Is CBD good for pets?
Humans aren’t the only earthbound creatures who suffer from anxiety, chronic pain, seizures, arthritis and other types of ailments that can impact their daily quality of life. Our furry friends do too, especially as they age. But just like humans, pets can benefit from some—but not all—of the compounds found in cannabis and hemp. You guessed it: We’re talking about CBD.
Is CBD good for pets? While studies are ongoing, it appears the answer is “Yes!” Just like humans, pets have endocannabinoid systems that respond to the plant’s compounds in therapeutic ways. And pet-specific cannabis-therapy products are a wonderful way to ease your dog or cat’s aches, pains and anxiety, especially in their golden years.
That said, experimenting with cannabis for pets is a little trickier than it is for ourselves. It takes patience and a basic understanding of what’s safe for pets. And in this guide, we’ll share everything we know about CBD for dogs and cats.
Ready? Let’s get started…but first an important note:
Never give your pet anything containing more than trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound that makes us feel “high.” Animals are more sensitive to these compounds and more likely to have an unpleasant experience or symptomatic reaction to even a small amount of THC; in extremely high quantities, it could even threaten their well-being. If your pet accidentally has too much THC and is struggling to remain conscious, seek professional care.
CBD, however, is a different matter.
This non-intoxicating compound, found in both the cannabis and hemp plants, has been studied as a therapy for a spectrum of serious conditions, ranging from epileptic seizures and chronic inflammation to neuropathic pain. But is CBD safe for cats and other furry friends?
You wouldn’t be the first to wonder. Several years ago, Chrissy Teigen pinged the Twittersphere about whether she could treat her aging bulldog with CBD.
“Does anyone give their dog CBD oil? I know about the endless benefits for humans but not much about it for dogs. My old man bulldog puddy has cancer and heart issues 🙁 just want him to be happy and comfortable!” — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 3, 2018
The responses Teigen received were mixed.
Reactions from veterinarians were also still varied—but that’s changing, in large part due to a new wave of clinical research. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA)—perhaps the pre-eminent veterinarians’ organization in the United States—approved a resolution to begin advocating for federal rescheduling of cannabis, arguing that cannabis’ therapeutic benefits for pets (and their owners) far outweighs the risks. But we’re not quite there yet; one vet we spoke with asked to remain anonymous for fear she could lose her license for prescribing—or even suggesting—the use of CBD for pets.
Is CBD safe for pets?
Increasingly, it appears the answer is “Yes!” One recent study found that dogs generally tolerate long-term CBD for anxiety and other issues. Similarly, other studies suggest that CBD is safe for cats as well. However, for both dogs and cats, it’s noted that those animals with a history of liver issues may not be the best candidates for using CBD.
SEE ALSO: Meet 5 Dogs Who Use CBD |
We’re off to a promising start.
When it comes to CBD for dogs, a clinical trial out of Cornell suggests that administering 2 mg of CBD for every kg of the animal’s weight twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis. The study is pending peer review, but the dogs’ standardized activity scores showed a “significant decrease” in pain.
Since then, another study found that a single dose of CBD helped dogs tolerate the stress of car travel or being left alone. And yet another study found that—as with humans—CBD can reduce the incidence of seizures in dogs.
As far as CBD for cats is concerned, there’s good news here too. One study found that CBD was beneficial and safe for pain management, while yet another suggests that cats tolerate long-term CBD usage just as well as dogs do.
Tips for starting your pet on CBD.
The biggest roadblock keeping licensed vets from prescribing CBD for pets lies in the fact that it’s nearly impossible to accurately quantify its strength. We as humans have the ability to self-research through trial and error, and adjust timing, dosage and frequency accordingly. Your four-legged friend can not, making a correct dosage and effectiveness tough to pin down.
How much CBD should I give my pet?
If you’re trying CBD for pets for the first time, pay special attention to the question of CBD dosage for dogs and cats. Start out with the smallest recommended dose—or smaller—and dial it up incrementally with subsequent sessions. Observe your pet’s behavior, including mood, appetite, energy level and activity. If your normally creaky old pal shows signs of being his or her old self on a consistent basis after treatment, but isn’t too goony or wobbly, you’ve probably found the sweet spot.
Not even Dr. James Gaynor, a veterinarian who specializes in anesthesiology and pain management at Peak Performance Veterinary Group in Frisco, Co. and created his own CBD product in 2017, will go so far as to guarantee that it works. “It has the potential to do a lot of things,” he told Quad Cities Online. “It’s just going to take time to figure all of that out.”
Buy smart.
“In the nutraceutical world, there’s a problem because there’s not much oversight. What they say is on the label may not truly be what’s in it.” – Dr. James Gaynor
The key is to buy CBD for pets from a trusted supplier—such as the ones we offer here at Eaze. From pure and safe CBD oil to CBD-infused treats and other products designed for your furry friend, you can rest assured that what you purchase through us is safe, lab-tested, and created specifically to help your pet be more comfortable.
To calculate CBD dosage for dogs or cats, Dr. Robert J. Silver, a private practice holistic vet from Boulder, Colorado, recommends even less than the Cornell trial. For a 10-12 pound dog, he suggests using fewer than 3 mg of CBD twice daily. Tincture brands vary in milligrams per drop, so read the labels carefully before doing the math.
From there, it’s up to you to see how your pet responds. And you’ll know, just like Chrissy Teigen did:
“Day one of puddy smokin that good good and he is FOR SURE a more comfortable bulldog. I can’t believe I waited so long! U get it, puddy!!!!” — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 4, 2018
CBD for humans, delivered.
Like humans, when pets age they can suffer from aches, pains, anxiety, and other maladies we’re all too familiar with. But as with humans, there’s hope in natural plant medicines such as CBD, the major non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis and hemp plants.
Just as with humans, CBD can provide gentle, sustained, and safe relief from many common complaints. But it’s important not to share any THC products with pets, as it can be harmful or even toxic. And when you’re getting your pet started on CBD, it’s equally important to monitor them closely to make sure the medication agrees with them.
And when you need to re-stock your own CBD oils, topicals, edible and more, you can find them all right here at Eaze. Plus, enjoy delivery right to your door throughout most of California. See you soon!