Because your pets have an endocannabinoid system just like we do, pets will respond to CBD and cannabis products similarly to humans.

The endocannabinoid receptors that make up the ECS play a role in managing our pets’ appetite, pain-sensation, mood, memory, and in regulating the effects of things like THC and CBD. 

THC and CBD, two major compounds are known as cannabinoids that are found in cannabis, are responsible for the majority of the medicinal benefits that pets can experience. THC has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and appetite-stimulating properties, but is also the compound that makes you feel high. CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and won’t get users high. CBD has many medicinal benefits including anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant properties. 

But there is an important caveat that dog owners, in particular, must keep in mind: there is a greater concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the brain of a dog than there are in other animals or humans.

This higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in a dog’s brain can make them have a bad reaction to THC. Dogs can develop a condition called static ataxia from a THC overdose – an inability to preserve equilibrium while standing. 

That being said – dogs can benefit from low amounts of THC, the dose just needs to be carefully controlled. It should be just enough to achieve medicinal benefits and not enough to get the dog high. Of course, the THC dose should never be even remotely near the level for an overdose. 

It’s also worth noting that drug interactions can happen with CBD oil for dogs. Therefore, if your pet is taking other medications, talk to your vet about drug interactions before you start using CBD for your pet.