairs digestive health making it quite difficult to handle most foods. Giving them a few drops of CBD every day might, however, help prevent or improve the condition.  As mentioned earlier, CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system triggering increased metabolic rate and proper digestion of foods. Administering CBD orally, especially when they experience bloating, also helps provide fast relief from the same. CBD’s rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also come in handy in reducing and treating leaky gut, IBS, and indigestion in both young and older dogs.  Tinctures may come in handy in preventing and treating nausea and anxiety. Yet, it would be advisable to add CBD into their food to help treat, control, and manage digestive problems.

5.        Reduce Symptoms of Arthritis and Inflammation

Numerous studies point to CBD as an effective compound in fighting osteoarthritis in dogs. Its rich nutritional profile, especially the potent anti-inflammatory properties, makes it possible to fight and prevent arthritis from advancing further. Most dogs cannot lead an active lifestyle and hardly move around comfortably when subjected to arthritic pain and friction in the joints. CBD, however, appears to help the body to start producing or at least preserve its shock-absorbing tissues as well as prevent inflammation on the joints. Topical CBD application is thus great to help out with this. You can also administer CBD orally at the same time to further boost the treatment by covering both ends.

What Is A CBD Tincture?

A tincture is a mixture of water, alcohol, and herbal extracts, or CBD in the case of CBD tinctures. A CBD tincture is thus an infusion of high-quality CBD strains’ extract, mainly derived from the hemp plant with around 70% alcohol.  Tinctures have an advantage over other forms of CBD, especially CBD oil and vapes, in that, it has a higher bioavailability and even longer shelf life.  Tinctures, like oils, are better consumed by placing a few drops of the contents under the tongue. Thus, allowing the CBD’s absorption into the bloodstream faster and more efficiently. One of the advantages of CBD tinctures over other forms is that, via sublingual application, it skips the digestive degradation.

How to Administer CBD Tincture for Dogs?

There are several ways to administer CBD tincture for Dogs. These are:

1.        Place A Few Drops Under the Tongue Using A Dropper

This is one of the best, most efficient, and recommended ways to administer CBD to dogs and other pets. Depending on the reason for giving them CBD and their age and size, a few drops per day will be enough to start to manage any condition. You might also want to train your dog to take the tinctures or drops without having to trick them into it.

2.        Mix It with Their Food

This method is best if your dog doesn’t tolerate the taste of CBD oil much. All you need to do is add a few drops of the tincture into their food, mix it well, and give it to them. Most dogs, if not all, won’t even notice the taste of the oil. You might want to do this on their favorite meals as a way to ensure they eat it all. Consider starting them off with small doses of the tincture, then increase the dosage gradually until you reach a sweet spot.

Recommended Dosage for CBD Tincture for Dogs

Several factors you ought to consider when calculating the proper dosage for your dog. These include:

1. Their body weight.
2. age.
3. The current condition to treat.
4. The potency of the CBD tincture.

You want to start with a lower dosage, preferably 2ml, then increase the dosage until reaching a sweet spot

CBD Tincture for Dogs – The Takeaway

CBD tinctures provide an efficient and effective way to administer CBD for dogs.  They have a higher bioavailability than other forms too. The best thing about this is your dog will feel much better with no risk of getting high or becoming agitated. This is because CBD tinctures have less than 0.3% THC, or even none, hence safe for your beloved dog. It would help if you, however, bought CBD tinctures from a verified and trusted supplier in order to ensure their quality.