Can Dogs and Cats Benefit From CBD?

Can dogs and cats benefit from CBD products?

 

First, it’s important to keep in mind that as with any product you intend to use for your pet, you should take the time to find high-quality CBD from a brand you can trust. Though pet CBD is still fairly new, there are a number of resources available both on and offline to help you find the best CBD for dogs and cats. Many of the top CBD brands have expanded and begun creating special formulations of their best-selling products for pet owners who are also cannabis enthusiasts.

 

CBD usage in pets hasn’t been studied extensively to date, which means we still have a lot to learn about how it could be used to benefit cats and dogs. However, there are some studies that have given scientists reason to think about the potential benefits of CBD products. For example, one study showed that CBD improved mobility and decreased discomfort for dogs with osteoarthritis. During the four-week study, researchers say they did not observe any significant detrimental effects caused by the use of CBD. Though this is just one study, CBD advocates are hopeful it is just the beginning.

 

Before adding cannabis products like CBD to your pet’s routine, it’s a good idea to consult your pet’s veterinarian first. Your vet will be able to tell you how CBD is likely to impact any health conditions they have or interact with medications that they’re currently taking. A veterinarian who is experienced with CBD and pets may even be able to advise you about products and proper dosage.

What exactly is CBD, and how does it work?

 

CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp derivatives like CBD on a federal level in the United States. This created the legal market that is still thriving today. Since the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) allowed in CBD is restricted to 0.3 percent, CBD won’t get you high, but many consumers prefer what they have described as its more subtle and relaxing effects. Given its popularity, the CBD industry seems likely to continue its growth for the foreseeable future.

 

CBD use in humans has been studied more extensively than it has been in pets, but there are still many clinical studies underway aimed at finding additional medical applications for cannabidiol. In humans, there has been more progress, though there is still a lot more to learn. In 2018, the FDA approved its first prescription drug containing cannabidiol. The drug, Epidiolex, was designed to treat the seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy. As of now, this remains the only FDA-approved usage for cannabidiol, though that may change in the future.

 

Doing plenty of research before making a purchase for your pet is smart no matter what product you’re shopping for. However, it’s especially important for anything you plan to apply topically or have them ingest like CBD. There can be noticeable differences in consistency, potency, and quality depending on which brand you use. If you’re thinking about purchasing CBD products for your furry friends, it’s also always best to talk to your vet about it before you make a decision. As long as you use it responsibly and as advised, CBD can be a beneficial part of your pet’s wellness routine.