Various research has indicated that cannabidiol or CBD for a dog’s anxiety and aggression from the marijuana plant can be vert useful. It is said that it can help alleviate certain conditions in animals, such as anxiety symptoms, chronic pain as well as seizures. This substance has grown in popularity, and its use for humans and pets is on the rise.
Veterinarians and pet parents alike are therefore wondering if CBD is a viable alternative for treating different conditions among pets. Studies about this aspect are promising, however, if you are a pet parent, it’s best to consult a veterinarian who has experience with the use of CBD products for animals.
What Is CBD As A Marijuana-Derived Substance?
There are two primary ingredients found in the marijuana plant, namely
- THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
- CBD or cannabidiol
It’s THC in marijuana that causes the “high” experience when ingested, whereas CBD does not produce such a sensation, but is known to benefit health in many ways.
Each state has respective laws regarding the permission and restriction of purchasing CBD, but for the most part, it is easy to access this product in most parts of the US. Stores and online sources make CBD readily available.
What Does Research Say About The Effects Of CBD On Pets?
Not a lot of research has been conducted or has obtained definite conclusions about the use of CBD in pets. To date, this product is recommended based on small studies alone, or the professional experiences of veterinarians.
Nonetheless, the hype about using this substance for health benefits among pets has incited bigger and numerous studies to take place that in turn provides extra guidance for veterinarians and pet owners in using the product for their pets.
Is It Safe To Use CBD For Pets?
It is worth noting that CBD, as a prescription medication or over-the-counter supplement for pets yet needs approval from the FDA. The plethora of brands sold on the market is not likely to have been tested for safety or efficacy before being sold. There are companies, too, that promote medical claims about their merchandise that may not be supported or may not have been reviewed or else approved.
Consider the concerns about the quality of the CBD product. For one thing, it may not contain the exact amount of the substance indicated on the label, or is laden with THC, pesticides, and/or other contaminants. Should you decide to use CBD for your pet, it makes sense that you do sufficient digging for information about the product that you choose.
As a valuable tip, look or ask for the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the website or company that you want to purchase CBD. As a public document, the COA confirms that a product contains exactly the same ingredients that are written on its label. Think twice about purchasing a CBD product from a company that is not able to provide an up-to-date COA.
What Are The Risks Of Using CBD For Pets?
The side effects experienced by pets when taking CBD products are the same as those experienced by humans. The most common are changes in appetite, tiredness, and diarrhea. The higher the dosage given to your furry friend, the more prominent the side effects are.
These unpleasant reactions are mild, though, and tend to get better with time. Hence, it is not necessary to treat them. Otherwise, if they become severe, call your pet’s veterinarian and carefully watch your four-legged chum so that they do not hurt themself.
Can CBD Cause My Pet To Get High?
CBD does not cause your pet to get high. It is a derivative of the marijuana plant, yes, but it is a component that produces health benefits instead of a “high” experience. It is THC that causes this reaction. If in any way, your furry pal gets a little out of sorts after taking CBD, this may be due to the composition of your product.
Carefully read the label of the CBD supplement, particularly if it mentions that it is “full-spectrum”. In that case, the product contains 0.3% THC- a small amount that nevertheless causes a “high” side effect in your pet.
In What Forms Is CBD Available For Pets?
Whichever is recommended by your pet’s veterinarian, CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oils, treats, and topical applications (lotions, gels, and creams) other than tablets and capsules. For starters, it is best to give your four-legged companion bottled CBD oils with droppers so that you can easily adjust the dosage compared to tablets or capsules. These products tend to be administered by mouth or below the tongue.
What Pet Health Problems Can Be Managed By CBD?
A range of conditions in pets can be managed by CBD, and some of them are anxiety, pain, seizures, and inflammatory problems. CBD may have different extents of efficacy on different pets, depending on their ECS or their body’s endocannabinoid system. Pet health problems that can be alleviated by CBD are:
Pain
CBD plays a role in reducing pain and inflammation in pets. It is known to affect the nerves that are responsible for producing the sensation of pain. The substance is specifically named to lower joint inflammation, aches, and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Anxiety
Certain situations induce anxiety in pets, consequently leading to inappropriate urination habits and problematic behaviors. CBD is presumed to relieve symptoms of nervousness in pets by activating serotonin release in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that produces happy and relaxing feelings.
Seizures
CBD can relieve epilepsy in dogs, mainly by reducing the frequency of their seizures. It typically is administered in combination with conventional antiseizure medications. CBD is thought to minimize the ejection of electrolytes from the nerves in the brain.
What Are The Signs That CBD Is Helping My Pet?
Pets cannot tell how they feel, so as a pet parent, what you can do is observe their behavior. After giving them their CBD treatment, carefully watch if your pet dog or cat’s symptoms have improved. It depends on what their condition is, but for the most part, if CBD is effective, improvements can manifest in as fast as 30 minutes or up to a few weeks upon consistent treatment.
CBD affects different pets in different ways. When your veterinarian recommends it for your furry friend, you may have to experiment with various forms, brands, and doses to determine what works. It does require patience to find the best product, but it’s worth it to ensure the happiness and well-being of your pet.