What’s an Endocannabinoid System and Why’s it Important?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a fascinating part of your dog’s biology, responsible for maintaining balance and promoting health throughout the body. Whether you’re looking to manage your pet’s anxiety, pain, or inflammation—or just curious about how CBD works—this guide explains everything you need to know about the ECS and how it supports your furry friend’s well-being.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a cell-signaling system (you’ll hear a lot about receptors) that was found via research in the early 1990’s. The ECS is a system of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids found in almost all animals, including dogs. 

A study published by Pharmacol. Rev. explained the identification of cannabinoid receptors in the body has “triggered an exponential growth of studies exploring the endocannabinoid system and its regulatory functions in health and disease.” The study went on to state “in the past decade, the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in a growing number of physiological functions, both in the central and peripheral nervous systems and in peripheral organs.” 

Scientists have connected the endocannabinoid system to several health areas, including:

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety
• Movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease
• Neuropathy
• Cancer
• Atherosclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Stroke
• Glaucoma
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis

While much remains to be uncovered, current research highlights the ECS’s critical role in promoting overall health and resilience.

The Role of The Endocannabinoid System

We know now the ECS is responsible for a large range of processes in the body including (but not limited to): sleep, mood, memory, reproduction, and appetite.

The Endocannabinoid System is also responsible for:

• appetite and digestion
• metabolism
• chronic pain
• inflammation and other immune system responses
• mood
• learning and memory
• motor control
• sleep
• cardiovascular system function
• muscle formation
• bone remodeling and growth
• liver function
• reproductive system function
• stress
• skin and nerve function
  

One of the main reasons so many areas of the body are affected by the ECS is due to its ability to increase communication within and between the body’s systems and restore something called homeostasis.

The ECS & Homeostasis

Homeostasis is a balance within your body. Basically, it means if your body strays away from it’s normal, it will be brought back. Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain internal stability despite external changes. The ECS is critical to this process. For example:

• If your dog’s body temperature rises too high, the ECS works to bring it back to normal.
• If stress levels spike, the ECS helps to restore emotional calm.

Without homeostasis, the body struggles to function properly, leading to imbalances that can trigger pain, illness, and chronic conditions.

How does the Endocannabinoid System work in Pets?

When talking about the ECS, you’ll hear a few terms on a regular basis. The terms will be endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. These three components play critical roles in the ECS.

1. Endocannabinoids: Naturally occurring compounds that signal the ECS to take action.
2. Receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors, which receive endocannabinoid signals.
3. Enzymes: Responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once their job is done.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are molecules produced by the body as well as plants in nature, which interact with the ECS. The body naturally produces ‘endocannabinoids’ that bind to cannabinoid receptors ‘waking up’ the systems within your dog. Similarly, exogenous cannabinoids produced by plants like the cannabis plant look to the body like it’s own native cannabinoids. Basically, nature has designed compounds that mimic chemicals already present in the body! How cool is that?!

Endogenous Cannabinoids

There are two main endocannabinoids (endogenous cannabinoids) that are focused on in scientific studies; anandamide (N-aracidonoylethanolamine or AEA) and 2-AG (2-ArachidonoylGlycerol). Both of these endocannabinoids are produced on an as-needed basis.

• AEA is known as the ‘bliss’ or ‘joy’ molecule. Anandamide is the receptor responsible for the therapeutic use of 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). And, it’s particularly important because it was the first endocannabinoid to be discovered from the pig brain by William Devane and his team of researchers in 1992. 
• 2-AG is present at high levels in the central nervous system and has been identified within breastmilk in humans. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was the second endocannabinoid to be identified when it was isolated from within a rat’s brain and the gut of a canine.

Since these two endocannabinoids have been discovered, numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate not only differences in behavior, but also differences within molecules. The discovery of these two major compounds led to the identification of what is now known as the endocannabinoid system.

Exogenous Cannabinoids

Exogenous cannabinoids, like THC, are cannabinoids that are not made by the human body naturally. They mimic our naturally synthesized cannabinoids and are similar in chemical structure, but use a different pathway (receptors) to relay information to produce physiological effects. 

CB1 and CB2 Receptors: The Gateways to Healing

There are receptors all throughout the body that interact with both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids, like CBD. (yes, in your dog’s body and your own).Cannabinoids bind to receptors, a bit like a puzzle piece, to communicate what they would like to say. There are two main endocannabinoid receptors.

CB1 Receptors

CB1 receptors, first found in 1988, are commonly found in the central nervous system. It’s not limited to the CNS, though. It has been found in other areas of the body,  but it’s concentrated in high numbers in the brain (neocortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, amygdala, striatum, cerebellum, and hypothalamus). 

Where are they found?

Since CB1 is found in high concentrations in major areas of the brain and central nervois system, research leads us to believe this receptor affects learning and memory, decision-making skills, motor responses, sensory processing, pain perception and emotional responses.

Scientists remain unsure how to enhance the effects of the CB1 receptor, but have found conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, and wasting syndrome (chemo/AIDS-related in many cases) utilize the endocannabinoid system to their benefit by activating CB1. 

These receptors explain why cannabinoids are so effective at managing anxiety, chronic pain, and neurological disorders.

CB2 Receptors

Where are they found?

CB2 receptors are often found in immune cells and other portions of the peripheral nervous system. In a study conducted by the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy, dogs were found to have a substantial amount of receptors in their endocannabinoid system, specifically in the spine, which allows dogs to more effectively use CBD. Research has found dogs have more receptors than other mammals which is why they have particular sensitivity to CBD oil.

Enzymes: The Cleanup Crew

Enzymes in the ECS are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve completed their job. For example:

• FAAH degrades anandamide.
• MAGL breaks down 2-AG.

This system ensures that ECS activity remains balanced and efficient.

Endocannabinoid Deficiency: What Happens When the ECS is Out of Balance?

Since the discovery of the ECS, there have been discoveries of ECS deficiencies. There are actually conditions that arise when the endocannabinoid system isn’t working properly. Scientifically, this is known as endocannabinoid deficiency, or CECD. The following are conditions that are associated with ECS imbalance:

• Fibromyalgia: linked to the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the endocrine system, the immune system, and the digestive system, pain throughout the body, nausea, depression, difficulty thinking or concentrating, diarrhea, constipation
• Migraines: differences have been found in cerebrospinal fluid anandamide level (endocannabinoid levels)
• IBS – Dysregulated gut function tied to ECS imbalance.

All three of the above conditions have commonalities:

• Enhanced levels of pain with a lack of endocannabinoids found within tissue
• Negative diagnostic tests
• High levels of anxiety and depression
• Patients are generally diagnosed with all three rather than just one single diagnosis; they are put under an ‘umbrella’ diagnosis

Although these three have been the most researched in regard to endocannabinoid deficiency, others are being monitored due to the lack of endocannabinoids in patients. These conditions include:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Neonatal failure to thrive
• Phantom limb pain
• PTSD
• Miscarriages (repeatedly)
• Bipolar disease

Scientists are still researching how endocannabinoid deficiencies can be remedied. Research into CBD and other Cannabis applications will continue to be conducted.

How CBD Supports the ECS in Dogs

CBD from a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract interacts with the ECS to restore balance. The benefits of CBD include:

• Pain relief: By targeting CB2 receptors, CBD reduces inflammation and eases discomfort.
• Anxiety reduction: CBD promotes calm by modulating serotonin release.
• Improved digestion: CBD supports gut health by enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing nausea.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: CBD helps the immune system manage chronic inflammation.

Why Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD is Superior

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (FSHE) is a holistic approach to supporting the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Unlike CBD isolates, which focus solely on cannabidiol (CBD), FSHE contains a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds found naturally in the hemp plant. These compounds work together in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

The entourage effect amplifies the therapeutic benefits of FSHE, as each compound enhances the effects of the others. For example:

• Cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and THC interact with ECS receptors to regulate pain, inflammation, and mood.
• Terpenes contribute to the extract’s anti-inflammatory, calming, and antioxidant properties.
• Flavonoids provide additional anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects, while also contributing to the plant’s natural defense mechanisms.

This synergy means FSHE delivers a more comprehensive and powerful approach to health compared to CBD isolate. While isolates lack the complexity and diversity of compounds, FSHE works to support the ECS on multiple levels, enhancing its ability to restore homeostasis across the body’s systems.

Moreover, FSHE is less likely to cause side effects seen with isolates, such as liver strain, because it remains in its natural, unaltered form. Its natural balance mirrors the ECS’s complex needs, offering your pet a gentle, effective way to maintain overall wellness. By tapping into the full spectrum of cannabinoids and other compounds, FSHE provides unparalleled support for your dog’s health and vitality.

For pet parents seeking the best for their dogs, FSHE represents a superior, whole-plant solution that works in harmony with the ECS and nature to promote long-term well-being.

The Bottom Line: Supporting Your Dog’s ECS Naturally

The ECS is a cornerstone of your dog’s health, influencing everything from mood to immune response. Supporting this system with natural solutions like Full Spectrum Hemp Extract allows your pet to achieve balance, heal naturally, and thrive.

The endocannabinoid system has immense potential, with ongoing research uncovering even more ways it can improve health for pets and humans alike. With FSHE, you can tap into the ECS’s full power to support your dog’s well-being.