Cannabis for Dogs: Benefits, Uses & Considerations

Cannabis for dogs. Perhaps you’ve been seriously considering cannabis for your pet, or maybe this is your first time even contemplating the idea. You’ve probably found yourself wondering a great many things when it comes to administering cannabis to your furry best friend; including is it safe, is it legal, and around a million other questions. At Canna Companion we understand that you just want what’s best for your pet, that’s why we’ve spent nearly 20 years researching the endocannabinoid system. Our specialists have engineered Canna Companion products to deliver high impact results while minimizing adverse effects.   

An Overview of Canna Companion

Canna Companion was founded by Drs. Sarah Brandon and Greg Copas, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer, respectively. Both are high achieving, compassionate veterinary professionals who share over 40 years of combined veterinary experience. Furthermore, the doctors are viewed by their peers as some of the world’s foremost leaders in the investigation of cannabis science and its potential to complement veterinary medicine.

As aforementioned, Canna Companion is the result of nearly 2 decades of research into the endocannabinoid system. At Canna Companion, we’ve combined the scientific principles of veterinary medicine and pharmacology with multidisciplinary research through rigorous testing and informal clinical trials to develop a new kind of holistic care supplement. Everyone at Canna Companion diligently works to develop effective products through evolutionary research and development. Our Consultations and Customer Service Departments are available to help you meet the needs of your pet, while educating you and the community about cannabis therapy in companion animals.  Feedback gained from such communications directly helps the company assist other pet parents and their companions.

Canna Companion itself is a proprietary blend of Cannabis sativa strains; more commonly referred to as hemp, which uses only the seed and mature stalks of the cannabis, ensuring a federally legal product. Our veterinarians crafted Canna Companion to enhance the health benefits of the cannabis plant while negating the ‘high-inducing’ capacity of THC. Through our years of research and development, our specialists created Canna Companion without using any of the following ingredients, all while remaining cruelty-free:

• Corn
• Wheat
• Sugar
• Soy
• Genetically modified ingredients

What does this mean? Our specialized formula provides your pet’s endocannabinoid system with natural compounds that support its normal function. The success of Canna Companion is due to our understanding of the endocannabinoid system and developing supplements which best support its normal function: to listen to and correct cellular stresses. The unique blend of cannabis compounds allows for all the benefits of the Cannabis plant while negating the ‘high-inducing’ capacity of THC. In layman’s terms, this means that your pet will not become “high” after taking Canna Companion supplements.

Hemp, Not Marijuana

While marijuana may offer humans benefits and relief from troubling symptoms and conditions, the same cannot necessarily be said for animals. One key difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of THC. THC is a psychotropic compound and, like most compounds, in large doses can be harmful to animals. Animals who ingest marijuana, or more specifically high levels of THC, have the possibility of developing the following negative side effects:

• Abnormal blood pressures
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Incontinence
• Inability to walk
• Extreme lethargy or excessive pacing

It is because of these potential negative side effects that Canna Companion is made of hemp and not marijuana. When making the distinction between the two, it is important to remember marijuana and hemp are both members of the cannabis family thus both contain beneficial phytocannabinoids and terpenoids used to help improve the overall quality of life for your pet. However, the concentrations of these compounds in marijuana are difficult to administer to pets in proper dosage. Because of these concerns, Canna Companion is made of hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC, and uses ingredients made from the seeds and mature stalks of the hemp plant, complying with federal regulations.

At Canna Companion, we only use the highest quality hemp to create our products. Our dedicated team works to ensure each ingredient meets our unique quality standards and is free of pesticides and chemicals. Our supplements are made to ensure consistency in quality and dosing, so you’ll never have to worry about adjusting your pet’s dose from batch to batch.

Why Animal Lovers are Turning to Hemp Supplements

The most important concept to understand about hemp supplements is how they support the cannabis receptor system during its normal daily functions.  

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, consists of four known receptor subtypes, signaling pathways, endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and the synthetic and catabolic pathways for said ligands. Experts have identified five endocannabinoids, and the most abundant and deeply researched are 2-AG and anandamide, the body’s CBD and THC, respectively. These endogenous compounds are classified as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and assist in a variety of normal cellular processes.  So, how does all of this information pertain to you and your four-legged companion? Put simply, by using the compounds found within pet-friendly hemp supplements, in combinations which best support the natural functions of the ECS, you can help your dog achieve outstanding health and wellness.

Hemp Benefits for Your Pets

GI Tract

Hemp supports digestive processes and can work to assist your pet in maintaining a healthy GI tract. We know that cats and dogs can have sensitive digestive systems; that’s why we’ve created our supplements to help support your pet’s GI tract.

Immunity Boost

The naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in hemp promote optimal responses from your pet’s immune system.  Canna Companion is developed with non-psychotropic hemp, meaning that your pet’s immunity will be assisted without the “high” side effects common with marijuana-based products.

Mobility and Joint Support

ECS support has been shown to help with the joint discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity and your pet’s overall joint health. If you’ve seen a decline in your pet’s mobility such as your pet not racing to meet you when you come home or struggling to get up the stairs, then Canna Companion may be right for your pet.

Neurology

Hemp can help your pet to maintain healthy neurological function. The neurological benefits gained from Canna Companion supplements can be broken down into three larger categories: comfort and care, calm and relaxation, and a healthier functioning neurological system.

Calm and Relaxation

Fear and anxiety can sneak up on a dog from out of nowhere. Even if you have a calm, level-headed dog you may find that when you start your move across the country to a new home or when you bring home a new baby your usually calm, cool, and collected dog becomes a nervous bundle of fluff. Even smaller occasions such as noisy holidays, fireworks, or the absence of a loved one can bring about temporary nervousness and anxiety in your pet.  When administered regularly, Canna Companion can help your pet relax during these periods of stress.

Comfort and Care

Hemp is becoming more commonly used for end of life care and comfort. If you have an aging pet who’s quality of life is affected by age-related processes, then hemp supplements may be an option for your pet. Canna Companion supplements may help promote relaxation and comfort for animals of all ages.

Healthier Neurological System

The ECS is incredibly effective at supporting and maintaining healthy neurological function in dogs, making Canna Companion supplements an excellent choice for pet parents who want to keep their canines in peak condition at all times.

Canna Companion supplements, as mentioned above are not marijuana, and yet, the phytocannabinoid, terpene and flavonoid profiles in hemp work perfectly for pets. Because our pets are smaller than the standard human, they can take advantage of small amounts of CBD, THC and other naturally-occurring, non-psychotropic cannabinoids found in hemp. It is this unique pairing that allows for animals to receive the benefits of hemp without the “high” associated with marijuana products.

All Canna Companion products are formulated by veterinarians who have taken an oath to protect your pet’s welfare, and getting your pet “high” is not protecting its welfare. While small traces of THC are present in Canna Companion supplements, these levels are below the threshold where a euphoric effect could be obtained. Canna Companion is formulated to provide a CBD:THC ratio >2:1 which means CBD helps keep in check any undesirable THC effects.

Are Hemp Supplements Safe?

The first note that should be made on this topic is that every pet is different and nothing is wholly safe.  When considering whether hemp supplements are right for your pet, you should evaluate your pet’s health and consider the reason you’re seeking a cannabis supplement in the first place. Moreover, it’s important to understand the goals you want to meet with hemp therapy. Have you spoken to your veterinarian about hemp supplementation and how it can be used to maintain your dog’s health? Do you have enough information about the ECS to determine whether hemp is the best choice for your companion? Getting in touch with your veterinarian and educating yourself on hemp supplementation and the ECS is the best way to address potential concerns and decide whether you should move forward with hemp therapy for your canine. You can also reach out to us with a message or phone call for more detailed information on Canna Companion.

As to the question of whether or not your pet can overdose on hemp supplements, the answer is yes. As with anything, when taken improperly or excessively, adverse side effects can be observed. In the case of over-ingestion, your pet may be lethargic or exhibit uncoordinated behavior for several hours. Diarrhea is also expected due to natural hemp fiber content in capsules, CBD sensitivity (at moderate to high doses) or excessive oil consumption (oil in general is a laxative).  At this time, there are no long-term side effects reported. If your pet does ingest more Canna Companion or other hemp supplements than recommended,  contact your veterinarian and our customer service team.

An important step in determining your pet’s ideal intake level of hemp is to simply weigh your pet. Canna Companion offers supplements for feline patients and small, medium, large, and extra large dog formulations for our canine patients.  All capsule products are available in regular (CBD:THC 3:1) and extra strengths (CBD:THC 5:1), and our Whole Plant Hemp Oil is somewhere in between (CBD:THC 4:1).

• Feline  
• Small Canine (up to 20lb)
• Medium Canine (21lb-50lb)
• Large Canine (51lb-80lb)
• Extra Large Canine (+81lb)
• Whole Plant Hemp Oil

When it comes to the difference between regular and extra strength supplements, there are a few differences that should be taken into account. First, Canna Companion formulas have different CBD:THC ratios and terpenoid profiles, and we intentionally build in ranges to the ECS is fully supported. Regular strength formulas have 3:1-4:1 CBD:THC ratios; while our extra strength formulas have a 5:1-6:1 CBD:THC ratio. Our hemp oil has 4:1-5:1 CBD:THC.  Typically, we reserve our extra strength products for neurological health and end of life comfort, or for those pets who are not seeing desired results with our regular strength formula. Oils are best reserved for very small patients, those who will not take capsules well, super-geriatric patients, or those who need an ECS boost here and there.

Hemp supplements can, generally speaking, be taken with other medications with no known negative side effects. That being the case, you should never change prescription medications or your pet’s regimen without consulting your veterinarian.

Achieve Long-Term Health with Hemp

Hemp supplements can be used to achieve long-term, age-appropriate health for most pets. Many pet owners have been turning to cannabis for dogs in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. With few recorded side effects and numerous benefits, hemp supplementation is quickly becoming a must-have in many households. If you would like to learn more about Canna Companion hemp supplements or about hemp supplements in general, contact one of our veterinary professionals for a free consultation.