As CBD is gaining more and more popularity, pet owners now consider trying it for their dogs. That being said, it is important to know everything about CBD before your dog starts consuming it. Read this blog to know benefits and risk of CBD for dogs.
What is CBD?
The Cannabis sativa plant consists of 113 cannabinoids, and CBD is one of them. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most famous and effective cannabinoids. THC has psychoactive properties and gets you high, while CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects.
The 2018 Farm Bill (formally known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) lifted the ban from CBD. Therefore, CBD derived from the hemp plant and has only 0.3% of THC can be consumed in most of the United States.
Benefits of CBD for Dogs
From treating epilepsy to reducing arthritis, the CBD compound may be beneficial for many health conditions. Following are some of the potential benefits of CBD:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is typically known as arthritis and is one of the most common inflammatory conditions in dogs. It is estimated that more than 60% of dogs are diagnosed with arthritis in their lifetime. According to a study, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, CBD may potentially be helpful in reducing different inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
Seizures
A clinical study was conducted by Colorado State University and showed promising results. A research based on 26 dogs also took place, dogs were either given a placebo or 2.5mg of CBD twice a day for 12 weeks along with other prescribed drugs. Although only 16 dogs completed the study, 89% of them experienced fewer seizures than they had before the study.
Improved Circulation
Studies have shown that CBD may help improve blood circulation in dogs, yielding many health benefits such as better lethargic behaviors and healthier organs. Poor blood circulation is related to Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm), heart issues, or dull behavior. Taking adequate nutrition, walking, and CBD consumption will surely improve your pup’s wellbeing.
Anxiety
Anxiety-related research on CBD is yet to be undertaken. Dog owners, however, claim anecdotal success with CBD oil. In 2018, the Journal of Affective Disorders published a human study on CBD and mood swings. It was found that CBD consumers reported a decrease in anxiety, depression, and stress. It is important to note that more research is required to figure out whether CBD is effective for treating anxiety in dogs or not.
Osteoporosis
In osteoporosis, dogs experience impaired bones and broken bones too much. This condition usually takes place in older dogs. Common factors to osteoporosis include genetics and calcium deficiency. The good news is that CBD research shows positive effects in treating osteoporosis. It repairs damaged bones and increases the new bone growth procedure.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
The chief veterinary officer, Dr. Jerry Klein, at the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) has gathered anecdotal evidence from pet owners who claim that CBD has helped controlling seizures or treating pain in their pets. CBD may help in some areas, such as nausea, cardiac problems, low appetite, anxiety, and inflammation.
When taking a higher dosage or poor quality of CBD, your dog may experience the following adverse effects:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Dry mouth (low amount of saliva which would result in thirstiness)
- Dizziness, especially at a higher dose, caused by CBD’s calming effects when consumed to treat anxiety or stress.
Dog owners are advised to consult their veterinarians before giving CBD to their pups. Since CBD hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for dogs’ treatments, it puts vets in a difficult situation. They have been frequently asked about CBD products, but the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has told them not to give any recommendation. The AVMA states that there is a lack of evidence-based research, so it’s confusing to prescribe a cannabis product for pet use. This recommendation may change with more evidence-based research.
On the other hand, the AKC is involved in research regarding CBD. The organization’s Canine Health Foundation is sponsoring a major clinical trial through the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where researchers are finding out how CBD may help to treat epileptic dogs.
“Since the popularity of cannabis, now is the time to put science behind the claims and stories. We need to know if this drug is safe and if it works. If CBD is useful for treating epilepsy, there is a possibility that it can save the life of each dog in the globe,” said Dr. Stephanie McGrath, a board-certified veterinary neurologist who is leading the study.