CBD For Pets
📷 EurActiv
Our furry friends have a health epidemic of their own, with cancer rates through the woof as well as digestive issues amongst other things. If we look objectively there are a few potential contributors. Diet might have played a part, with the natural diet of a dog, as an example, will be very different today to what it was 50 years ago, even 30 years ago. Interbreeding has also played a big part in the immune systems of these animals being sufficiently weakened which leads me on to endocannabinoid deficiencies as being the possible cause of our pets’ health issues. Consider this, the same endocannabinoid system that exists in the human body exists with all mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.
It wouldn’t be an article about pets without a lovely anecdote concerning a beloved family dog, named Toby, who is all the better for having a bit of CBD in his life. One day it seemed as if Toby had being zapped of all his energy and his appetite was nonexistent. Whereas usually you would wander round the house and Toby would be at your heels, on this day he slumped in the corner. Two days of this lead to desperation from his owner and willingness to try anything. Within ten minutes of his owner providing him with CBD drops, you could say Toby had the munchies! A week on this routine and Toby was back to his usual happy self. One of the many anecdotal stories about the goodness of CBD for animals.
CBD engages with our pets eCs system to help produce endocannabinoids that help regulate their bodily functions. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that will not get your pet high but giddy on life instead and in full health.
Unfortunately, a lot of the evidence for CBD for animals out there is anecdotal and there is a lack of direct studies out there. One day what many of us can see with our own eyes will be down on paper for the rest to see.
I will try my best provide you with all the current information available should you be considering putting your pets’ health in the all encompassing embrace of CBD. The most common question I will answer first.
How much CBD does your pet need?
A tricky question to answer as CBD is a biphasic compound meaning it will have drastically different effects at a low dosage against a higher dosage. In the case of severe issues such as seizures, high doses are recommended. If it’s anxiety that your dog is affected with then a small to medium dose is appropriate so your dog can stop asking himself if he is a good boy and know that he is! The general consensus is 1mg of CBD per every 10 pounds of your pets weight, initially once a day increasing to two a day once you see your pet isn’t having any reactions to it.
In order to ensure your pet is okay it is recommended you stay with them for several hours after giving them CBD. What is important to remember is that CBD is non toxic meaning your pet can’t overdose on CBD. Surprisingly the side effects are very similar to the effect of too much THC on a person; sleepiness and an over active appetite.
Before you do any of that consult with your vet to ensure CBD won’t interfere with any current medications your pet may be on.
An important side note is that THC has a toxic effect on animals, some of us may be guilty of having blown smoke towards our pets in a bit of jest but it isn’t funny and may be causing internal damage to your pet. Be careful to pack those edibles somewhere your pet can’t reach!
Leading on from the dangers of THC and THC packed edibles to animals let’s talk about treatibles; the most common form of CBD available for pets state side. Sadly we are yet to see the same variety of treatibles in Europe but all with time! Treatibles were schemed up to make giving your pet their medicine easier by making CBD packed dog treats that look so tasty you will want a bite yourself.
The main source of issues with CBD both for pets and humans is contaminated products on the market. Such contaminants include heavy metals, residual solvents and other by products of cheap and hasty CBD extraction. Any reputable company will be able to provide you with lab results and any vendor who gets shifty when asked for this is not a vendor to whom you entrust your health.
In conclusion, we need more studies to validate what we are seeing when it comes to CBD for pets, although anecdotal evidence is mounting. We also need further regulations in regards to the quality of oils on the market. The whole point of medicinal cannabis is that we feel its benefits and improve our health and our pets’ health. Your vote is your money, buy for reputable vendors and do your due diligence and find out where your medication is coming from and exactly what it contains.