Do Dogs Have Cannabinoid Receptors?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Happy-Furever's Full-Spectrum CBD, is a formulation that contains not just CBD but also a range of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant.

The Entourage Effect:

• Happy-Furever’s Full-Spectrum CBD benefits dogs through something known as the "entourage effect."
• This effect suggests that CBD, when combined with other cannabis compounds, works more effectively than it would on its own. The various components of the cannabis plant work in synergy to enhance the therapeutic effects of each other.
• In other words, the full spectrum of cannabinoids, including a safe level of THC (below 0.3%), terpenes, and other cannabis constituents, work together to bolster the beneficial effects on your dog's health.

Dog’s Endocannabinoid System:

• Dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex network of receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) and endogenous chemicals is responsible for maintaining balance and healthy functioning within the body.
• It regulates and influences a variety of physiological processes including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and the immune system response.

How CBD Benefits Dogs:

• When CBD is introduced to a dog’s body, it interacts with the ECS, specifically the cannabinoid receptors. CBD influences them indirectly and increases the levels of endocannabinoids in the body. This can lead to various health benefits, such as:

• Reducing Anxiety: CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety in dogs, which can be beneficial in various stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, or separation from owners.

• Pain Relief : It can offer pain relief, particularly in cases of inflammation, arthritis, or neuropathy.

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: CBD may help in reducing inflammation throughout the body, which is especially beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions.

• Supporting Neurological Health:  CBD is also believed to provide neuroprotective effects, which can help senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans) or help in managing seizures.

• Boosting Overall Wellness: By promoting homeostasis, CBD can generally enhance the overall well-being of dogs, supporting healthier joints, skin, and fur.

It's important to note that while Full-Spectrum CBD has potential benefits, it should be used responsibly and always start at a lower dosage before increasing with time, as dogs may be sensitive to oils in general. Always ensure the CBD product is of high quality and specifically formulated for pets to avoid harmful additives and ensure proper dosage (just like Happy-Furever, ensure there's a Certificate of Analysis).

If you are considering adding CBD Happy-Furever™ to your dog's health regimen and they are currently on medication, while it's safe to do so, here are some considerations to keep in mind!

Complementary Use:

• CBD is not a prescription medication; it is a supplement. Many pet owners have found it beneficial to use CBD Happy-Furever™ alongside their dog’s existing medications.
• It is crucial, however, to understand that CBD should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. With that being said, you can undoubtedly use CBD to wean off the use of certain medications like anxiety medication or NSAIDs (painkillers/anti-inflammatory medication).

Veterinary Guidance:

• Not all veterinarians may be fully aware of the potential benefits of CBD as vets are not allowed to prescribe CBD Oil as it's not considered a prescription drug, and many vets would rather just adopt a 'do no harm' approach to protect their patients and their practice.
• Therefore, when discussing CBD with your vet, it's helpful to come from a place of seeking guidance rather than expecting them to advocate for its use.
• This approach allows you to take responsibility for the choice while seeking their professional insight on how to do so safely.

CBD and Medication Interactions:

• Understanding the interaction of CBD with other medications is crucial. CBD is a known competitive inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver, which metabolizes many pharmaceuticals.
• This means that if your dog is on medication, CBD could lead to the effect of 'potentiation', where the drugs become more effective, stronger, or last longer than intended.
• This can be beneficial as it allows for lower dosages, reduced side-effects and enhanced therapeutic outcomes due to the synergistic effects of CBD and medications.

Administration and Dosage:

• Always administer CBD separately from your dog's medications to avoid immediate interactions.
• This means giving them at different times of the day.
• Also, never consider CBD a complete replacement for traditional treatments, especially in urgent situations that require medical intervention.

To sum up, while CBD Happy-Furever™ can be a valuable addition to your dog's wellness routine, it is important to keep these considerations in mind, and should you want to approach your vet, always approach with the frame of taking responsibility so that they feel safe to advise you on how to proceed.

We have had many breakthroughs and case studies of dog owners using CBD Happy-Furever™ with their sick and ailing dogs that are on medication, and the transformations are amazing!