Because of their endocannabinoid mechanism, humans have had a lot of success with cannabinoids like CBD. Indeed, as science progresses, it’s likely that you’ve heard some success stories yourself. We have an endocannabinoid pathway, which is why it works for humans. Fortunately, this mechanism has been discovered in all animals. Dogs aren’t exempt from this rule. Due to the number of receptors in their bodies, they are actually more responsive to the beneficial therapeutic effects of CBD than other people.
Both humans and dogs benefit from the endocannabinoid system (along with nearly every other mammal). When cannabinoids, such as CBD, are incorporated into the endocannabinoid system, they help the body achieve homeostasis (balance).
Irritable bowel disorder, cancer, seizures, autoimmune conditions, nausea, arthritis, and pain are only a few of the conditions that have been shown to benefit. The list of problems that CBD has been found to support could go on and on.
Dogs and Humans: The Endocannabinoid System
Furthermore, since our dogs have the same endocannabinoid system as we do, why shouldn’t CBD work? This is a subject that is currently undergoing extensive research. There’s an explanation for that. Who wouldn’t want to assist their dog’s natural healing?
Understanding How Dogs React to CBD: A Dog’s Receptors
To begin, it’s necessary to understand what receptors are and why they’re so important to our dogs. The endocannabinoid system’s receptors are found in the body, embedded in cell membranes, and are thought to be the most numerous receptor system in the body. When cannabinoid receptors are activated, a number of biological processes occur.
According to research, CB1 is present primarily in the nervous system, connective tissues, glands, and organs, while CB2 is found primarily in the immune system and its associated structures. CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in a variety of tissues, each serving a different purpose.
Endocannabinoids are the compounds that our bodies naturally manufacture to activate these receptors. The most well-known of these molecules are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Endocannabinoids can bind to both types of receptors (CB1 or CB2). The role of the receptor and the endocannabinoid it binds to decide the outcome. Endocannabinoids, for example, could relieve pain by interacting with CB1 receptors in the spinal nerve. Others can bind to a CB2 receptor in your immune cells, indicating that your body is inflamed, which is a common symptom of any autoimmune disease.
CB1: The First Receptor
Since CB1 is present in high concentrations in the brain of dogs, it has the ability to influence motor response, learning, memory, and emotional response. This is where ailments like separation anxiety, which can be reduced, come into play. CB1 receptors and CBD communication pathways also affect other conditions such as chronic pain and wasting syndrome.
CB2: The Second Receptor
Immune system activity is often related to CB2 receptors. Since CB2 receptors in the immune system can control the release of cytokines, this is the case. They’re in charge of regulating inflammation and interacting with immune and non-immune cells in the body.
The Full Spectrum Entourage Effect
THC (0.3%) is present in full-spectrum items, which is needed for CBD oil to function properly in the body. THC is the only cannabinoid that binds to CB1, whereas CBD does not. Full-spectrum also ensures that all cannabinoids and terpenes that may be present are present; none is omitted on purpose. The objective is to keep as many people alive as possible. Of course, since each plant contains thousands of cannabinoids and terpenes, it is difficult to retain them all, but full-spectrum products are formulated in such a way that the majority of compounds remain therapeutic.
All of our goods at Hempific Hounds are full-spectrum to ensure the highest therapeutic benefit.
Research Shows Results
Dogs were found to have a large number of receptors in their endocannabinoid system, especially in the spine, according to a study performed by the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy. This helps dogs to use CBD more efficiently. Dogs have more receptors than other animals, according to studies, which explains why they are more susceptible to CBD oil.
Using skin samples from healthy dogs, another study attempted to pinpoint precisely where receptors could be located. Immunoreactivity was observed in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and cells in the dermis of healthy dogs’ skin samples (beneath the surface). CB1 and CB2 receptors were found to be stronger in skin samples from dogs with Atopic Dermatitis, a disease characterized by dry, itchy skin. CB1 was found in all regions of the hippocampus in all samples (learning, memory, emotion part of the brain). CB2 has been discovered in lymph tissue.
Endocannabinoid receptors were discovered in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the inner ear, the skin of the ear, the eyes, and the thyroid gland of a 30-day-old canine embryo. Yes, it begins at such a young age!
Final Thoughts
The endocannabinoid system is in charge of maintaining equilibrium, and dogs have a specific tool to benefit from the effects thanks to their additional receptors paired with CBD. Because your dog has more receptors than other animals, if anything is wrong with his or her health, CBD will work with the body to restore normalcy. Full-spectrum hemp extract contains compounds that can help activate the right reaction, resulting in reduced inflammation, pain, and anxiety, among other things.
Every day, further research is done, and multiple advancements continue to pave the way for a deeper understanding of the endocannabinoid system’s strength and benefits.
Read more:
The Endocannabinoid System of Animals – PMC