With the popularity of CBD and hemp products skyrocketing, it is no wonder that pet owners now choose to offer it to our beloved furballs. But with many products in the market, how do we pick the best for our dog's well-being?
CBD and hemp are non-psychoactive compounds from the hemp plant, known for their health benefits. While the research on the benefits of CBD is in its infancy, some preliminary studies indicate that it may offer various benefits for our four-legged friends [1].
In this blog post, we'll look at hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, and CBD oil and the differences between them.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is a product derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Although CBD oil is derived from the same plant, both compounds differ significantly.
Hemp oil is obtained by cold pressing hemp plant seeds, which extracts the oil from the seeds. It is a rich source of nutrients, including essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
One of the distinguishing factors of hemp oil is that it contains very low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Reputable hemp oil products are typically produced from industrial hemp plants that contain trace amounts of less than 0.3% THC, ensuring that they do not produce any psychoactive effects when consumed.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is also derived from Cannabis sativa, one of the many cannabinoids found in the plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have psychoactive effects, meaning it does not produce a "high" sensation.
CBD oil is typically extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of hemp plants and then diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil, to create CBD oil.
Some studies suggest that CBD may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties [2]. It is believed to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes, including pain relief, mood, sleep, and immune function.
Comparing Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
Although both compounds come from the same plant, they are distinctively different.
Cannabinoids
Hemp oil contains no cannabinoids, while CBD oil contains small amounts of cannabinoids. The mix of cannabinoids in CBD might result in the "entourage effect," which is a theory that different compounds in the cannabis plant can work together to increase the likelihood of wellness benefits [3].
Source
As mentioned earlier, hemp oil or hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, while the flowers, leaves, and stalks are how CBD oil is obtained.
Extraction Process
Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is obtained by cold-pressing hemp plant seeds.
On the other hand, CBD oil, or cannabidiol oil, is derived from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. It is extracted using various methods, such as CO2 extraction or solvent extraction, to obtain a concentrate of CBD.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dogs
Both hemp and CBD oil have been known to be therapeutic for pets. However, there are a few differences between the two.
Potential Benefits of Hemp Oil for Dogs*
Hemp oil is rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and 6, which are crucial in maintaining a healthy skin and coat. They are often used to reduce inflammation, alleviate dry skin, and help with hot spots. These compounds also support the immune system and promote cognitive function.
In addition, hemp oil's anti-inflammatory properties can also help with arthritis and other joint problems [4]. They are often used with older dogs to increase mobility and help with pain management.
Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs*
CBD has long been known to be safe for our furry friends [5]. While the jury is still out on the benefits of CBD, it has been known to help alleviate pain [6], reduce anxiety and stress [7], stimulate appetite [6], and reduce nausea [8].
In addition, CBD is known to have calming effects that can promote relaxation and a better quality of sleep for restless sleepers [9]. CBD is also known to help reduce the likelihood of seizures in pets with epilepsy [10].
Other Dog-Friendly CBD Products
CBD oils have high concentrations of CBD, and if you've got a picky dog, dosing them might be tricky. If you've got a finicky dog that will squirm away when trying to administer medication, you might want to try CBD treats instead.
They are tasty, easy to dose, and you can administer them before a potentially stressful situation like a trip to the vet or groomer. Learn more about CBD oil vs. treats for your dog!
Ready to treat your four-legged best bud? Check out the CBD dog treats from Fab CBD. Your pooch will be happy!
Sources:
[1] "CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy" https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20first%20CBD,be%20more%20comfortable%20and%20active.
[2] Atalay, Sinemyiz and Iwona Jarocka-Karpowicz, and Elzbieta Skrzydlewska. "Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
[3] Goldstein Ferber, Sari and Dvora Namdar, Danielle Hen-Shoval, Gilad Eger, Hinanit Koltai, Gal Shoval, Liat Shbiro, and Aron Weller. "The "Entourage Effect": Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
[4] "Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil" https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-hemp-seed-oil
[5] Bradley, Sophie and Scott Young, Anne Marie Bakke, Lucy Holcombe, Daniel Waller, Alysia Hunt, Kathleen Pinfold, Phillip Watson, and Darren W. Logan. "Long-term daily feeding of cannabidiol is well-tolerated by healthy dogs" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9533147/
[6] Miranda-Cortés, Agatha and Daniel Mota-Rojas, Nadia Crosignani-Outeda, Alejandro Casas-Alvarado, Julio Martínez-Burnes, Adriana Olmos-Hernández, Patricia Mora-Medina, Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza, and Ismael Hernández-Ávalos. "The role of cannabinoids in pain modulation in companion animals" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9848446/
[7] Hunt, Alysia B. G. and Hannah E. Flint, Darren W. Logan, and Tammie King. "A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9992179/
[8] Parker, Linda A. and Erin M Rock, and Cheryl L Limebeer. "Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/
[9] Shannon, Scott and Nicole Lewis, Heather Lee, and Shannon Hughes. "Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
[10] Potschka, Heidrun and Sofie F M Bhatti, Andrea Tipold, and Stephanie McGrath. "Cannabidiol in canine epilepsy" https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36209995/
