CBD used to be fairly niche, but it has become a legitimate wellness trend in recent years. Now, many pet owners are starting to wonder whether or not their furry friends could benefit from the use of cannabis products like CBD. The truth is that we don’t know a lot about CBD use in animals yet, as there hasn’t been as much research done on its effects. However, there are some early positive indications that CBD may have value for certain types of pets in certain situations. Read on if you want to learn more about the best practices for using pet CBD oil.
How can CBD oil be used for pets?
You’ve likely heard of CBD oil, but you may not realize that you can actually find specially formulated CBD oil for pets, too. The best products for pet owners shouldn’t have any added chemicals, artificial ingredients, or other unnatural substances. With so many CBD products out there, it’s worth it to do some research on different options before you make your next purchase. There can be significant differences in potency and quality between brands, so it’s worth investing in well-reviewed products.
There are a number of clinical studies currently being performed to determine what medical applications CBD may have for animals, with some early findings showing a lot of promise. A Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine study found that dogs given daily CBD experienced reduced arthritic pain and improved quality of life. Two recent double-blind studies also indicated that CBD can help with inflammation and itchiness in dogs. The majority of research on CBD has been focused on use in humans, but there is growing interest in CBD for pets.
As with any product you intend to give your pets, you should check with your veterinarian before using CBD oil. Your vet can tell you how cannabis products like CBD may impact any health conditions your pet has or interact with any medications they’re currently prescribed. Your vet may even be able to provide advice on products and proper dosage.
What else should you know about CBD?
CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Hemp and hemp plant derivatives like CBD were legalized for manufacture and sale in the United States through the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Since then, the legal market has grown exponentially, and CBD products have become consumer favorites in the wellness space. In recent years, there has been excitement about CBD in the animal product space as well, though we still have a lot to learn about the use of CBD in pets.
There have been significant developments in recent years with regard to CBD’s uses in humans, too. For example, the FDA approved its first prescription drug containing cannabidiol in 2018. Epidiolex was designed to treat seizures caused by two rare forms of epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In 2020, a new indication was approved. Epidiolex is now also available to patients who have tuberous sclerosis complex. Activists and advocates are hopeful that this is only the beginning of the versatile cannabis compound.
Pet parents should always consult their vet before making any changes to their pet’s routine. A vet may even be able to provide you with some additional information about CBD and tell you how it may affect your pet. We still need more research to determine how CBD may benefit specific animals, but there have been positive signs and optimistic anecdotal reports from many owners. There is rapid progress being made in the CBD industry, and it’s likely that we’ll know much more about how CBD can benefit both humans and pets in the coming years.
