Medical cannabis, often in the form of cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is one of the newest trends in the world of human health and wellness. Unsurprisingly, this trend has trickled down to our pets, with a recent study finding that 38% of Danish dog owners surveyed regularly feed their pets some form of cannabis product. It is suggested that
The use of CBD oil for pets is gaining attention from veterinarians and pet owners alike, as many people actively promote the use of CBD to support their own health and well-being. .
Previous research suggests that 80% of dog owners in the United States and Canada have purchased cannabis products for their pets. Although differences in availability and regulation may account for this disparity, it is clear that cannabinoids are regularly given to pets around the world.
It is important to note that CBD does not contain the psychoactive substance THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the serious effects seen in pets who accidentally ingest cannabis or its derivatives. Therefore, using CBD will not make your pet feel high or sick. They are hungry people.
But is CBD safe for pets, and can it be a beneficial addition to your pet's health care?
Can CBD help pets?
People's use of CBD oil to support conditions such as chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, and epilepsy has led many to consider using it for pets suffering from similar conditions. .
Although anecdotal reports regarding the benefits of CBD use are generally positive, many studies have failed to find an effect. This means that its value as a potential therapeutic adjunct remains poorly understood.
However, with the growing interest in CBD to support human health, its potential benefits for pets are also being studied, with some interesting results.
pet benefits
CBD oil has been shown to significantly reduce signs of stress in dogs when traveling or being separated, two areas of concern for many pet owners.
In dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, CBD oil resulted in increased activity and decreased pain scores, according to veterinarian evaluations. In fact, 36% of respondents in a Danish study said they used cannabinoids for pain management in their pets. The group also reported that CBD was perceived to be highly effective in managing pain in dogs.
In dogs with dermatitis as a result of allergies, CBD reduced itching but did not reduce skin damage or lesions. In a Danish study, 11% of respondents reported using CBD to help their dogs with allergies and the results were positive.
CBD is usually given as drops or oil added to food, but hemp-based treats can also be used. However, feeding CBD-infused treats to pets suffering from noise anxiety did not show positive results.
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CBD challenges
In many countries, treating pets with CBD is not licensed or approved. In the UK, only veterinarians can prescribe human CBD preparations for pets.
Cannabidiol is considered a complementary medicine and veterinarians advise that it should not be used in place of proven treatments. CBD may also interact with prescription medications in currently unknown ways.
Reports of toxicity are rare, and healthy dogs appear to tolerate long-term daily CBD intake. However, side effects have been recorded in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty moving. Side effects in cats include excessive licking and salivation, pacing, vomiting, and grimacing. Adequate safety and efficacy data are not yet available, and the effective dose rate is unknown.
A major challenge in identifying consistent results in CBD use is variation in the quality, preparation, and potency of the active ingredient. CBD can also be provided as an edible treat, oil, supplement, or as a topical cream applied to the skin. They all have different uses, which makes comparing results difficult.
There is also the potential for mislabeling and contamination of CBD products, and production and distribution are poorly regulated. This can make it difficult for pet owners to make informed, safe, and effective choices for their pets.
Although the use of CBD for pets appears to be common, potential downsides and concerns must be considered. Little is known about how much CBD can be safely administered to pets for effective use against a variety of conditions.
If you are considering using CBD for your pet, be sure to consult your veterinarian first. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the safest and legal method.
