New Tricks for Old Dogs: Cannabis For the Golden Years

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Sandi Krucik-vanBommel has had a passionate love affair with animals all her life! With over 30 years of veterinary industry experience, Sandi has forged an inspired path to educating pet parents and veterinary professionals on the benefits of using cannabis for pets. As a Veterinary Cannabis Counselor, she offers expertise in personalized consultations to support pet parents on their pet’s cannabis journey.

Hello dog lovers, and thank you for joining Sandi Krucik-vanBommel and I today as we discuss the topic of new tricks for old dogs: cannabis for the golden years. Sandi, welcome to the show.

Thank you, Krista. So glad to be here.

Well, I'm excited to have you because I know that we have a lot to learn. So why don't you first introduce yourself and share what led you to become a veterinary cannabis counselor?

Well, I'd love to share my story that, unfortunately, started out to be quite tragic, but ended up with a gift. So my family and I were in a high speed collision in 2019. And when I say my family, that included all of our dogs, and one of our senior girls, had sustained some injuries that unfortunately, couldn't be treated with conventional medicine. And my veterinarian who is very alternative had suggested that we try CBD. And in doing so, I started my journey on trying to find a product and dosing and navigating through the space at the time. And I felt very overwhelmed. And it wasn't an easy process. And so I thought as a veterinary professional and being in this world, if I'm feeling overwhelmed, I can't imagine how pet parents must be feeling. And so that led me to finding a way to be certified as a veterinary cannabis counselor.

Okay. Well, I was surprised to read that roughly 50% of dog owners in the US actually give their dogs CBD. I thought that would be lower. But I'm pretty encouraged about that. But of course, you and I both know, that doesn't mean that they are all giving the highest quality, correct dosage, you know, all of the above. So, before we dive into cannabis for our senior dogs, can you explain what exactly is the endocannabinoid system? Because to me, it kind of was more prevalent on the scene maybe five to seven years ago. So what is it and what functions of the body does it actually regulate?

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

Yes, they're actually right on on target in the sense that the endocannabinoid system or the endogenous cannabinoid system has been really gaining some traction in research and discovering it's importance. So we just call it the ECS system for short, but all mammals and that includes us have this internal regulatory system that produces molecules whose functions are to bring balance within the body's internal environment, and we call that homeostasis. So think of it as an internal regulatory system that helps along with so many processes in the body. So we know that the ECS system is always functioning in the background. Because of that, it is responsible for many processes, such as mood, pain, memory, stress, digestion, sleep. So, you know, those are just a few selections. But as you can see with there being so many that does translate to how marketing does possess cannabis or CBD, as most people know, it is so beneficial for so many medical conditions and health conditions.

Right. Well, speaking of which, when your clients come to you, with their senior dogs, what would you say, are the issues that can be treated with CBD.

What Can Cannabis Treat in Our Older Dogs?

I would say I have about three to four, the first one being osteoarthritis being rooted in pain and inflammation. And most of the time, you know, our, our pet parents don't want to see their their dogs in pain, they see them starting to slow down not being able to do things that they used to do. And so in that is always rooted pain and inflammation like osteoarthritis. So we are able to again, modulate the responses that our pets have as a result of influencing with cannabis products in taking down that inflammation, and then as we see their pain improve, and of course, then their mobility improves. The second one I see is what we know as canine cognitive dysfunction. And so think of that as like our doggy Alzheimer's or dementia. Changes that are relating to changing the brain and aging and the cells dying. And we also get beta amyloid proteins building up which interferes with some of the nerve function. So when that happens, we see these behavior changes start to manifest. And as such, the dog might be pacing, or up all night, sleeping all day, being disoriented, having vocalization during the night. So these are all things that really can start to see improvement with using cannabis. And we see that happening as a result of these changes that are happening internally that then can be showing us their ways externally. And then the last or second to last would be just the anxiety that happens with those cognitive changes. So you know, as you have eluded to when we start to see some of the dogs maybe not seeing as well, or where we see them not hearing as well, that brings them anxiety to not be able to take in their world as they normally would. And so then we start to be able to use cannabis for ways of modifying the anxiety. And then of course, lastly was the some of those immune modulated diseases like the big C and the pain that's associated with it as well.

And you were talking about cognitive issues. Have you seen any studies on sundowners syndrome?

CBD for Sundowner’s?

Yes. And I have had several clients come to me with their dogs that have sundowner’s. And we've had some remarkable results. These are dogs that go from not sleeping at all during the night, or very little, as well as a lot of vocalization, restlessness, distress, and going to now where they are sleeping through the night, where they are more settled. And it really does turn things around for the entire family because when the pets aren't sleeping, usually the pet parents aren't sleeping either. And so it really brings back that quality of life for the family, not just for the pets themselves.

Absolutely. Well, I know we're focusing on our older dogs in this segment, but would you recommend CBD also earlier in life as a preventative, and if so, what is a good age to start?

CBD As a Preventative?

I haven't really experienced that in anecdotal results or in studies. As I've been going through this process of, of helping pet parents. If we have an endocannabinoid system that is working well, and it's efficient and it is performing as it should be, we really should have our body be well balanced. It's really only needing to supplement in with our phyto cannabinoids, our plant based cannabinoids that need to be intersecting to some of the pieces where we start to see that balance be out of disease what I would call it, Disease but not necessarily a disease process. So essentially, when we have those medical conditions start to manifest symptoms, then that tells us it may be time to intervene with cannabis.

Right. Well, you brought up a good point you mentioned cannabinoids. And I personally hear some different terms in this industry. And I was hoping you could set me and maybe others straight. So what is the difference between cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes? What do each of those terms mean?

What is the difference between cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes?

We could start with the term cannabinoids. Those are the molecular compounds that are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. They live in what are known as the trichomes of the plants. And we call them phyto cannabinoids because they come from plants or plant derived. And so we know that they really are more than 100 compounds that have been discovered now in the cannabis plant. So there's a lot more research to come. And they each bring therapeutic value. The next would be our flavonoids, these are phytonutrients that not only do they bring flavor, and the way we experience the plants, through our senses, but they also act as a defense mechanism for the plants. So essentially protecting bacteria, insects and reproduce their their aroma, so that you know they too have therapeutic properties. And then that brings us to our terpenes I like to assimilate terpenes like essential oils of the plant. So for example, when we speak of lavender plants, we know they have a distinctive smell, and to that are there relaxation and calming properties. And that is coming from the specific terpene Linalool. And so Linalool is actually one of the terpenes that can also be in cannabis plants. And so they give that distinctive aroma. They do have some flavor components as well. But again, additional therapeutic potential. So when we combine all of these three components in a product, for example, we then have what is called the entourage effect. And the way I like to produce an analogy to understanding that is thinking of many hands make for light work. So in the example of making chicken soup, you can have chicken and noodles, herbs, vegetables, chicken broth. You let that simmer for a while. And it brings you all of the values all of the components to that soup. And high nutritional value as opposed to just making a chicken soup with chicken and chicken stock. So when you bring those all together, you get the best nutritional value. Just like where you bring them all together in a cannabis product. You bring forward the best therapeutic potential.

Well said, Oh my gosh, that makes so much sense now. Thank you.

You're welcome.

Well, Sandi we are at a point where we are going to take a quick sponsor break. So let us take this onward when we get right back hold on everybody.

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And we're back speaking with Sandi and she's giving us so much great information on how to treat our senior dogs with cannabis. So Sandi, you just explained cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. Thank you for that great explanation. When we're talking about our senior dogs. One of the issues that I think of is incontinence. And I know this is a great example of why we have to be so careful with dosing. Because if they're given too much CBD their incontinence episodes could actually worsen. Can you tell us how you actually dose your different patients and clients and how, what factors do you even take into account?

Dosing

This is a really important point that you bring forward, Krista, because cannabis dosing is so much different than our pharmaceutical. It's not as if we're giving, for example, you know, one table twice a day like we would be directed for a pharmaceutical. Cannabis response. If you really unique to each individual, whether it be a human or a pet, it really comes down to that endocannabinoid system response. And we know that it is so unique to each individual. So for example, you and I could be on the same product for even the same medical condition. And we will seem to be on two very different doses based on our unique ECS system. So where I help pet parents move through that dosing parameter, to really stay together for a three month time frame so that we can essentially find what I call that sweet spot for best therapeutic potential. So that we can start low, go slow and work them up through monitoring and having them track responses, how their pet is responding and able to get right to where we need to be for dosing.

Okay, one thing I have a question about, because I've heard as far as how you should give, you know, what, what way is the best way to give CBD to your dog so that it's bioavailable. So I've heard Yes, you can put it in the food. But maybe they don't get as many of the benefits as if you apply it directly to their gums, but they don't really like that either. So what is your suggestion on how to actually give CBD to our dogs.

Best Way to Administer

When I'm working with pet parents, I have this discussion with them to understand how they feel they would get the best compliance from their pet. So it really is a unique way to administer the cannabis, whether it be directly in the mouth or given with Food. We do know however, that cannabis is better absorbed when there is food in the stomach. So for example, may that be that we put a small segment of foods with the cannabis and offer it to the pet versus just directly onto the mucosa is really an individual process. But what we don't want to do is put that oil into their regular food, into their regular meal. Because some pets don't particularly love the smell or the taste. And then we start running into food aversion issues. And we don't ever want that to be, you know, a place where the pet doesn't want to eat. So essentially, meaning just taking and portioning out part of their meal to allow them to have it separately, giving it on a treat. giving it with something that they really like. Or if a pet is very compliant. Of course you can give it directly into the mouth as well.

All right, good advice and Sandi are there. I know there's lots of studies. And we're learning every single day on the benefits of cannabis. But are there any studies that you would like to just mention on the benefits?

Studies?

Well, to be honest, you know, there are just so many studies ongoing now. And that's the beauty of this industry is that it is gaining a lot, a lot more momentum. And so we have recent studies that talk about dosing that talk about responses, and ways they are now being studied. Versus just anecdotal responses. This is really how this whole process usually starts with research is anecdotal stories and responses. And so it is almost difficult to keep up on the research, because there is so much going on now, but in a good way, in that we're really discovering, and so what are buying some of the things that we already knew?

That's great. And in addition, so we are focusing, obviously, on senior dogs, but all of this really applies to all dogs. So we went over arthritis issues, meaning joint inflammation, pain, you talked about anxiety. But there are other benefits, like improving digestion and reducing GI distress. How would CBD help in those areas?

Other Benefits

There are two ways that it really does modulate and that is improving not only the physiology, but also the function of the GI tract. So for example, coming back to some of the properties of those cannabinoids and as well with the terpenes. We have anti inflammatory responses that happen when we activate the receptors and their enzymes. And these are also present in the digestive tract. So it acts to help with motility, protecting the gastric mucosa, inhibiting some of the gastric secretions. But, you know, a lot of times with long term use of NSAIDs, non steroidal anti inflammatories, we do have mucosal damage that is occurring. And so by using cannabis, we can start to improve some of that physiology by coming back to the digestive tract healing and protecting with gastric mucosal secretions. So it means that we're again coming back to the root. And we're essentially able to not just put a bandaid on but change some of that physiology and the functioning so that we can get improved responses.

Nice. And did I read that CBD also minimizes nausea, and it also helps stimulate appetite.

Yeah, that's right. And so that a lot comes from where we see some of the receptors that are in the brain in the central nervous system that also do influence some of the again naturally occurring cannabinoids such as anandamide, that, now we see elevation of that, cannabinoid, we see that this is known as the bliss molecule. So we see some of these changes happening where we have more serotonin produced. And we get to see these responses, changing the way that we have the pet parents responding with, as you say appetite, or how they are processing and feeling.

And on top of it, I know it helps us and dogs sleep better. So it's pretty amazing.

Like a miracle plant, the miracle plant.

And are there any side effects at all to CBD?

Side Effects?

Well, we do have conditions. so things like where we have cardiac disease or we have impaired liver function. We do have to be cautionary in those circumstances. And again, another reason for proper product selection, starting with a lower dose, but also, sometimes it is the carrier oils that can cause some side effects. So commonly we see vomiting and diarrhea. Essentially, it's not the cannabis that’s causing those, those side effects. It’s more The carrier oils that the cannabis is formulated with. And then as well, sometimes when pet parents are using higher dosages, we can also see some side effects as well

Okay. And really quickly since we're about to wrap up, when we are looking at selecting the best CBD oil for our dogs, what exactly should we consider?

How to Shop for CBD

The importance is to be, of course, mindful of looking into that product a little deeper, where you want to know if they do third party lab testing for safety measures to know exactly what is in that product. Also to be doing that they produce what's called a Certificate of Analysis, which gives us all of those results. Transparency is very important. And of course, the source of where their ingredients come from. Essentially, organic is primary, but always looking at those ingredients are very, very important. And then knowing exactly how that product has been processed, because there are different options of processing, and we want to be sure that it's something that is safe for the pet

Okay, all good suggestions. Well, Sandi, I know that you wanted to make an offer to the listeners. So why don’t you tell them about it.

OFFER

I would be happy to offer the listeners a complimentary initial assessment where we can dive a little deeper into their questions that they may have about their specific pet and any medical conditions that they may be questioning about whether cannabis is appropriate. And to this if they have curiosity questions if they want to learn more about cannabis and how they can use it for their pets, and I'm happy to offer a complimentary Zoom discussion together.

That is amazing. Well, thank you for that. Sandi. I will put the link all of your links in the show notes so that people have direct access. So Sandi, where can everyone find out more information about you and your company Inspired Pet Wellness?

Yes, so my website is inspiredpetwellness.com. And my email address is happytohelp@inspiredpetwellness.com. And, again, I would be happy to connect with any questions that they may have.

Instagram: @inspiredpetwellness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandi-krucik-van-bommel-rvt-84a45b210

Wow. Thank you, Sandi. Well, as we sign off today, do you have any parting words for us?

From my experience, I would just like to offer the opportunity for pet parents to become cannabis curious. We do know that from the recreational market, there have been a lot of stereotypes, but to understand that it does have this whole other perspective of how it can be therapeutic, how it can be such an impressive plant to to help you through a lot of issues that we see in our senior pets and just to be cherishing, those those golden years but knowing that there are opportunities for other options and ways that they can help enjoy their pets even longer.

I love it. Well, one thing we didn't cover, not only can you take CBD internally, but it also works topically as well. And I would imagine, especially for our older guys that have lumps and bumps that might come in handy as well.

100%. And often what I do is I will combine both applications. So the pet may be taking the products orally but at the same time we're using it topically as well.

Miracle plant.

Absolutely.

Well, Sandi, thank you so much for being here today. And hopefully a lot of our listeners will take you up on your very generous offer for the free consults. So I want to thank you for being here. And thank you listeners for wanting to do better for your dogs. We'll catch you next time.

I want to again thank the team at Green and Experience for not only being our monthly sponsor, but for also creating the amazing plant-based fetch ball, a safe and natural toy that I feel good about giving to my dog Winston.  Check out their online store by going to Etsy.com and put GreenandExperience in the search bar. You can also find the direct link in the show notes. Choose from a set of two or three fetch balls and save by using the code WOL15 at checkout for a 15% discount. Also, if you purchase two or more fetch balls and yours is one of the first 100 orders, you will also receive a FREE encapsulated dog tag valued at $15.

Thanks for listening. You'll find some helpful links in the show notes and if you enjoy the show, please be sure to follow and listen for free on your favorite podcast app. And please, please share your feedback. Visit WagOutLoud.com for great product recommendations with discounts, amazing online events and fantastic resources. That's also where to visit our Bark About It page where you can suggest topics, guests or products. Be advised that this show offers health and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You're encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as a substitute for nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your dog's health, you should always consult a veterinarian or a nutrition expert. Have a tail wagging day and we'll catch you next time.

Hey Winston was that another tail wagging episode?

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