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If you have a dog suffering with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and your vet has recommended or you’re looking to incorporate a little CBD into their routine, we believe this article is for you. That’s because today, we will be laser-focused on helping fellow dog-owners pick the right CBD for Dogs with IBD because all CBD is NOT created equal.
After we introduce you to our top pick of CBD for dogs with IBD, we’ll spend the rest of the article detailing WHY we like this particular CBD when using it to treat a dog’s IBD and we’ll also teach you a few quality standards to look for in a CBD product in general.
If you want to skip right to our recommendation and reasoning, you may do so by clicking here:
Our Top Pick Of CBD for Dogs with IBD.
Otherwise we just want to take a moment to discuss why CBD is becoming so popular for treating dogs with gastrointestinal disorders (and people for that matter). It will be a very short lesson for those of you who may have just heard about using CBD for dogs with IBD.
Let’s dive in by explaining the two ways a cannabinoid (like CBD) is created in the first place and how a dog’s body will use it during IBD flare ups.
Phytocannabinoids Vs Endocannabinoids
A Canine’s body (and human) has the ability to make their own cannabinoids and these cannabinoids play a major role in how your dog will feel and behave. Cannabinoids made by bodies are called Endocannabinoids – endo meaning (body).
Plants also have the ability to create these same cannabinoids and theirs can be extracted. Dogs (and humans) can use the plant’s extracted cannabinoids as a supplement to help fill any gaps in how effectively their own bodies are producing or using these much needed cannabinoids that help ease pain and keep the body in balance. Plant based cannabinoids are called Phytocannabinoids – phyto meaning plant.
Dog IBD Flare Up: How Do The Cannabinoids Help?
It’s technical name is Cannabidiol and it’s know as CBD. CBD is just ONE of many cannabinoids produced by our bodies or plants and each cannabinoid has a purpose for the body to use.
For the sake of this article, we are going to keep this a very generic explanation of how a cannabinoid like CBD can help dogs with IBD.
What Cannabinoids Do (Body or Plant Based)
Cannabinoids keep bodies in balance and they are produced by the body as needed. A similar example of something our bodies can produce as needed and that we can all relate to is: Adrenalin. People have been know to have unbelievable strength, speed and focus after their body involuntarily sends a dose of Adrenalin in the face of a life-threatening situation.
And while Cannabinoid creation isn’t nearly as exhilarating as a shot of Adrenalin, cannabinoids play a critical role in the body when it comes to sensations that can be felt, such as: pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety, depression and so on…
Here is a very brief and basic description of how the endocannabinoid system is supposed to work when a dog experiences an IBD flare up.
Cannabinoid production/use: Canine with IBD example
Part 1
A dog suffering from an inflamed bowel feels localized pain in the abdomen and begins to experience nausea. The brain is smart, so it signals for the production of a couple of helpful cannabinoids that will help block the feeling of nausea and reduce inflammation. But that’s only half of the equation…
Part 2
In order for the body to actually use the beneficial cannabinoids the brain called for, they NEED to be caught by the appropriate receptor as they travel through the dog’s body. If the cannabinoids don’t get caught by the receptor, they can’t be used and your dog gets no relief. They will continue to feel nauseous and they will feel the pain from the inflammation.
A Good Working System
When the endocannabinoid system is working appropriately, a dog’s receptors can easily catch the applicable cannabinoids released by the brain. Once they bind together, transmission takes place and a dog’s pain should ease and the nausea should subside…just as the brain intended.
When Things Don’t Work as Intended
When something is wrong with this function in an otherwise healthy dog, the problem could be that the brain is not calling for cannabinoid production, but it is far more likely to be a problem with the receptors. Which leads us to the popularity of CBD.
How CBD Helps Dogs with IBD: A Brief Lesson
The cannabinoid everyone is raving about is called CBD and CBD is taking center stage for its ability to treat chronic pain and reduce inflammation. But what’s even more powerful about CBD, is its ability to drastically improve our dog’s CB receptors “stickiness.”
Remember, the cannabinoids can only be used by the body if they are caught by the appropriate receptor. The more receptive our dog’s “receptors”, the better they are able to use the cannabinoids made by the brain (or supplemented through hemp).
In short: CBD helps passing cannabinoids bind to their intended receptor throughout your dogs body. When good binding takes place, your dog should experience relief from whatever is out of balance, in this case his or her digestive system.
This is why CBD oil has become so popular. It is helping our bodies use cannabinoids that are there to provide relief and balance.
Is it all About CBD for Dogs with IBD?
But CBD is just one of about 80-100 cannabinoids found in hemp plants . In fact, there are cannabinoids made by our bodies and by the hemp plant that are known for their ability to target the gut and help alleviate gastrointestinal complications associated with IBD or IBS, Ulcers, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
These were all factored into our results before coming up with our top pick when choosing a CBD for dogs with IBD.
TopPickOur #1 Pick for CBD Oil for Dogs With IBD? NuLeaf Naturals
NuLeaf Naturals CBD for Pets (product link)
You can have a look at the product by clicking the above link. Once there, be sure to read the hundreds upon hundreds of reviews by fellow dog owners. And if you decide to try NuLeaf, you can use our coupon code: SeniorDogDays and save 20% on your total purchase. But first…
Here are all the reasons why we rank NuLeaf Naturals #1 for treating a dog with IBD and why we became affiliated with NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD:
Potency – NuLeaf CBD is a Top Shelf, Potent Oil Tincture
NuLeaf’s CBD oil for pets is one of the most potent you’ll find. Their most recent lab report showed 59 milligrams of CBD per mL – that’s FANTASTIC and very rare. Most companies are in the 20’s or 30’s.
Another determining factor is this: NuLeaf makes ONE potent version of CBD. They sell it in different sized bottles, you simply choose the bottle size that fits your budget. Other companies dilute their CBD in order to cater to different budgets.
Simply put, a dog with IBD and gastro complications doesn’t need unnecessary added oils in their diet. Here is a picture of NuLeaf compared to a diluted CBD Oil.
CBD Oil vs Treats for Dogs with IBD
We recommend oil tincture over treats for treating dogs with IBD. This is because it can be difficult for IBD dogs to digest treats or they may be unwilling to consume the treat. Plus, a hard, crunchy treat is highly likely to irritate an already inflamed digestive tract.
Oil, on the other hand, is easy to dispense on or under the tongue. Depending on your dog’s weight, you may be using a few tiny drops per day, which most dogs won’t notice.
NuLeaf CBD is Non-Toxic
The last thing a dog with IBD needs to be consuming is trace pesticides, metals, bacteria or solvents. NuLeaf is made from USA grown organic hemp. A 3rd party lab tests each batch for pesticides, metals, microbes (salmonella, e coli) and solvents. Then – they share the results on their website, so you don’t have to call and ask.
Full Spectrum CBD is Best for Treating Dogs With IBD
Nuleaf Naturals CBD Oil is a full spectrum product which means ALL the beneficial cannabinoids from the hemp plant are kept intact.
In fact, NuLeaf Naturals lab report shows good levels of CBC and CBG which are 2 other Cannabinoids that specifically target gut issues and provide comfort and healing to those dealing with IBD, IBS, Ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. You definitely want Full Spectrum CBD oil when treating IBD so you can get the benefits of other medicinal cannabinoids like CBC and CBG.
CBC – Cannabichromene, like CBD is a NON-psychoactive cannabinoid full of medicinal uses. While CBC does offer some pain relief, it more known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and its ability to help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms such as those caused by IBD.
CBG – Cannabigerol is also a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is known for its ability to nourish and protect brain cells as well as its ability to treat gastrointestinal ailments such as IBD and IBS.
A study in 2016 did conclude that CBG was also effective for stimulating the appetite which is a common problem in dogs suffering from IBD. It was also promising for treating pressure related issues such as those experienced from IBD, glaucoma and bladder disorders.
If you were to purchase CBD Isolate or a Broad Spectrum CBD for IBD, your results would probably be rather limited to only what CBD is known for. That’s because Isolates and Broad Spectrum offerings remove other beneficial Cannabinoids and Terpenes. Many of which are extremely beneficial for those suffering with IBD.
NuLeaf Naturals Uses the Non-Toxic, CO2 Extraction Method in 2 phases
There are a few ways that companies go about extracting oils from the hemp plant and cannabis experts agree that the CO2 method is the safest, greenest, method that leaves no residual toxins.
On top of being safe, green and non-toxic, NuLeaf conducts its extraction in two phases so that the beneficial terpenes (phase 1) are not destroyed.
We do not recommend any CBD oil for dogs that uses, alcohol, hexane, butane and the like as an extraction method. If you do decide to use a company that uses these harsh solvents, be sure to read a 3rd party lab report and make sure no trace solvents exist in the product.
Terpenes Contained in NuLeaf Naturals CBD Target IBD Issues
Terpenes are extremely beneficial compounds found in hemp and can vary widely based on the variety of hemp being used. They are far more delicate than cannabinoids and are easily destroyed during the extraction and manufacturing process.
But with the right process and proper handling, these terpenes can be preserved. And when they are, you’ve just elevated your CBD oil to be more of a medicinal powerhouse…especially for those with IBD.
NuLeaf Naturals is one of the only companies that have their 3rd party lab test for terpenes and include the terpene profile in their report. This demonstrates that NuLeaf Naturals takes great care to preserve precious terpenes so they can pass them along to you…and your dog.
The terpene of note for dogs suffering from IBD that is present in NuLeaf Naturals most recent 3rd party lab results:
Caryophyllene and/or Beta-Caryophyllene – Professionals in the industry concur that Caryophyllene or Beta-Caryophyllene calms disorders associated with the gut and digestive system. Here are the reported benefits of this precious terpene:
- Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Reliever
- Antibacterial
- Helps protect the cell lining of the digestive tract
- Calms ulcers
- Soothes the Gastrointestinal System
- Helps with autoimmune disorders and Fibrosis.
NuLeaf Naturals Conducts Comprehensive, 3rd Party Lab Results
What to Look for in CBD Lab Results
Like vitamins we humans take, CBD is not regulated by the FDA and because of this, we are all left to conduct our own research and do our best to weed through the countless makers of CBD. If you’re up for some more reading, you can read our other in house articles such as Hempseed VS. CBD and our Review of 4 CBD for Pet Makers. But here is what we are looking for…
In our experience, the high quality, reputable CBD oil makers offer the following:
- 3rd Party Lab Results that are EASY to find on their website
- Lab results that go BEYOND a CBD analysis, but they show you the complete Profile of other beneficial Cannabinoids and Terpenes that their Hemp Extraction Contains.
- Finally, their lab results must show they are also testing for pesticides and other harmful toxins that would negate any medicinal benefits if consumed.
- This is because hemp is an extremely absorbent plant and toxins that make it into the soil, will also be in the plant’s extracted oil.
The last thing we need to give our dogs suffering with IBD is a mouthful of pesticides!
Summarizing CBD for Dogs with IBD
Hopefully you are beginning to see that there is more to CBD oil than just whether or not it contains CBD, especially when it comes to choosing a CBD for dogs with IBD. The Spectrum, extraction method, other cannabinoids and preservation of terpenes are just as important as the CBD oil itself.
We at SeniorDogDays recommend NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil for Pets when using CBD to treat a dog with IBD. We recommend oil over hard, crunchy treats that may go uneaten by a dog with IBD. Oil is relatively easy to dispense into a dog’s mouth and because Nuleaf is so potent, it will just be a tiny amount per dose.
To get a better idea of how many drops you would give your dog, here is a snapshot of NuLeaf’s Dosing Guide
Directions for use: 2-3 drops per 20lbs
Pet Weight Usage
Up to 25lbs/11kg 2 drops – 1-2 times daily
25 – 50lb/11 – 23kg 4 drops – 1-2 times daily
50 – 75lb/23 – 34kg 6 drops – 1-2 times daily
over 75lb/34kg 8+ drops – 1-2 times daily*All orders include dosage recommendations
**Designed for pets, but great for your human too!
NuLeaf Naturals Pet Dosing Guide
How to Try NuLeaf Naturals CBD at a Discount
As if they weren’t already great enough, NuLeaf ships free, no matter the size. If you are on the fence, you can try a very small bottle for a reasonable price and then order larger if your dog with IBD responds well to CBD oil.
And if you’d like a coupon code, Nuleaf is very generously offering my website visitors 20% off any order. To buy NuLeaf at a discount, click this link: NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD and enter the coupon code: SENIORDOGDAYS at the checkout page.
And if you have questions about the product, their support staff is second to none. We’ve called them several times and have always been impressed by their knowledge and the pride they take in their product.
We hope you feel the same way.
Thanks for visiting SeniorDogDays!
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