Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum CBD for Dogs

Humans and dogs, like most mammals, have an endocannabinoid system that responds well to cannabinoids like CBD. This system helps the body maintain balance, and CBD has been particularly effective because of the large number of receptors in our bodies, with dogs being even more responsive to its benefits.

Thanks to the endocannabinoid system, CBD has been used to successfully help manage a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, seizures, autoimmune diseases, nausea, arthritis, and pain. The range of ailments that full-spectrum hemp extract can assist with is extensive and growing as more research is conducted.

Healing Naturally with Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract

Since dogs have the same endocannabinoid system as humans, it makes sense that CBD could also work for them. This topic is currently being studied extensively. After all, who wouldn't want to support their dog's natural healing processes?

Your Dog's Endocannabinoid Receptors

Receptors are found throughout your dog's body, embedded in cell membranes, and they are a crucial part of the endocannabinoid system, which is believed to have the most receptors in the body. When these cannabinoid receptors are activated, they trigger various biological processes.

CB1 and CB2 Receptors in Dogs

Research shows that CB1 receptors are mainly located in the nervous system, connective tissues, glands, and organs, while CB2 receptors are mostly found in the immune system. These receptors play different roles depending on their location in the body.

Cannabinoids in the Body

Our bodies naturally produce compounds called endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which activate these receptors. These endocannabinoids can attach to either type of receptor (CB1 or CB2), and the specific interaction determines the effects.

Endocannabinoids might interact with CB1 receptors to help relieve pain, or they could connect with CB2 receptors to signal inflammation, a common issue in autoimmune diseases.

CB1: The First Receptor

Since CB1 is present in high concentrations in our dogs' brains, 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, like 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 found in high-quality full-spectrum hemp extract, which is needed for CBD oil to function properly in the body due to the entourage effect.

Full-spectrum also ensures that all cannabinoids and terpenes that may be present are present; no compounds are left out purposely in a quality full-spectrum tincture.

Research Shows Results

A study by the University of Bologna found that dogs have a large number of receptors in their endocannabinoid system, particularly in their spine. This makes dogs especially responsive to CBD, more so than many other animals.

In another study, researchers used skin samples from healthy dogs to identify where these receptors are located. They found receptor activity in the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) and in the cells of the dermis (just beneath the surface).

Receptors like CB1 and CB2 were also found in all areas of the hippocampus, which is involved in learning, memory, and emotion, and in the lymph tissue.

Even in a 30-day-old canine embryo, researchers discovered endocannabinoid receptors in various parts of the body, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, the inner ear, the skin of the ear, the eyes, and the thyroid gland, indicating that the system begins to develop at a very early stage.

Promoting Balance with CBD

The endocannabinoid system is in charge of maintaining balance, 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 their health, full-spectrum hemp extract will work with the body to bring it back to normal.

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 strengths and benefits.

Read more:

Cellular Distribution of Canonical and Putative Cannabinoid Receptors in Canine Cervical Dorsal Root Ganglia

Preferential epithelial expression of type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) in the developing canine embryo

Cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2 expression in the skin of healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis

The Endocannabinoid System of Animals - PMC