By now, it should surprise no one that the marijuana industry is taking over the United States. With 29 states and, Washington D.C. participating, a growing number of patients and recreational customers have access to the treatment they desire. One of the most significant products in the marketplace is cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD treatment extends to some of our most beloved family members: our pets. Today, pet owners are turning to CBD to treat the medical conditions of cats, dogs and others. While data remains limited, many owners have decided to take action into their own hands.
For these owners, when it comes to a loved one, there’s no time to wait.
Should You Use CBD for Pets?
Should you use CBD oil for dogs or cats? It depends on whom you ask.
Limited data exists on the subject right now. As public knowledge of the subject grows, an answer could be needed sooner. A new research study from the University of California, Davis aims to learn more about the effect of cannabis products on pets. Like much of the marijuana industry, these early tests intend to serve as starting points for further research regarding how cannabis treats pain, seizures and other conditions in animals.
In California, and other legalized states, pet owners are eager to find out if CBD and other products could relieve their pet’s conditions and worries. Starting with the basics of the subject, the UC Davis test aims to uncover proper dosage amounts by examining the products owners give to their pets. Additional goals of the study include:
- Identifying the types of companion animals receiving products
- Identifying effects the owner perceived beneficial and side effects in their pets
- Use the information to help further understand and discuss the use of cannabis in our pet population
- Potentially help further additional areas of medical cannabis research
These findings could serve as the best source of information a pet owner can receive on the subject to date. Currently, veterinarians cannot prescribe or recommend marijuana for pets.
According to Pet Owners, Cannabidiol Helps
While no definitive data confirms the benefits of CBD for pets, owners are believers. In 2016, a Colorado State University of Veterinary Medicine and Canna Pet study surveyed 632 pet owners. Participants reported mixed to slightly positive results overall. CSU is now conducting additional rounds of studies into the effectiveness of CBD in both healthy and unhealthy dogs.
A growing number of owners now add leverage to the increasing amount of anecdotal evidence on the subject. The shifting sentiment should only continue in CBD’s favor as time moves forward. Much like how CBD is ending the stoner stereotype in humans, it also helps fuel a new positive image for cannabis. Now, a growing number of pet owners find themselves surprised at what the cannabinoid can do for their pet.
However, the arguably largest surprise comes from the products themselves. Veterinary nurse Kate Scott told Mashable that “Honestly, people are more shocked and surprised because they had never heard about cannabis for pets.”
Stunned owners now find themselves surrounded by a growing number of products and treats. They include CBD oil tinctures as well as infused snacks. Whichever the method, owners report a wave of successful outcomes. Pets young and old are finding improved qualities of life with less pain from conditions that include:
- Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Seizures
- Stomach problems
- Tumors and more
Dosage Information Needed
Dosages are a central focus of the UC Davis study and that is rightly so. Currently, owners are often incorrectly dosing their pets. Incorrect dosages can lead to the animal being in a worse state than they might have been originally with their medical condition. Thankfully though, according to Sarah Gradilla, an associate veterinarian at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, most of the dosing inaccuracies result in the pet being underserved. She told Westword, “Because there is a lack of adequate control of dosing, this can result in overdosing, but mostly under-dosing.”
Until data becomes conclusive and Veterinarians can recommend CBD, giving CBD to your pets remains a modest gamble. Gradilla went on to mention a process for pet owners looking to administer CBD oil to their pet:
- “Administer 0.1 to 0.5 milligrams of CBD for every kilogram your pet weighs twice per day.
- Start low, and increase the dosage every two weeks until your pet sees therapeutic effects.
- Stay with your pet for a few hours after administering medicine to ensure your pet tolerates it.
- Mix as much THC in with the CBD as the animal is comfortable with – but take it very slow.
- Some vets recommend starting with a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC, and adding slightly more THC each time until it reaches a therapeutic level.”
Remember that there is no uniform process in place if you do decide to administer CBD to your pet. Proceed with caution and monitor your pet accordingly.
Should You Give CBD to Your Pet?
Regardless of the findings, CBD is already proving to be one of the latest products to boom in the marketplace. Humans and pets alike claim to benefit from the non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
Now, the question is should you?
If you’re looking for conclusive evidence, then no, do not give CBD to your pet at this time. If, however, you are comfortable with the anecdotal results, then there appears to be a growing consensus for the treatment. Like most of the cannabis industry, studies are just now beginning to show early findings. After years of prohibition, definitive data could take years, if ever, to produce.
For now, if you do decide to use cbd for pets, remember to proceed with caution. Start slow and in low doses. These loved ones can’t let you know how they are feeling like we can. It’s up to you to be the responsible pet owner.
