CBD for Your Pet: To Try or Not to Try

Let’s talk about CBD (Cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive component derived from the cannabis plant. How many of you are using it for your dog? According to The American Kennel Club, there aren’t many details known about how CBD impacts dogs. However, some celebrities such as Martha Steward and Cesar Millan are even jumping on the CBD distribution bandwagon. 

Pet owners are known to give their pets CBD, but it is unknown if it actually helps with the pain or simply causes them to not care about the pain. It’s a pet’s instinct to hide when they are hurting, which also causes a challenge in telling how CBD helps. In a testimonial from Cannabis for pets, one dog owner says their English3-year-old Old Mastiff suffered from hip dysplasia, and they replaced her Tramadol (a pain reliever) with CBD oil. Within four weeks, they said she was “a different dog.” Another reported that after their dog suffered a massive seizure, they gave her CBD, and within three days, she was almost back to normal. 

Cannabidiol is also not approved by the FDA, so vets cannot recommend it. Even though FDA does not endorse the drug, it doesn’t prohibit some from giving it to dogs to treat pain, epileptic seizures, arthritis & joint problems, skincare, and stress/anxiety. The dosage depends typically on age and weight. It comes in the forms of oil, dog treats, lotion, and capsules. Some CBD may contain THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which could cause adverse reactions in animals. According to Kennel to Couch, the most common side effects of TCH in animals (dogs) are vomiting, lethargy, and slow heart & respiratory rates. 

 If you choose to give CBD to your pets, be sure to see if the company provides any case studies or test results. When our four-legged family members are suffering in any way, we, of course, would do whatever it takes to help them. However, you must research before bringing an unconventional route such as CBD.