Every dog and cat has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps keep the body in balance across mood, sleep, digestion, comfort, and immune response. CBD and the other cannabinoids in full spectrum hemp extract work with that system, mostly through the CB1 and CB2 receptors, to support that natural balance. Full spectrum matters: CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBN, and terpenes work better together than CBD alone, an effect called the entourage effect. Most pets do best starting low (1 to 3 mg per 10 lbs) and giving it daily with food.
If you want to understand how CBD works for dogs and cats, start with one system: the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Every mammal has one, and it runs quietly in the background helping the body stay in balance across sleep, appetite, comfort, mood, and immune response. CBD and the other compounds in full spectrum hemp extract interact with this system directly. That interaction is the whole reason so many pet parents notice a shift once their dog or cat starts a daily routine. Below, we break down exactly what the ECS is, how cannabinoids work with it, and what that means for your pet.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The endocannabinoid system is found in all mammals, even if they have never been exposed to cannabis plants. This system produces endogenous compounds that work alongside those found in Earth Buddy’s organic hemp extract. It is responsible for supporting sleep, appetite, discomfort, mood, the central nervous system, and the immune system, among other bodily functions. Naturally occurring cannabinoids are consistently identified in various chemical pathways throughout our bodies.
The endocannabinoid system consists of receptors scattered throughout, with the highest concentrations in the digestive system and brain (central nervous system). Activation of the endocannabinoid system, whether through natural processes or from plant-derived cannabinoids, prompts pathways to restore balance and address dysfunction. But as pets age, the endocannabinoid system can become deficient, which is why many pet parents notice a difference in their pets when they begin a CBD regimen. Before we dive deeper into how CBD works to promote and support long-term health, you first need to get a general understanding of what the endocannabinoid system entails.
Endocannabinoids in Your Pet's Body
Endocannabinoids, the body's naturally produced or endogenous cannabinoids, are vital components of the canine ECS. Similar to their role in human physiology, endocannabinoids in dogs modulate a myriad of biological processes.
The primary endocannabinoids identified in all mammals, like dogs and humans, include:
Anandamide, the "Bliss Molecule"
Commonly known as the "bliss molecule," anandamide regulates several processes in dogs, including mood enhancement, pain modulation, and appetite stimulation.
2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol)
Predominantly found within the central nervous system, 2-AG in dogs contributes to mood stabilization, appetite regulation, and certain immune responses.
These lipid-based neurotransmitters interact seamlessly with specific receptors spread throughout a dog's body to mediate various physiological responses. They can bind to either receptor. The results of the interaction depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to.
Enzymes: FAAH and MAGL
Once these molecules have served their purpose, it's essential that they be swiftly degraded to prevent prolonged activity. Specific enzymes are tasked with breaking down these endocannabinoids, including FAAH and MAGL. Each of these enzymes has its own specific action to be carried out.
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and Anandamide
FAAH is the primary enzyme responsible for degrading anandamide. By breaking down anandamide, FAAH helps regulate the concentration of this endocannabinoid in the body, ensuring that it doesn't overstimulate the ECS receptors and disrupt the system's balance. Inhibiting FAAH and thus increasing anandamide levels has been considered a potential therapeutic strategy, given anandamide's role in discomfort, mood regulation, and other physiological processes.
Monoacylglycerol Acid Lipase (MAGL) and 2-AG
MAGL is the main enzyme accountable for the hydrolysis of 2-AG into arachidonic acid and glycerol. This degradation is vital for the termination of the biological actions of 2-AG. Like FAAH, inhibitors of MAGL have been studied for potential applications, given the role of 2-AG in cognition, neurological pathways, and other central nervous system functions.
CB1 and CB2 Receptors in Dogs and Cats
The ECS in mammals, including dogs, works by interacting with two primary receptors known as CB1 and CB2.
- CB1 receptors: Found abundantly in the brain and central nervous system of dogs, CB1 receptors also have a presence in other parts of the body, including the heart and digestive system. They play a central role in mood, memory, and overall neurological function.
- CB2 receptors: Located mainly on immune cells, peripheral nervous system, and certain peripheral organs and tissues, CB2 receptors are integral for immune system modulation and the regulation of inflammatory responses in dogs.
The engagement of endocannabinoids with these cannabinoid receptors ensures that our canine companions remain balanced and responsive to environmental stimuli.
What Does the Endocannabinoid System Do?
The overarching importance of the ECS in dogs lies in its ability to promote homeostasis. Whether it's modulating discomfort after an injury, regulating appetite, or influencing sleep patterns and mood, the ECS is invariably involved.
Can Pets Have an Endocannabinoid Deficiency?
Endocannabinoid deficiency in dogs refers to the idea that sometimes dogs might not have enough of certain natural chemicals in their bodies. These chemicals help keep everything balanced, much like how a thermostat maintains a room's temperature. When dogs don't have enough of these endogenous cannabinoids, they might experience health complications.
Just like some people believe that humans can have this deficiency, there's a thought that dogs can as well. Observations have indicated that certain canines with specific health challenges might exhibit lower levels of these crucial cannabinoid signaling pathways.
Learn more about the Science of Pet Supplements
Earth Buddy Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs & Cats delivers CBD, CBDa, CBG, and terpenes in one subcritical CO2 extract, grown and made in Colorado
Put the Entourage Effect to Work
How CBD Oil Works on the Brain
Cannabidiol or CBD oil for dogs and cats influence on the brain is subtle, affecting a range of receptors and neurotransmitter systems. The most noticeable impact involves CBD’s affinity for the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, which plays a role in enhancing your pet’s brain function. By influencing this receptor, CBD might help maintain normal nervous system function. In addition:
By working with neurotransmitters in the brain, full-spectrum CBD:
- Enhances brain function
- Promotes normal healthy brain activity
- Supports normal oxygen utilization by the brain
- Helps to balance normal serotonin levels
By enhancing GABA signaling, full-spectrum CBD:
- Helps dogs maintain a normal and relaxed disposition
- Helps maintain contentment during separation, travel, motion sickness and tension caused by changes in your pet’s daily routine
- May calm hyperactivity and promote relaxation
How CBD Supports the Immune System
The ECS plays a crucial role in promoting homeostasis in the body. CBD's interaction with the ECS, particularly CB2 receptors, can help maintain a normal inflammatory response. While CB2 receptors are widespread in immune cells, the exact mechanisms through which CBD impacts them in the context of immune function in dogs still require further research.
However, scientists have discovered: By interacting with CB2 receptors, which are primarily found in immune cells, full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs and cats may help:
- Maintain a normal inflammatory cytokine cascade
- Enhance liver and kidney functions
- Promote the body’s innate resistance to pathogens
- Support normal detoxification processes
CB2 receptors may also promote apoptosis when combined with full-spectrum hemp extract. Apoptosis is a process where cells undergo a programmed death when they are damaged or no longer needed. The compounds in CBD oil for dogs and cats may promote the apoptosis of immune cells that are dysfunctional or potentially harmful, expelling cells that may be detrimental to the body.
How Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Affects Comfort
When CB1 receptors are activated, CBD for dogs and cats may help with occasional discomfort. CB1 receptors work alongside the TRPV1 receptor and may also enhance endocannabinoid levels, particularly anandamide, which may:
- Help discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity
- Ease aches and discomfort caused by training and competition
- Supports animals with joint tenderness due to everyday activity
How CBD Supports Digestive Health
The gastrointestinal tract is full of CB1 and CB2 receptors, but CB2 receptors outweigh CB1 in this area of the body. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the gut, immune system, liver, and pancreas. Since full-spectrum CBD aids in bringing the body back to homeostasis, it may also support a normal inflammatory response in the gut through interaction with CB2 receptors, which helps support healthy GI function.
More potential gut health benefits of this interaction include:
- Assisting in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients
- Helping maintain proper gut flora
- Supporting normal bowel function
- Helping support the protective layers of the bowel
- Supports inflammatory pathway signaling in the gut
How Long Does CBD Take to Work on Dogs?
CBD's effects on dogs can be diverse and individualized. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to how long it will take to determine the best dosage for any individual pet. Its efficacy is contingent upon each pet’s unique physiology and the specific concern being addressed. It's advisable to adopt a patient and methodical approach, beginning with a low dose and adjusting the dosage as-needed.
To determine if the current amount is helping, start with the recommended dosage on the product's label and maintain this for about a week or slightly longer. If you observe positive changes, maintain that dosage. If no significant changes are evident, consider a gradual increase, and then observe your pet for another week or so. Continue this process until you have found the lowest effective dosage.
Assessing the oil's effectiveness involves closely observing your pet's behavior, digestive health, and overall demeanor, since our furry friends can't verbally express how they feel. Keeping a detailed journal can be helpful, documenting even minor differences. Remember, every dog and cat is unique; factors like weight, age, size, and breed can influence how much CBD they might need.
Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate
In the highly unregulated industry of dietary supplements, approved nonprescription pet CBD products aren’t based on a governing agency. The only true guideline is that CBD for dogs and cats must remain under 0.3% THC. That’s what makes CBD legal according to the controlled substances act. Aside from this, there isn't any required documentation (unless it’s medical cannabis), and any company can claim their product, like their hemp derived CBD, has the same benefits as others.
Earth Buddy utilizes full-spectrum CBD in all products, highlighting the commitment to offering a comprehensive and synergistic hemp experience. To verify the contents of each product, lab results are available from a third-party lab. This is a document every prospective customer should look for prior to making a purchase. Full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs and cats is critical to ensuring hemp derived CBD will work to the best of its ability. Full-spectrum hemp products maintain as many of the original compounds as possible, including THC and CBD, to achieve optimal results when acting together.
This results in what has been coined the entourage effect. Without a full-spectrum formulation, the all-encompassing benefits of the entourage effect may be compromised. This effect is a harmonious interaction between various compounds present in the hemp plant, including CBD, CBG, CBDa, THC, terpenes, and other inherent components, collectively contributing to the product's efficacy. Simply put, the combined synergy of the whole plant's extract is more potent than the sum of its isolated parts.
On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD products and pure CBD isolates have been processed more rigorously, removing many of the intricate compounds that enhance the endocannabinoid system's function. The depletion of these compounds might diminish the product's overall potency. Hence, with broad-spectrum variants, the primary concern shifts from how long and which dosage is necessary to notice the effects to whether it will work at all.
How to Dose CBD for Dogs and Cats
Starting your pet on a CBD regimen is a journey of discovery, as there's no one-size-fits-all approach or a standard calculator to determine the perfect dosage for your individual pet. While the amount of CBD oil for dogs and cats required might not be instantly clear, the good news is that extensive testing has shown CBD to be relatively safe for pets. In instances where they might consume more than needed, the most prevalent side effects observed have been lethargy or GI upset. It's worth noting that pets, like humans, can have varying sensitivities to CBD.
Dosing CBD for Dogs
There's no standard calculator for the perfect dose, because every dog is different. The good news is extensive testing has shown CBD to be well tolerated in dogs, and the most common effects from too much are mild and temporary, usually loose stool or drowsiness.
The goal is the lowest dose that gives you a noticeable result. Start with 1 to 3 mg of CBD for every 10 lbs your dog weighs. With a tincture, the most common method is dropping it straight into the mouth, or onto the gums for potentially faster absorption. For longer lasting results, give Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs & Cats or a CBD chew with food that has a little fat. Mixing into food may take longer to kick in, but it improves absorption and overall efficacy.
Dosing CBD for Cats
Cats follow the same starting math as dogs, 1 to 3 mg of CBD per 10 lbs, but because most cats weigh far less, the actual dose is small. A typical 10 lb cat starts at the low end of that range, often 1 to 2 mg once daily. Cats can be more particular about taste and texture, so a tincture you can meter drop by drop gives you the most control. Try it with a tasty snack or mixed into a fatty, high-value food like wet food or a lick treat.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs & Cats works for both species; the difference is the amount, not the formula. Go slow, hold each amount for about a week, and watch for calmer, more settled behavior before adjusting. As with dogs, give it daily, since cannabinoids build up in the body over time. Check with your veterinarian first if your cat is on medication.
For more information on how much CBD to give dogs and cats, check out our dosage page here: CBD Dosage for Dogs & Cats Guide
Do CBD Treats Take Longer to Work?
When administering full-spectrum hemp plant extract to your dog via treats as opposed to a tincture, you might notice a longer wait time before observing any effects. The direct tincture method allows the compounds to swiftly interact with the endocannabinoid system via the bloodstream.
In contrast, when given as a treat, it needs to undergo the digestion process first. If your pet isn’t willing to allow the tincture on their gums or in their mouth at all, CBD products in treat form do offer a viable alternative. Just remember, it may take longer in edible form. This delay arises because the CBD in the treats has to be processed by your dog's digestive system before entering the bloodstream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will CBD make my dog sleepy or sedated?
No. Full spectrum CBD supports a calm, balanced state rather than sedation. If a pet seems drowsy, it usually means the dose is higher than needed. Start low and adjust. For pets who need nighttime rest specifically, Sleep Support CBN for Dogs & Cats pairs CBN with CBD for deeper relaxation.
Is full spectrum CBD safe for dogs and cats?
Research on CBD in dogs has been reassuring, and the most common effects from too much are mild and temporary, usually loose stool or drowsiness. Every Earth Buddy batch is third-party lab tested, and you can scan the QR code to see the actual results. Check with your veterinarian if your pet is on medication or has a health condition.
What's the difference between CBD and CBDa?
CBDa is the raw, unheated form of CBD found in the living hemp plant. Most extraction methods use heat that converts CBDa into CBD. Our subcritical CO2 process runs cooler, so it preserves CBDa. That matters because CBDa interacts with the body differently and is often well tolerated, which is why our Mobility Hemp Extract leads with a 4:1 CBDa to CBD ratio for joint and mobility support.
Can I give my pet CBD every day?
Yes. Full spectrum hemp extract is designed for consistent daily use, and cannabinoids build up in the body over time. Many pet parents see the clearest results after seven to ten days of a steady daily routine.
Should I give CBD with or without food?
With food, ideally something with a little fat. Cannabinoids are fat soluble, so giving CBD oil alongside a fatty food helps the body absorb more and keeps it working longer. Mixing into food may take a bit longer to kick in than dropping oil on the gums, but absorption improves.
Where can I buy Earth Buddy CBD?
Find a store near you with our store locator, or order from earthbuddypet.com. You'll usually get a better price at your local independent pet retailer, which is by design. We price our own site above retail SRP so your neighborhood store always has the advantage.
For further reading, we recommend:
- Review: the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target
- Study on cannabinoid effects in the GI tract
- Research on CB1 and CB2 receptors in digestion
- Study on CBD safety and absorption in dogs
- Review of CBD and inflammatory response pathways
- Research on CBD interaction with serotonin receptors
- Study on ECS and immune regulation
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