If you are left wondering just how safe CBD is for your pets, we have asked the experts to find out…

A pet owner wants what is best for their beloved furry friends. They do whatever it takes to ensure their good health, both physical and mental. Products containing CBD for dogs and other pets are becoming increasingly popular that can help alleviate pain and anxiety. However, many pet owners remain sceptical about the vaunted benefits of CBD products for animals. CBD has been legalised in the UK by Veterinary Medicines Directorate or VMD since 2018 as certified veterinary medicine.

CBD for Animals

Cannabidiol or CBD is a naturally occurring chemical extracted from the Cannabis plant. It does not contain Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, making it incapable of producing a ‘high’. Research on CBD is ongoing because it has recently gained legal status. However, it is known that CBD helps treat anxiety, pain, cancer, arthritis, and several other conditions in humans.

The effect of CBD products is thought to be quite similar to humans. It is marketed for the treatment of anxiety and pain in animals.

Stance of Veterinarians

According to a survey, almost 63% of veterinarians get asked about the viability of CBD products in their pets. Most avoid answering on the grounds that the studies are in their early stages, so it is hard to tell either way.

Stephanie McGrath, a leading researcher in veterinary cannabis, has deemed the CBD products safe for use in animals based on preliminary research and deductive evidence. According to her research, the CBD in animals behaves the same as humans, making the conclusions interchangeable. Another recent study by McGrath shows that CBD may help reduce epileptic seizures in animals.

On the other hand, the legality of CBD products is another issue entirely. Avoid using it if it is against the law in your area because your vet will advise the same.

Uses in Animals

CBD in humans has shown to help treat seizures, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, and pain. There is a lack of definitive studies, but it is generally accepted CBD affects the animals same as humans.

• A study in 2018 shows that CBD in dogs helps reduce pain and improves mobility by 80%.
• A study in 2019 shows the effectiveness of CBD in reducing seizures in dogs.

Administration of CBD in Animals

CBD for pets is sold in many forms, like oils, creams, and small treats. A study at Colorado University found that CBD in oral form is better for treating epilepsy in dogs than gel or cream. However, definitive research may take some time to come out.

Safety Concerns

According to a report by WHO in 2017, CBD appears to be safe and well-tolerated in animals.

Quality control is an issue to be concerned about because this market is not well-regulated. You may take products of well-reputed makers or ask your vet for advice.

Legally, CBD products must not contain more than 0.3% of THC. This quantity should be safe for use in animals.

Advice

Since definitive research is lacking in this field, there is no way to tell what dosage is safe or effective. Nonetheless, you can take the following precautions;

• Start your pet on CBD with a low dosage.
• Please keep your pet under observation and monitor its reactions.
• Increase the dosage gradually and according to your vet’s advice.