CBD is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant whose molecular structure mimics substances created by our own endocannabinoid system (ECS). When we take CBD, it activates the ECS, triggering signals throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and relaying messages from the brain to the body.

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The messaging happens via two types of receptors: CB1 receptors are generally found in the central nervous system, the brain & spinal cord, and in the liver, gut, adrenals, cardiovascular system and the region of the brain responsible for managing fear and anxiety. CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system and are thought to promote promote relaxation and pain relief by reducing inflammation. Many animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and birds have an ECS.

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In humans the ECS'  most important function is to promote systemic balance and coordinate other bodily functions, as such it is known to play a role in regulating balance, sleep, appetite, digestion, mood, cognition, reproduction, and immune response.  Anecdotal and scientific evidence is mounting that your pet's ECS does the same thing.

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CBD is non-toxic and does not build up in the body. Think of the CB receptors as small doors that the CBD enters through. When the receptor can't process any more CBD or doesn't need it, the small door closes and the excess moves on to the next receptor. If it doesn't find a receptor to attach to it is eliminated from the body through urination. You can't give your pet an "overdose" of CBD. The worst that will happen if you give them more than they need is that they will have a nice nap!  Of course, as with any food or medication you give to your pet, an allergic reaction is always a possibility. If you notice any unexpected behaviour you should discontinue use and call your vet.

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Will CBD make my pet high?

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CBD contains no psychoactive properties, so the answer is no.

 

Although CBD and THC both come from a type of cannabis plant, CBD is extracted from the industrial hemp plant, the same one that hemp clothing, rope, and hemp seed oil is extracted from. This is a completely different variety of cannabis than the one that produces marijuana, and by law it can contain no more than 0.3% THC, which is below the toxicity level for animals and is insufficient to cause any type of "high".

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What else?

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Bark At The Moon Naturals CBD oils are made in small batches in Scarborough. We use only pure CBD isolate from licensed Canadian processors. When we receive the isolate, we send it out to an independent lab for testing to ensure its' purity, and that it contains no more than 0.3% THC, which is the legal limit for all industrial hemp products. Although THC is toxic at higher levels, this level is completely safe for your pets.

 

I'm not just the owner of Bark At The Moon, but I'm a customer too! My two shihpoos, Skye & Harley, shown at the top of this page, are 11 years old, and over the past few years have become increasingly anxious at fireworks, thunderstorms, and now even rain. They shake and shiver and try to run. It took me a couple of tries to get the dosage right, but now they are much calmer when scary things happen. Harley used to shake, bark, and scratch incessantly at the door during fireworks. Now she still notices them and doesn't much like them, but all of the extreme reactions are gone.

 

So  you can rest assured that when I'm making our CBD oils, I'm making them for my own furbabies as well as yours, and that's how much care I take to make sure they are safe and effective.

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Oh, one more thing...

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Hemp seed oil is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The production of CBD oil uses the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant, which contain a high concentration of CBD.  Hemp seed oil comes from the small seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, and contains only a minute trace of CBD, insufficient to have any benefit. You will see many products being sold on Amazon, in pet food stores, and elsewhere that use labeling and marketing designed to make you think that you are buying CBD. Unfortunately you can't even use price as a guideline to determining whether it is CBD, as unscrupulous companies are charging up to $90 for a 30 ml bottle of "hemp oil" that contains no cannabidiol. Look for CBD on the label.

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Unfortunately, when CBD became legal in Canada, they didn't think to require licensing for CBD for animals, which has led to a lot of confusion in the marketplace. They are working on a revision to the Cannabis Act to allow licenses to be issued for manufacturing CBD products for pets, and Bark At The Moon Naturals will be undergoing the licensing process as soon as it is made available!

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