What is it all about?
Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid, i.e. a specific ingredient obtained from hemp plants. Once extracted, the phytocannabinoids can be converted into a paste (supercritical CO2 extraction) or an isolate (ethanol extraction) which, when combined with an oil (carrier), can be ingested by the dog orally. The most commonly used oils are coconut, hemp, olive, avocado, palm or salmon oil, which is the most palatable and best absorbed by animals.
What is the difference between cannabidiol and hemp oil?
This can be confusing as both phytocannabinoids and hemp oil come from the same hemp plants. Hemp oil may or may not contain phytocannabinoids , but is always sourced from a specific strain of Cannabis Sativa, commonly referred to as hemp, which contains less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol . On the other hand, cannabidiol is a component that is found in many types of hemp. Thus, cannabidiol can be found in virtually all cannabis strains and is a naturally occurring compound. Some cannabis plants are specially grown to contain higher levels of cannabidiol, while others are grown to have low or zero levels.
Will my pet be high?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive component of some cannabis plants. Cannabis plants used to produce marijuana often contain about 10 percent of this substance. Like cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol is a type of phytocannabinoid that is naturally found in cannabis plants. Depending on the type of plant used to produce the distillate, it may or may not contain tetrahydrocannabinol . Many people who want to use oils rich in phytocannabinoids are looking specifically for cannabidiol oils with no or only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol . These oils are based on an isolate, i.e. a product of ethanol extraction, and do not contain even trace amounts of psychoactive substances.
Why is herbal medicine so popular with dogs?
We are constantly looking for new ingredients that can help our pets. Pet owners are looking for solutions to problems their dogs may be experiencing. Chemical supplements sometimes have negative side effects or simply don't provide the level of support a dog needs, so alternatives quickly grow in popularity once they help.
The topic of phytocannabinoid rich oils has been widely discussed in the media and among pet owners after stories of positive effects on humans came to light. Its popularity has increased drastically, but safety and efficacy are still being studied in various animal applications.
What do we use herbal extracts for in animals?
Cannabidiol is used in dogs to relieve pain, control seizures, relieve anxiety, help with nausea, support cancer therapy and heart disease, stimulate appetite, and reduce inflammation. For most of these applications, research is still ongoing, but tentatively supports the potential benefits of using phytocannabinoids in animals for most of the problems mentioned.
Selection of herbal products for dogs.
The hardest part of extracting phytocannabinoids is obtaining a solid plant source. Many products have inconsistent amounts of phytocannabinoids , so ensuring the right amounts to administer can be difficult. Manufacturers are working to produce raw materials that contain constant amounts of the substance, so consumers should look for a company with strict quality control departments to ensure products meet label claims.