If media hype is anything to go by, we would consider CBD a cure-all therapy.
From alleviating arthritic effects to relieving pain, CBD has become a threat to and maybe gradually changing conventional clinical practices.
Interestingly,not just for human pharmaceuticals, the wind of change has swept into the pet world, too.
CBD oil for pets is increasingly popular.
However, although there are several claims as to CBD’s efficacy in handling health concerns in cats and dogs, research isstill intheir early stages.
This article quickly discusses CBD oil for dogs and cats, with a focus on safety concerns for your furry friend.
But before we delve into safety, legality, and dosage concerns, just in caseyou’re not sure what CBD means, let’s discuss CBD itself
What is CBD?
CBD simply means Cannabidiol. It is a predominant chemical compound (cannabinoid) found in the ancient cannabis plant. While CBD exists in all cannabis species, it is more abundant in the hemp plant.
The CBD compound is extracted from the leaves, stalks, and buds of the hemp plant and mixed with a carrier oil to produce the popular CBD Oil.
Besides its plentiful therapeutic benefits, the compound has gained a unique and increasing fan base for its non-psychoactive nature. That is, CBD, unlike THC, will not make you high.
Researchers are yet unable to clearly define how CBD works for dogs – and even humans.
For instance, studies have established a twin-likeresemblance between the endocannabinoid systems found in dogs and humans. Although some literaturethinks both endocannabinoid systems react similarly, there is also no substantial evidence of this claim.
Can CBD help your pet’s health?
Studies suggest CBD may help alleviate pain and manage osteoarthritis in dogs. Few studies also link CBD to the reduction of severe epilepticconditions.
A 2018study, for instance,suggests CBD improves mobility and comfort in arthritic dogs.
In 2019, Dr. StephanieMcGrath analyses research that posits CBD’s useful in handling several forms of seizure in epileptic canines.
However, while these studies look promising, more research may be needed to back these claims.
Veterinarians are, however,optimistic, as CBD seems a lifesaver from the increasing lot of chemical-packed drugs flooding the vet shops.
If these research say CBD works, hopefully, it will be both effective and without the debilitating side effects typicalof veterinary prescriptions.
Researches are ongoing on CBD for dogs and cats with osteoarthritis, dogs with epilepsy, and post-operation pain.
Since these results may not come too soon, consult your vet before administering CBD.
Is CBD safe for cats and dogs?
2017 WHO report believes CBD is safe and well-tolerated. However, studies by McGrath have shown an increase in Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP), a liver enzyme, while on CBD treatment.
In her study, the research author also ran a test to determine the effect on the liver functions. Interestingly the specimen’s livers functioned normally. So, the cause of the elevated ALP levels isn’t clear.
So, while we await more research, you may refrain from administering CBD to pets with liver issues.
Also, since CBD seems to be processed by the liver, pet parents should take caution in administering CBD to pets currently on drugs that are similarly processed by the liver.
That said, oneprimary concern in the pet health niche is quality control. Since the market is yet unregulated, some fly-by-night manufacturers market THC-rich CBD products with misleading ‘pure CBD label.
How to stay safe with your pet
To keep your pet from harm’s way, invest in CBD products that have a certificate of analysis (CAO). Also, find a match between the COA batch number and that on the product label.
A COA is a report issued by an independent lab after conducting a test to confirm the ingredient, their efficacy, among other things.
Again, for your pet’s safety,insist on CBD product with THC below the .3% benchmark. Remember, the lower the THC content, the better.
Also, after administering CBD, monitor your pet closely for signs of diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, excessive panting, weakness in the limb. If noticed, seek veterinary intervention soon enough.
Wrap Up
So far, there is no notably alarming concern about CBD for your dogs and cats. However, research has unveiled but little about CBD for pets. As we hope for more reports on CBD’s safety for dogs, let’s, in the meantime, use the compound, but with caution.
