How CBD Can Help Your Pets

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and is said to have a multitude of medicinal benefits. The surprising fact about CBD is that, unlike THC, it has no psychoactive properties. Thus, CBD products are largely legal in the EU, with only a few rare exceptions. Likewise in the US, according to the Farm Bill introduced in 2014, all cannabis plants containing 0.3% or less of THC are considered legal hemp.

UNDERSTANDING THE THEORY BEHIND CBD FOR PETS

Just like humans, CBD can be therapeutically valuable for animals. People use cannabis to reduce inflammation, manage seizures, alleviate pain, treat depression and anxiety, and much more. The physiology of all mammals (and some non-mammals, such as slugs!) includes cannabinoid receptors. Because of this, research has shown that all mammals can benefit from cannabis-derived treatments. This, of course, includes your furry, four-legged friends.

CANNABIS TREATMENT FOR YOUR PETS

While THC does have medicinal properties, its psychoactive effects make it unsuitable for children, the elderly, and animals as well. Humans can handle THC fairly well, but smaller mammals are less likely to experience the same benefits. CBD, however, provides a host of potential applications for cats and dogs across the board, with many anecdotal accounts arguing for its effectiveness. Pets can be administered CBD oils, tinctures, and capsules/pills safely, allowing them to reap the benefits without disrupting their ability to function normally.

From what we know about the cannabinoid, CBD exerts many of its effects via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Although it doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors directly like THC does, it still influences the ECS as a whole, allowing for positive outcomes to be experienced.

IS CBD FOR PETS ILLEGAL?

As long as the medical cannabis used to treat pets contains a negligible amount of THC and high amounts of CBD, products are generally legal to purchase and administer. There are differences from one jurisdiction to another, but overall, CBD by itself is fairly unrestricted. However, the way in which it is advertised is still at the whim of governments. For example, in the UK, CBD products must be sold as food supplements and cannot make any specific medicinal claims.

VETERINARIANS PRESCRIBING CANNABIS

After administering medical cannabis to their pets, many owners notice improvements in their animal’s behaviour and performance, including (but not limited to):

• Decreased incidences of seizures
• Decreased nausea
• Decreased anxiety and stress
• Decreased inflammation

However, getting a prescription from a vet is not a simple matter. The fact that cannabis is not legal everywhere, and that studies are sometimes inconclusive, makes it an uphill battle to persuade a vet to prescribe CBD. Despite this, high-quality products can still be purchased.

Generally, cannabis is attributed to relieving specific symptoms, rather than treating or curing diseases. As such, CBD acts to support regular healthy functioning as well as soothe the symptoms of various conditions. This is not to say that CBD isn’t a viable treatment for some ailments, but the evidence is still inconclusive.

SOURCING CBD FOR YOUR PET

Our furry friends are lucky; a huge number of companies today make CBD products for pets. If your pet is in pain, experiencing decreased mobility, or is suffering from certain ailments, ask your vet about CBD products and conduct some research online to find the best CBD manufacturers.

It’s important to note that not all CBD supplements are created equal. In fact, some are much more effective and “healthy” than others. Look for products specifically designed for pets, and those where the company provides details on ingredients, extraction processes, and more. The more transparent a business, the better a product is likely to be.

AN UPWARD TREND

The cannabusiness is booming, and CBD supplements are now taking up a bigger piece of the pie than ever before. Not to mention, a significant portion of these products are marketed toward pet owners. Julianna Carella, the owner of Treatibles—a company that sells hemp oil, wellness chews, and capsules—confirmed that thousands of pets take their supplements. Furthermore, over 1,000 pet stores now carry their products.

Moreover, the BBC indicates that Colorado State University, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is conducting two significant pieces of clinical research regarding CBD; the first concerning arthritis, and the other focussed on epilepsy in dogs. Although there is plenty of empirical evidence to suggest the efficacy of CBD for both pets and humans, it’s essential to nail down these assertions with scientific facts. For now, our conclusions are still conjectural.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD ON PETS

Despite sharing a similar ECS, pets are different to human beings, and therefore react to CBD differently. Some may feel a little drowsy, especially cats. As such, dosage is extremely important. In general, the lower the body weight, the lower the dose. Though CBD is regarded as safe to consume, you must ensure that you do not expose your pets to THC.

CONCLUSION

As illustrated above, research on medical cannabis is still being conducted on both pets and human subjects. However, it is now clear that many pet owners have become aware of CBD and its benefits. Even better, companies making CBD products for pets are on the rise, and pet owners will soon experience a surge in their availability. With the help of your vet and a bit of research, you will be able to source the right supplement for your furry companions.