Backstory
No one wants to watch their dog in pain. Whether that pain be of a physical or emotional nature, medical science has come a long way in how we can manage that pain. It is up to us as pet-parents to do the research and find what works best for our loved ones. My journey began with the onset of arthritis in one older dog and a puppy that has anxiety from a prior life behind bars. I needed a solution that could improve everyone’s quality of life.
What is "cannabidiol?"
Cannabidiol, or "CBD," one of the chemicals found within the marijuana plant. Rather than being a psycho-active substance like THC; CBD has more tangible physical effects. It is used as a natural alternative for pain relief and there are even studies on its benefits as an anti- inflammatory and potential solution for neuropathic pain. CBD has been shown to help manage seizures in patients who have tried all other options, slow down the growth of cancer cells, and it can help people deal with differing levels of anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
With that all being said, how does it work? First off, the body actually produce cannabinoids on its own. The receptors within our brain and nervous system can then use those chemicals in order to suppress pain, decrease anxiety, uplift mood, etc. Generally most prescription and over the counter pain relievers that we take will connect up to a receptor and replace what the body would normally do; with CBD it is a little different. Rather than connect to these receptors, CBD actually tells the body to begin producing its own naturally produced cannabinoids! This process is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and is the same in all mammals of the animal kingdom as well (dog safe!)
Doing the legwork
Armed with this information, I began my search for a bottle. It wasn’t until a visit to Java Hound in NW Portland that my tipping point was reached and I bought a bottle myself as well as an Americano infused with a few drops of the CBD oil for a test run. I kept checking in with myself and within thirty minutes of drinking the Americano I noticed differences in myself. Mentally, I felt more present and less stressed. Physically; I felt pain relief in my back and neck as well as almost all pain removed from a molar I had cracked the week earlier.
Completely mind blown that I hadn’t tried this out earlier, I rushed home to test it on my guinea pigs. My older dog, Marley, has issues with his ankle joints and due to his prescription of steroids and Addison’s Disease can get a slew of medical issues (from dry skin to seizures). The little one, Odin, suffers from anxiety and abandonment issues caused from starting a life in a shelter and being moved around for the first five months of his life. This affects how he interacts with other dogs and people (usually he’s very skittish with strangers and can become aggressive if he feels out of his element). I placed a few drops into some peanut butter and waited thirty minutes before we went to the dog park.
The changes were subtle but noticeable in Odin. He looked like a slightly more confident version of himself. He was much more apt to greet new dogs without hesitation. Needless to say I was mind blown again. A few drops had completely changed this animal’s experience from one of potential uncertainty to a great afternoon at the dog park.
The benefit for Marley were more for post workout. Normally he would come back home a lot stiffer in the hind legs. Wouldn’t want to jump up into the car and opting for me to pick him up. Not today though, he managed his own way into and out of the car. I’d call that a win.
For a product that is completely natural and to have these sorts of benefits for both animals and people is something I can stand by. I can even personally testify to the physical benefits I’ve experienced by including it into my lifestyle. Learn from people who work with the product and stop by the Java Hound store; they are very informed on CBD and its benefits, as well as dosages. Do the homework yourself as well; just don’t sell your pet’s comfort short by not looking into better alternatives as they become available to us.
The benefit for Marley were more for post workout. Normally he would come back home a lot stiffer in the hind legs. Wouldn’t want to jump up into the car and opting for me to pick him up. Not today though, he managed his own way into and out of the car. I’d call that a win.
For a more detailed look at CBD and how it affects our physiology please check out this article by the well informed individuals at Nuvelio Naturals!