CBD Oil for Jack Russells – Is it Actually Effective?
The Jack Russell terrier – or Jack Russell as it is more commonly known, is one of the nation’s favorite breeds for pet dogs.
It was originally used as a hunting dog, but is a happy, energetic, and loving pet that although needs to be socialized, is a great family dog.
One of the best traits that the Jack Russell has is that it is generally a healthy dog, is very playful – but can sometimes be a little disruptive!
Jack Russells are very loyal, but can suffer from separation anxiety when they are separated from their owner.
Many breeds of dogs are more prone to suffering from certain illnesses, but the Jack Russell isn’t one of those. There are, in fact, very few illnesses that are more common in the Jack Russell than other breeds.
CBD, THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM, AND YOUR PET
The use of CBD for therapeutic means has been rising in popularity in humans around the world over the past few years, but today we are also seeing more and more people giving it to their pets.
CBD works with our endocannabinoid system to help to keep the body regulated, and many animals also have an endocannabinoid system.
This is great news for our pets – including Jack Russells, as it means that they can also benefit from the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol – or CBD.
The endocannabinoid system is a system within the body that helps to regulate several aspects and functions of the body – including the immune system, digestive system, central nervous system, and mood.
It works through the interaction of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced naturally by the body) and cannabinoid receptors.
CBD or cannabidiol is one of over a hundred natural compounds of the cannabis plant, which can behave in a way that is similar to the endocannabinoids. This means that when is taken, it can help the endocannabinoid system to work at its optimum level and boost your pet’s health and well-being.
THE BENEFITS OF CBD FOR YOUR JACK RUSSELL
Although Jack Russells are generally a healthy breed of dog, there are some common health issues that all dogs are prone to – including Jack Russells. Some of these can be helped by giving CBD to them.
IMPROVING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND GUARDING AGAINST ILLNESS
One of the most important effects of CBD on the body is that it can help to regulate the immune system.
The immune system is important for fighting off internal and external disease threats, including infections and viruses.
By taking CBD, you can ensure that your Jack Russell’s immune system is as strong as it can be and as protected as possible.
Another aspect of the immune system is that it has the ability to turn on itself, attacking the same body that it should be protecting. The result of this is an autoimmune disease – which can appear in many guises.
Research shows that CBD can not only boost the immune system, but also regulate it so that it doesn’t become over-active, and consequently can help to protect it from autoimmune diseases.
LOWERING STRESS AND IMPROVING THE MOOD
Sometimes we all find ourselves in stressful situations – even our pets. Stress can be very damaging to their overall health and also difficult for owners to deal with.
When CBD is taken, it can interact with the cannabinoid receptors within the body, helping to regulate some of the chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and anandamide. These are both related to feelings of joy, happiness, and contentment.
As in with people, the research shows that CBD can be very effective at helping your dog to lower their stress levels, and therefore improve their mood.
REDUCING ANXIETY – INCLUDING SEPSRSTION ANXIETY
Jack Russells are a breed of dog that can suffer terribly from separation anxiety – simply due to the fact that they love being with their owners – and struggle when they are apart.
Due to the calming properties of CBD, it is classified as being ‘anxiolytic’ – or anxiety-reducing.
Whether your Jack Russell is anxious about being on their own, in the car, or around other animals, research shows that CBD can help to keep them calm and reduce their stress.
REDUCING EXCESSIVE BARKING AND HYPERACTIVITY
A Jack Russell is an energetic dog that can be prone to hyperactivity – especially if they are anxious. Again, CBD can help calm the dog down, therefore reducing the hyperactivity.
CBD can help to keep the levels of serotonin in the brain regulated, and this can help you and your dog to reduce hyperactivity and the barking that often comes with an anxious and over-excitable dog.
HELPING WITH JOINT PAIN AS THEY AGE
Many animals run the risk of developing arthritis as they age. As Jack Russells are very active dogs, this can be a particular problem for them.
This arthritis would normally occur where the cartilage between the joints wears thin, causing the bones to rub together, and the tissue around the joint to become inflamed.
This inflammation can cause a great deal of pain to the dog.
CBD is known to have effective anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that it can help to reduce inflammation and therefore lower the pain from the inflamed joint.
HELPING WITH HIP DYSPLASIA PREVALENT IN JACK RUSSELLS
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can sometimes be found in Jack Russells. It occurs when the ball and socket joint in the dog’s hip don’t fit together properly.
This can cause a great amount of discomfort both in the joint and the muscle around it as it tries to accommodate this unnatural movement.
Again, this can cause inflammation and be extremely painful for the dog. Unfortunately, the only solution to this issue is to have surgery, but CBD can be useful in helping to deal with the inflammation and pain relief.
FIGHTING AND PROTECTING FROM CANCER
It is true to say that scientists are finding several links between cannabis and cancer, holding high hopes that one day it could be instrumental in helping to treat cancer as well as try to protect us all from developing cancer.
Unfortunately, it is still too early to make these claims – or indeed for vets to prescribe it – but there are certainly signs that show that CBD and some of the other compounds in cannabis could be useful to stop cancer cells from developing.
Scientists have also found, however, that if your dog is undergoing cancer treatment, CBD might be able to help your dog to cope with some of the side effects of the treatment – such as loss of appetite, nausea, and pain.
HELPING WITH EPILEPSY PREVALENT IN DOGS, REDUCING THE NUMBERS OF SEIZURES
Medical cannabis is already being prescribed to some people – especially children – to help them to reduce the number of epileptic seizures that they are suffering from.
Dogs can also suffer from epilepsy and it is hoped that CBD can also help them to reduce the number of seizures that they are suffering from.
Research shows that CBD can help to calm the neurons that can erratically misfire, causing a seizure, helping to reduce the chance of having a seizure.
BOOSTING WELL-BEING AND GENERAL ENJOYMENT OF LIFE
The fact that CBD helps to enhance the effectiveness of your Jack Russell’s endocannabinoid system means that it helps their body to stay healthy, boosting their well-being and allowing them to enjoy life to the max.
DOSING YOUR DOG’S CANNABIDIOL
The amount of CBD that you should give to your dog depends on three factors. It is important that you read the product packaging before giving it to your Jack Russell.
- CBD can work in different ways according to how much you give them, so there is a certain amount of trial and error involved. You should start with a small dose and gradually increase it until you get the best effect for your dog.
- The size and weight of your Jack Russell is another factor, and most dosage instructions relate to this. As a rough guide, you should normally give around 0.2mg of CBD per 1lb in weight.
- CBD products are available in a wide range of different concentrations. It is important, therefore, to check the quantity of CBD in each product to be able to calculate the dosage that you require.
- CBD can interact with some medications that your dog is taking, so it is important that you discuss CBD with your vet before giving it to your dog.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CBD
CBD is available in two different types – full spectrum and broad spectrum. Although they both contain CBD, they are set apart by the other compounds that are present.
The hemp plant is made up of many compounds, including CBD – and THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) – the compound in cannabis that makes you high. CBD products are made from the extraction of these compounds.
Full spectrum CBD will give you a complete extraction of all of the compounds – including low (and legal) levels of THC.
Although there will be THC present, it will be at very low levels and won’t make your dog high. With the presence of the other compounds, you can take advantage of the ‘entourage effect’ – meaning that the CBD is more effective.
Broad spectrum CBD is very similar but doesn’t have all of the compounds present. The THC will not be present except for in a very low, trace amount.
Although the CBD will be effective, it won’t be as effective as in full spectrum CBD but is a great option if you need to totally avoid THC – if, for example, your Jack Russell has an allergy to it.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
There are many CBD products available for dogs, but it is important that you choose the right one to ensure that your Jack Russell is safe and you are getting what you expect.
We recommend that you buy:
For full spectrum CBD, Nuleaf Naturals with THC
And for broad spectrum CBD, CBDmd without THC
FAQ
What do I do if I give my dog too much CBD oil?
It is important that you calculate the best dose for your dog, as well as keep any CBD treats well-guarded.
However, if your dog does take too much CBD, the likelihood is that they’ll fall asleep, but if you are at all worried, you should contact your vet.
Do vets recommend CBD oil?
As CBD oil for dogs is still relatively new, it is taking some time for it to infiltrate into the veterinary system.
However, we are seeing a massive rise in the number of vets that are recommending CBD to their clients.
Can I give CBD to my dog every day?
The most important thing to remember is to follow the instructions on the product packaging.
However, many people give their dogs CBD not just once a day, but several times a day.
How long does CBD stay in a dog’s system?
The length of time that CBD stays in your dog’s system will depend on several factors, including the method of taking (CBD oil, or capsules, for example) and the individual metabolism of your Jack Russell.
Can I take my dog’s CBD oil?
There is no reason why you can’t take your dog’s CBD oil, as long as you check that the ingredients are fit for human consumption.
CBD oil will normally consist of just the hemp extract and an oil like olive, hemp seed, or coconut oil, in which case it is perfectly fine to take.
