Cannabidiol, or the substance also known as CBD, is not just for human consumption. It can also be helpful in the life of your pet. For those who are not entirely familiar with CBD, it is a chemical that is naturally found in cannabis that is unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – in that it is non-psychoactive and will not lead the substance user to experience a “high.”
According to some studies and anecdotal evidence, CBD has been found to help treat health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and lesser issues such as anxiety and pain.
CBD for Pet Use: How This Plant Can Support Your Pup’s Health
In the case of CBD for Pet Use, these products are also said to treat several conditions – though, even while these products are sold for pet use, this does not necessarily mean that they are similarly beneficial or even safe for pet consumption.
The FDA has not yet approved CBD for pet use.
That said, a significant amount of new research indicates that using CBD for your pet can have potential benefits even as there might be risks. Let’s dive into the wealth of support gained for “man’s best friend” when using cbd for dogs.
How Veterinarians Feel About CBD
According to a recent survey conducted by the VIN News Service, 63 percent of veterinarians reported that pet owners had asked them about the risks and benefits of using CBD oil for their pets at least once a month.
They also indicated that they were not always comfortable discussing CBD. This is because doing so can potentially lead to penalties and license suspension, depending on which state the veterinarian was licensed.
In instances where the veterinarian did live in a state where CBD was legalized, they were much more willing to discuss the product.
For example, in California, where the state has passed a law that prevents state regulators from punishing vets for talking with pet owners about the risks and benefits of using CBD products, veterinarians are much more willing to engage in the discussion.
And yet, while a few of these scenarios exist, by and large, this is not true of most states, and as a result, it is doubtful in these areas that a veterinarian will give you a prescription for CBD.
This is because even in states where medicinal cannabis is legal, this is only for human use. As a result, veterinarians are not authorized to administer, dispense, prescribe, or recommend these medicinal materials to pets.
CBD Uses for Dogs
According to several studies that track the impact of CBD use on humans, the substance has been shown to effectively address and treat chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and irritable bowel disease (IBD).
In the few studies that track the effects of CBD in dogs, there is an indication that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties that can address challenges such as osteoarthritis.
These outcomes were in cases where dogs were given doses of 2 or 8 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight.
According to studies, approximately 80% percent of the dogs using CBD oil improved mobility and pain relief – though it is important to note that a CBD producer conducted the study, so that it might be skewed by bias.
In other studies – particularly one conducted by Trusted Source in 2019 – dogs taking CBD, especially those who had epilepsy, had fewer seizures (these dogs were taking CBD and seizure medication).
While these outcomes are promising, researchers still suggest additional studies and tests are needed before veterinarians move forward with full-scale use.
Amount of CBD to Give a Dog
In these studies, researchers also explored the question of adequate dose amounts. In one particular study with epileptic dogs, researchers found that prescribing 2 mg per kg of a dog’s weight could increase their comfort and activity levels.
However, additional studies are needed before a definitive dosing recommendation is made – especially given that every dog may respond differently to the substance. Researchers recommend that dogs who have been given the green light to use CBD should first begin with a small dose.
They then recommend monitoring your dog’s results and, if needed, adjusting the dose accordingly. Given that CBD isn’t yet regulated, monitoring your pet’s dose is essential as you may not yet know what dose amount is both practical and the safest for your pet.
How CBD Can Impact Dogs
If you do give your dog CBD, it is essential to monitor for any adverse reactions and any positive progress that your pet might make. For example, if your dog suffers from arthritis pain and they are now better able to move about after a week of dosing with CBD oil, it is likely the case that CBD use has been successful.
If, however, you are wondering what the adverse effects are to watch out for, these include excessive panting, lethargy, frequent vomiting, leaking urine, and a loss of balance as they walk and run.
Having any of these reactions might be due to taking too much CBD oil or having it react negatively in the dog’s body.
If any of these symptoms occur, bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately.