Why Add Hemp-Derived Terpenes to Distillate?
Hemp-derived terpenes are the next big trend in terpene-infused distillate. It’s not news that distillate is perfect for dabs, carts,...
Terpenes have a wide range of fragrant benefits. As more terpene isolates and blends become available, there’s no reason these benefits need to be reserved strictly for humans. Not only are terpenes safe for dogs, but dogs may potentially benefit immensely from their healing properties.
It’s important to remember that terpenes are an occurring compound that form in plants, and even some insects, around the world. Far from some artificial composite created in a lab as a marketing gimmick, terpenes are most similar to the essential oils you’d find in everything from perfume to soap to foods.
While they’re not an end-all cure for every ailment, there is no risk of your dog becoming addicted to them. Here’s the lowdown on whether terpenes are safe for dogs, whether or not you should use them, and which ones you may want to try first.
Are terpenes safe for dogs? Like, actually?
The short answer can be summed up in three letters: YES. As we mentioned above, there is no risk of addiction and little chance of any harmful side effects because terpenes have evolved over millions of years.
There’s even a study recently reported on by the Canadian Broadcast Corp that dove into whether certain terpene-producing plants can or should be used to help treat pain in dogs. The answer was overwhelmingly positive. The article goes on to note that further studies are being undertaken and that in the coming years, we should know much more about dogs and terpenes.
That said, always pay attention when giving your dog any new product. If they react poorly or refuse to consume it, you may want to try a different terpene or go a different route entirely. There’s no need to force a terpene on them if they clearly don’t want it.
Can veterinarians prescribe or encourage the use of terpenes?
Unfortunately, veterinarians in the United States and Canada are often not permitted to formally encourage or prescribe terpenes to their pet patients. Some governing bodies in the veterinary field have yet to formally recognize or encourage the use of terpenes for pets, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a vet that will be excited to dive right into the subject while on the clock.
There’s hope that with growing research and more case studies, governing veterinary bodies will continue to warm up to the idea of using terpenes on dogs, and potentially even put out some formal studies on whether terpenes are safe for dogs.
But, on the other hand, you can always ask your vet for his or her opinion. We’d never encourage you to stray from what they say, and their answers might actually surprise you. Some vets are more well-read on the topic, and therefore more likely to be willing to offer an opinion on it, than others.
What illnesses in a dog might be addressed with terpenes?