Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive chemical in cannabis, has so far proven to be no less than a miracle, courtesy of the number of diseases/conditions it boasts treating in humans and pets alike.
A recent figure suggests that nearly 7% of Americans consume CBD in one form or another. Thus, the prediction for CBD industry being worth at least $16 billion by 2025 shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Even the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged the medicinal benefits of CBD in its 2018 report. The official document from WHO reads that CBD had been “demonstrated as an effective treatment for epilepsy” in adults, children and even animals. It further highlights “preliminary evidence” that CBD could be useful in treating Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, psychosis, cancer and other conditions.
In states where medical marijuana is legal, CBD products for pets are available in abundance. However, since the market is unregulated, no veterinarian prefers prescribing them.
With new breakthroughs about the health-boosting potential of CBD popping up every day, people are now giving CBD products to their dogs, hoping it will treat problems that conventional medications couldn’t.
Health benefits of CBD for dogs
Since not much research is available that could confirm the positive effects of CBD on dog health, what we are left with is anecdotal evidence.
Dr. Tim Shu, founder and CEO of VETCBD, has seen CBD being successfully used in many a case to treat (or at least ease the symptoms in) the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy (decreases the frequency of seizures)
- Separation or noise anxiety
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Cancer
David Harris, Veterinary Content Editor at VetHelpDirect.com says, “While it seems highly likely that cannabidiol has some beneficial clinical effects, we cannot yet say exactly what those effects will be in dogs, or how powerful they will be, until more concrete research is available.”
Can human CBD products be given to dogs?
Usually, there’s a huge difference in the dosage of medicines that humans and dogs consume. So it’s always wise to feed your dog the CBD products made specifically for it. Moreover, the medicines that are formulated for humans may contain some ingredients that are poisonous to pets.
Risks associated with CBD use for dogs
Every medication has some potential side-effects associated with it. CBD is no exception. Although ‘remarkably safe’, the non-psychoactive compound may show mild side effects, like sedation or gastrointestinal upset.
Furthermore, there is a theoretical belief that consuming CBD may minimize the efficacy of other drugs as the liver is busy metabolizing the former. Therefore, it is a good practice to consult with your pet’s vet before feeding your canine with CBD.
The future of CBD for dogs
The future looks promising as many new discoveries are being made in the field of cannabis (and CBD) each passing day, especially in states where marijuana is legal.
Notably, the research process can be further catalyzed if the drug becomes federally legal.
