EVERY MOLECULE
MATTERS.

Education:

Just like humans, all dogs have a built-in endocannabinoid system, or ECS. That’s a series of molecules and receptors that communicate with each other to keep systems in balance—sleep, mood, digestion, memory hormones, and more.

When a dog is in this state of homeostasis, organs function optimally to create physiological, cognitive, and emotional equilibrium. That’s a happy, healthy dog!

However, if the balance of the ECS is disrupted, so is a pup’s well-being.

When the endogenous molecules that naturally occur in the body falter, consuming plant-based cannabinoids can restore crucial connections and regulate a dog’s ECS.

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Everything You Need to Know about CBD & Dog Health

The Science & Benefits of CBD

Dogs, and all mammals for that matter, have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) within their Central Nervous System (CNS). The ECS is a series of receptors that interact, or communicate, with endogenous molecules found in the body. The goal is homeostasis or equilibrium. Sleep, appetite, mood, digestion, memory, and more are regulated by this system. CBD, and other cannabinoid molecules such as CBG or CBN (there are 120+ cannabinoid total molecules), can interact with this system in the same way that endogenous molecules do. That’s the basic science behind it, though our experts are always happy to dive deeper.

Cannabinoid pet health supplements, often referred to as just CBD, are commonly used for calming, hip and joint, digestive, or senior support. While these products are generally safe when crafted under the proper standards, there is a variety of CBD products on the market that contain potentially harmful ingredients such as THC, pesticides, or heavy metals. THC has shown negative side effects such as disorientation, hyperactivity, and nausea in pets. This is why the NASC quality seal is so important, along with a reputable team and science-first approach. 

While less than 0.3% of THC is non-psychoactive and considered safe for dogs, there are THC-free options, such as CHOU2 PHARMA, for pet parents who want that extra purity and assurance.

CBD Oil for Dogs

Dog owners have long sought the best CBD oil on the market to help increase the quality of life for their best friend. Calming has become a huge need – with over 70% of dogs expressing the need for support in this area. Often made with cannabidiol, tinctures can be given to dogs on or under their tongue, or on the gums directly. CHOU2 PHARMA’s Chill is made with the purest CBD available and is THC-free. It’s recommended you avoid putting this formula on food or treats, because it’s fast-acting and best absorbed when taken orally. The onset is typically 15-20 minutes. Other full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils will contain trace amounts of THC and will have varying administration instructions and efficacy.

How much CBD oil should you give your dog? The recommendation is .02ml per 10lbs of body weight. Remember, each dog is unique, which is why talking to a veterinarian is so important.

Other CBD Products for Dogs and When to Use Them

Pet owners seeking high-quality dog CBD products are commonly looking to provide support for all areas of life, from aches to digestion to nervousness to brain health. While tinctures are certainly popular, the use of CBD and other cannabinoids is found in a variety of pet health supplements, like soft chews, topical ointments, pills, and more. The key difference between each type of product is often how quickly they take effect, as well as the support they provide. For example, digestive or hip and joint support is likely required daily and consistently, which usually lends itself to soft chews or a pill that absorbs into the system slowly and stays in the system longer. Calming needs may be more immediate, so a fast-acting oil administered sublingually would be more appropriate. Some brands have no difference between their different products – they each contain broad-spectrum cannabinoids, processed in the same way. CHOU2 PHARMA uniquely designs each of these molecules and formulas to fit your dog’s needs.

It is important to note the other active ingredients that can be found in your dog’s CBD products, like chondroitin, probiotics, or omegas. Again, these ingredients should be scientifically tailored to your dog’s needs. Pet parents are encouraged to pick the product they (and their veterinarian) believe is a great fit for their dog’s health, then decide what their dog might like the best between the available flavors and formats. Soft chews are the most popular product amongst pet owners and pups.

With so many options, pet parents should certainly do their homework when it comes to picking the best CBD pet product for their dog. Still have questions? Reach out to us at customerservice@chou2pharma.com – we’re here to help.

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Mark Cushing leads CHOU2 PHARMA’s advocacy and legal efforts—working closely with his external network and Dr. Jeff Pollard—to improve the understanding, education and policy regarding cannabinoid pet health care. His focus is supporting veterinarians’ ability to discuss and recommend cannabinoid-based products within their practices.

Mr. Cushing provides high-level strategic advice, state and federal lobbying, regulatory and policy services and consulting to animal health and veterinary clients throughout North America. Since 2004, he has specialized in animal health, animal welfare, veterinary and veterinary educational issues, developing a cutting-edge practice across these sectors. He currently leads several industry coalitions and initiatives. Mr. Cushing has guided successful AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accreditations for a growing list of veterinary colleges, including new accreditations.

A frequent speaker at veterinary medicine and other animal policy conferences, he’s an adjunct professor of law at the Duncan School of Law in Knoxville, Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland and the University of Oregon School of Law. He’s also an honors graduate with distinction from Stanford University and the Willamette University College of Law.

As the founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, LLC (APG), Mr. Cushing offers representation for a wide range of veterinary and pet health interests. Most recently, Mr. Cushing authored Pet Nation, a Penguin Random House title that explores the forces behind pets becoming treasured members of the family.

Mark Cushing leads CHOU2 PHARMA’s advocacy and legal efforts—working closely with his external network and Dr. Jeff Pollard—to improve the understanding, education and policy regarding cannabinoid pet health care. His focus is supporting veterinarians’ ability to discuss and recommend cannabinoid-based products within their practices.

Mr. Cushing provides high-level strategic advice, state and federal lobbying, regulatory and policy services and consulting to animal health and veterinary clients throughout North America. Since 2004, he has specialized in animal health, animal welfare, veterinary and veterinary educational issues, developing a cutting-edge practice across these sectors. He currently leads several industry coalitions and initiatives. Mr. Cushing has guided successful AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accreditations for a growing list of veterinary colleges, including new accreditations.

A frequent speaker at veterinary medicine and other animal policy conferences, he’s an adjunct professor of law at the Duncan School of Law in Knoxville, Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland and the University of Oregon School of Law. He’s also an honors graduate with distinction from Stanford University and the Willamette University College of Law.

As the founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, LLC (APG), Mr. Cushing offers representation for a wide range of veterinary and pet health interests. Most recently, Mr. Cushing authored Pet Nation, a Penguin Random House title that explores the forces behind pets becoming treasured members of the family.