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The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is one of the essential systems in mammals. The human body and a dog's body may have many differences, but they're just as complex as each other.
Moreover, the ECS functions in humans, dogs, and cats. The endocannabinoid system helps maintain the Dog's health.
ECS can be stimulated by Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a compound of cannabis without psychoactive properties. That's why many pet owners support the use of CBD Oils or CBD Treats.
Below, we'll tackle the functions of the Endocannabinoid System, its components, and how CBD can help the Dog through the ECS.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid System, also known as ECS, is a recently discovered internal signaling system. ECS comprises three parts: Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoid Receptors, and Enzymes.
Cannabinoids – The messengers of the ECS. Cannabinoids are molecules that help activate the receptors. The two main Cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabinol (CBN).
Endocannabinoid Receptors – The two primary cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are connected throughout the body, and they help set the receptors to work.
Lastly, Enzymes are biological molecules that break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids.
Furthermore, this system processes cannabis-based products and the cannabinoid compounds in them. Moreover, ECS was found by scientists researching how humans get high.
Moreover, there's still a difference between the ECS of a human and a dog.
What Happens if ECS Don't Work Properly?
Multiple health issues can happen if the ECS is out of balance due to a lack of endocannabinoids. There are plenty of negative signs that can be observed when this happens.
If your Dog has digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea, this could signify that your Dog's ECS is not working correctly.
Other signs include poor appetite, stress, anxiety, aggression, and lack of activity.
What are Cannabinoid Receptors?
- Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptors – Firstly, found in the central nervous system of the Brain and Spinal Cord. They are located in the brain regions that control behaviors, pain, or discomfort.
- Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptors – Secondly, found in parts of the immune system, cells, and organs. They help signal the body for inflammation and synthesize CBD oils in the body.
What is CBD?
CBD Stands for Cannabidiol, which is a compound of cannabis. Examples of cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabinol (CBD).
Furthermore, CBD doesn't have a psychoactive compound that makes people ‘high.' For years, it has been studied that CBD can have multiple health or medical benefits.
Process of CBD for Dog's Endocannabinoid System
Moreover, the Endocannabinoid System helps regulate other bodily functions like immune function, inflammation, pain, metabolism, pleasure, mood, and stability. It helps communicate balance within our Dog's body.
The body regularly produces endocannabinoids to help make the Dog's body smooth and balanced. A lack of endocannabinoids can lead to sad behaviors.
In these situations, a lot of pet owners lean into CBD. When dogs take CBD, it helps the ECS utilize more endogenous cannabinoids.
Research says that CBD stimulates both CB1 and CB2 receptors by releasing endocannabinoids.
Once your Dog takes any CBD products, the receptors will start sending chemical messages to the nerve cells that need assistance or help (part of the body where there is discomfort or imbalance).
The CB1 receptors will help restore positive moods and behavior or even their memory. Also, CB2 receptors are activated by binding to CBD, and it'll help with relaxation and any other pain or inflammation your pup is experiencing.
For example, if your Dog is experiencing inflamed joints, the CBD will now help boost the CB2 receptors to allow the ECS to regulate the inflammation. This can now help reduce not only the inflammation but also the pain.
Moreover, CBD also interacts with the Enzymes that will help break down endocannabinoids.
Benefits of CBD in Dog's Endocannabinoid System
The benefits of CBD on dogs‘ ECS are primarily physiological. If CBD Oils are given correctly and with caution, they can reduce the chances of dog anxiety, arthritis, cancer, and epilepsy.
Other possible effects include:
- Proper Sleep
- Appetite improvement
- Reduces Nausea
- Reduces chances of Tumors
- Positive energy
- Reduces chances of Seizures
- Reduce Pain
- Reduce Inflammation
- Relaxed Muscles
- Strong Immune System
- Boost Metabolism
With a well-balanced ECS and the proper nutrition, your Dog's body can easily regulate metabolic stress responses, pain, bone growth, and many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Get High?
Yes, just like humans, dogs can get high. It can come from THC products or even secondhand marijuana smoking.
However, the side effects of marijuana for humans are not the same for dogs. Instead of having a relaxed or happy state, your Dog can experience a bad trip or a loss of coordination.
Depending on the amount of intake, marijuana can be fatal to dogs.
What to do if your Dog accidentally gets High?
Moreover, treatment depends on how it affects the Dog, and hospitalization can be recommended to some extent. Try to find signs of pot toxicity as it appears 30-50mins after the ingestion.
Calling your trusted vet is best advised, as they'll know exactly how to help your pup.
What if your Dog accidentally ate a marijuana bud or any edibles? Edibles with THC content can be toxic for dogs, depending on the dosage.
Furthermore, we all know that chocolate can be toxic to dogs, too. That's why keep in mind that there are chocolate-flavored edibles or even pot brownies.
Symptoms of Marijuana Toxicity in Dogs
Now that marijuana is legal, plenty of dogs are being rushed to vet clinics due to accidental ingestion of hemp.
Furthermore, here is a quick list of what to look for in marijuana toxicity in dogs:
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- Drowsiness
- Urine Incontinence
- Drooling
- Slow Heart Rate
- Dilated Pupils
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
Benefits of CBD in Dog's Endocannabinoid System Conclusion
The human and a dog's bodies may have plenty of differences on the outside, but internally, there can be many similarities. One similarity is the Endocannabinoid System.
The ECS is a signaling system of three essential components: Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoid Receptors, and Enzymes.
Moreover, the endocannabinoid system regulates balance, digestion, sleep, immune function, mood regulation, and more. ECS can help maintain the Dog's health.
At times, unhealthy dogs can encounter their ECS not working correctly. This is where CBD comes in handy. It can be CBD Oils or CBD Dog Treats.
CBD directly interacts with the ECS and mimics their endocannabinoid. In short, CBD helps the Dog's body create more endocannabinoids.
Furthermore, once the CBD is ingested, the Receptors, CB1 and CB2, will help the nerve cells that need assistance. For instance, CBD can help a dog suffering from arthritis by boosting CB2 and regulating inflammation.
CBD can have many positive effects on a dog's endocannabinoid system. These are proper sleep, reduced pain, a robust immune system, positive energy, less chance of tumors and seizures, and many more.
Moreover, as the owner, you have the responsibility to take care of your pups. We all want what's best for them. Man's best friends give us their all to make us happy. We should always do the same for them to live a long and happy life.
