Hemp Terpenes for Dogs & Cats
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds produced in the cannabis or hemp plants. The organic compounds produce a variety of smells and contribute to both the taste and overall experience of a cannabis product. Common terpenes found in hemp can resemble a flower essence, while others can have more earthy scents of wood or spice. All plants contain terpenes, which act as an immune defense system against foreign pathogens. Terpenes are a plant’s natural insecticide.
These aromatic compounds not only help the overall health of the cannabis or hemp plant, but contribute to what is known as the Entourage Effect. The Entourage Effect refers to a breakthrough in scientific research that shows botanical extracts from cannabis actually are more effective when the whole plant extract with all of its constituents are included versus typical single-molecule or isolated compounds.
Terpenes Role in the Entourage Effect
Cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp
Many in both the scientific community and users of cannabis believe that the Entourage Effect and overall experience is largely influenced by the terpene profile contained in these products. Much more research is needed to show the full potential of these full-spectrum extracts, but there is a large amount of anecdotal evidence to show that these types of cannabis products containing terpenes are much more effective for treating a wide-array of symptoms in smaller doses. The whole point of using a naturally derived, botanical extract from cannabis is to use the minimal effective dose. Plant-based therapies have always taken this approach and cannabis or hemp should be treated no different.
Terpenes for Dogs & Cats
Very little research is known about the benefits of these chemical compounds for pets, but the synergistic capability as a natural therapy is promising. As the pet CBD industry continues to grow, holistic veterinarians will place
greater emphasis on companies that provide this data with COA’s. Currently, very few companies actually test for common terpenes, but will still claim that they are in the pet product.
With so many holistic veterinarians using essential oils for topical, ingestible and diffusing purposes it is important to understand these volatile compounds. Many essential oil companies lack the ability to explain their quality, let alone the synergy among the various chemical compounds. This is why we exclusively recommend essential oil brands like, animalEO.
Whole plant or full spectrum hemp extracts often contain a variety of common terpenes. One of the most promising is beta caryophyllene, which acts like a cannabinoid by engaging endocannabinoid receptors. You may ask, what are terpenes role in pet CBD or hemp extract product? The synergistic effect these chemical compounds have in conjunction with cannabinoids allows for smaller therapeutic doses.
Synergy with natural remedies, like that of cannabis sativa, is where the desired effect is multiplied with smaller doses. An example would be if 1+1=2 normally, it would equal 8 with a full spectrum CBD containing terpenes for dogs and cats.
Not All Terpenes for Dogs & Cats are Good
It can be a bit confusing when deciding on the right CBD oil for pets. Companies will even state there product contains terpenes, but that does not necessarily mean they will for your dog or cat’s issues. Terpenes for dogs and cats, like Myrcene or Pinene, can often be too uplifting for pets. This can actually lead to more stress than was trying to be treated.
The other end of this spectrum is where companies over process the hemp extract or CBD Oil. Additional processes, like ethanol distillation, after extraction can often lead to damaging or removing the terpenes. Pet CBD products void of terpenes, often do not provide the long term benefits we have seen with our full spectrum products over the years.
Benefits of Hemp Terpenes for Dogs & Cats
- Hemp terpenes can help improve the digestive health of dogs and cats. Hemp terpenes have been found to promote healthy inflammatory responses, which can help reduce upset in the digestive tract. This can help pets who suffer from digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. In addition, hemp terpenes can also help regulate the appetite of pets, making it easier for them to maintain a healthy weight.
- Hemp terpenes can help support the immune system of dogs and cats. These terpenes have been found to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help protect pets from harmful bacteria and viruses. This is especially important for pets who spend a lot of time outdoors, as they are more susceptible to picking up bacteria and viruses.
- Hemp terpenes can help improve the skin and coat health of dogs and cats. Terpenes have antibacterial properties which can help reduce skin irritations and infections. In addition, hemp terpenes can also help regulate the production of oils in the skin, which can help improve the overall appearance and health of a pet’s coat.
- Hemp terpenes can help improve the respiratory health of dogs and cats. These terpenes have been found to have bronchodilatory properties which can help open up the airways and make breathing easier for pets who suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and canine respiratory illness.
- Hemp terpenes can help improve the mood and behavior of dogs and cats. These terpenes have been found to have calming and relaxing properties which can help reduce stress in pets. This is especially important for pets who suffer from separation stress or who become stressed in unfamiliar situations such as car rides or vet visits. In a 2021 study on the Calming Effects of full spectrum CBD for dogs and cats containing terpenes, pet parents saw a 30% decrease in dogs’ stress over a 21 day period.
Each different terpene can provide a host of benefits for dogs and cats, but most work better or synergistically with other cannabinoids and terpenes. If you are having difficulty finding terpenes profiles from a company, it is a good indicator to possibly choose a different product for your pet. Transparency is always key in making decisions for our pets and feeling confident with the brand you choose. Our products are regularly tested for terpenes and each hemp extract formulation may contain a different variety of compounds. We believe that there is no “silver bullet” for all pet health issues and is the reason why we innovate an assortment of pet hemp products.
