Do CBD Terpenes Affect Dogs? 

on August 23, 2022

Do CBD Terpenes Affect Dogs?

Terpenes primarily generate flavor and smell in many herbs and spices. They’re the compounds which produce the bright, distinctive smell of pine trees, the soothing aroma of lavender and the sweet, woody bouquet in cloves. Your favorite scents or flavors probably come from terpenes, and they offer additional benefits for your health.

The terpenes in CBD likely affect dogs the same way they do people. In this article we will take a quick look at terpenes, their specific benefits, and how they may affect your favorite fur baby.

But be careful--not all terpenes are for your pooch!

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are “bioactive compounds.” The word “compounds” in chemistry means a pure, stable substance that comes from two or more elements. The term “bioactive” means that it does affect the body (“bio” meaning “body”). 

But don’t let words like “bioactive” scare you! Something affecting the body isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 

Terpenes have potentially positive effects on human bodies, which means we presume they have similar effects on other mammals.

What are Terpenoids?

The term “terpenoids” gets confused and used as a synonym for “terpenes,” but they’re not the same thing. When natural, living, terpenes dry they oxidize and become terpenoids. An “oxidized” plant is actually a good thing! 

That’s a bit of chemistry too, but it’s simple to understand. 

Basically, the oxygen we breathe is 02. That’s a stable oxygen molecule. But when you have just one little oxygen running around, it’s searching for a pairing. All kinds of problems in the body come from “free radicals,” those loose oxygens. “Antioxidants” are their exact opposite-- the beneficial foods and plants which have an extra oxygen by which to grab one of those free radicals.

Antioxidants are super powerful! They fight diseases, including things like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. They help stabilize the body.

So the dried terpenoids which occur in processing CBD have potentially huge benefits.

Some Favorite Terpenes

Since terpenes are the bioactive compounds that give many herbs and spices their characteristic scents and flavors, they’re responsible for lots of our favorite things. Rosemary, lavender, cinnamon and ginger all get their distinctly strong smells from terpenes.

Additional terpenes are still being identified, but here are some of the more well-known ones:

  • Linalool - Found in lavender, which has a distinctly soothing aromatherapy. May be anti-stress, anti-inflammatory and even neuroprotective (meaning helps protect nerves and the brain).
  • Myrcene - Found in thyme and lemongrass, it’s one of the most powerful antioxidants known.
  • Beta-caryophyllene - Found in cloves, cinnamon and black pepper. Known to be anti-inflammatory.
  • Humulene - An aromatic compound in ginger and clove, known to support respiratory health, soothe allergies, and enhance calm.
  • Pinene - The terpene named for pine trees, but it’s also found in other plants like rosemary and basil. Calming, anti-inflammatory and used therapeutically around the world.
  • Geraniol - Common in many fruity-scents like peach, plum, lime, orange and pineapple, this one is a commercially produced terpene alcohol in many common flavors and fragrances. Geraniol does occur naturally in some plants also.

These and many other terpenes can be found in common foods and herbs, probably in your own kitchen or yard!

Not All Terpenes are for Dogs

Just because we know some of the benefits of terpenes and love aromatherapy, doesn’t mean it’s always good for our fur babies. Linalool, in particular, can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large amounts. 

So when it comes to concentrated scents or flavors, like essential oils, keep them out of reach of pets. It’s also important, as a responsible pet parent, to familiarize yourself with plants which are poisonous to dogs. Whether in your own home or garden or out on a walk, avoiding these plants keeps your pet safe.

Full-spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs

Natural, full-spectrum hemp and CBD products for dogs contain beneficial CBD terpenes.

At Bad Dog CBD our wellness products contain the best ingredients for your fur baby’s health. We combine super-powerful, totally natural ingredients for such conditions as: 

  • Hip and joint health
  • Skin and coat health
  • Gut health 
  • Behavioral health
  • Total pet wellness

At Bad Dog we want you to reward your good dog with the best!

Hip & Joint with CBD Tincture

$27.74$36.99

Hip & Joint for Dogs Tincture

$14.99$19.99