Pets Are More Like Us Than We Think
Despite their furry, four-legged appearance, our pets have a lot in common with us, on both a physical and mental level. Just like humans, pets can experience a wide range of daily ailments, from anxiety and digestive issues to joint discomfort and immune imbalances. Fortunately, nature has provided us with a powerful plant ally that supports the health of both humans and animals: the hemp plant, from which Full Spectrum CBD is derived. Let’s explore one of the body’s most fascinating systems - the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) - to understand how a single plant can influence so many vital processes.
What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The Endocannabinoid System, also known as the ECS, plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis, a stable internal environment within the body despite changes in the external world. This system is composed of:
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Endocannabinoids – Chemical compounds that are naturally produced within the body.
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Cannabinoid receptors – The two key cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body are CB1 and CB2.
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Metabolic enzymes – Responsible for breaking down cannabinoids after they have done their job.
The ECS helps regulate crucial functions like:
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Appetite and digestion
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Sleep cycles
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Mood and emotional regulation
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Pain perception
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Immune system response
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Memory and cognitive function
As Dr. Sulak states, the ECS is “the most important physiologic system involved in establishing health.” When the ECS is out of balance - often due to environmental stress, poor diet, or trauma - our pets may experience symptoms like:
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Digestive upset
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Lethargy
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Anxiety or aggression
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Pain and inflammation
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Poor coordination and balance
How CBD works in pets (CB1 & CB2 breakdown)
CBD is a phytocannabinoid, a plant-based compound that can mimic the effects of the body’s own endocannabinoids. By supplementing with CBD, we help "fill in the gaps" where the ECS may be underperforming to help restore balance and support overall vitality.
There are two main cannabinoid receptors:
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CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and nervous system, affecting mood, coordination, pain, and appetite.
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CB2 receptors are located in the immune system and peripheral organs, playing a key role in inflammation and immune responses.
CBD does not bind directly to these receptors but influences their activity - enhancing the ECS's ability to do its job more effectively.
The ECS in Pets vs. HumansInterestingly, the ECS in dogs and cats is very similar to ours. However, dogs have a higher concentration of CB1 receptors in the brainstem and cerebellum. This makes them more sensitive to THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis), which is why only hemp-derived CBD with 0.3% or less THC - like the kind we use at Root To Vitality - is safe and appropriate for pets.
Our Full Spectrum CBD pet extract is sourced from organic hemp in Vermont and contains only trace amounts of THC. This small amount actually enhances the effectiveness of the other compounds in hemp through what’s called the “entourage effect”, without causing any psychoactive response.
Why We Created Our Pet Formula
Our journey into pet wellness began with Mike, our beloved lab-shepherd mix. After experiencing benefits from using Full Spectrum CBD myself for autoimmune challenges, we were inspired to explore how CBD could support Mike’s healing as well. Learning that almost all animals - including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish - have an ECS, we knew this plant had enormous potential to help our furry friends, too.
What’s Next?
Now that we’ve laid the foundation, in our next blog post, we’ll explore how to properly dose CBD for your pet, and why we added Omega-3 and Chamomile to enhance its effects.
We hope this introduction to the ECS inspires you to take a deeper look at how CBD could support your pet’s well-being. Nature has equipped our animals with the same healing systems we rely on, and Full Spectrum CBD is one powerful way to help restore balance from within.
To good health,
To good health,
Founder - Bridget Hoppe
References
Author, Guest. “How Does CBD Affect a Dog's Endocannabinoid System?” Canine Journal, 21 Mar. 2022, https://www.caninejournal.com/cbd-dogs-endocannabinoid-system/.
References
Author, Guest. “How Does CBD Affect a Dog's Endocannabinoid System?” Canine Journal, 21 Mar. 2022, https://www.caninejournal.com/cbd-dogs-endocannabinoid-system/.
Leinow, Leonard, et al. CBD: A Patient's Guide to Medicinal Cannabis. North Atlantic Books, 2017.
Richter DVM, Gary. “The Endocannabinoid System and Phytocannabinoids.” Today's Veterinary Practice, 5 Apr. 2022, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/integrative-alternative-medicine/the-endocannabinoid-system-and-phytocannabinoids/.
Sulak, Dr. Dustin. “Endocannabinoid Diet and Activities.” www.healer.com, 2018.
Varadharaj, Dr. Saradhadevi, et al. “Understanding The Endocannabinoid System In Cats And Dogs.” IVC Journal, 26 Oct. 2020, https://ivcjournal.com/endocannabinoid-system-cats-dogs/.