Is CBD for Pets Safe? CBD-Based Medication for Dogs and Cats Explained

CBD for pets has grown significantly over the past few years since the passage of the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act or “Farm Bill”.  Hemp, defined as cannabis and cannabis-derived products containing THC levels of 0.3% or less by dry weight, was removed from the federal definition of marijuana. 

This change has led to an influx of CBD veterinary products being created to help our furry friends live more comfortably. With this change, hemp was also removed from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The result was a flood of hemp-derived CBD products, some claiming health and medical benefits, onto the consumer market

The Challenge of Recommending CBD Products

The question facing veterinarians is understanding the right products to recommend.  Since the Farm Bill passed, a slew of unregulated CBD products have flooded the market.  Some of these products claim health and medical benefits without any testing or research to validate these claims. 

Later this year, cannabis will be rescheduled to a schedule III-controlled substance. Used correctly, these products can potentially provide animals under your care with the benefit of the complete full spectrum of cannabis plants for their anxiety treatment. Veterinarians have also seen CBD help animals with chronic pain walk more comfortably, with ongoing research suggesting CBD for pets might also help make seizures less intense and less frequent.

Understanding Cannabinoids

Both THC and CBD are members of a chemical family called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are plant oils, and cannabis comes packed with more than 100 versions of them. Full-spectrum CBD is one of three main types of CBD and refers to products containing CBD alongside other active compounds found in the hemp plant, such as:

• Terpenes. which are a class of natural chemical compounds commonly found in plants 
• Flavonoids, which are natural substances found in plants with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties Other cannabinoids, including THC  

Benefits of CBD for Pets

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits for both humans and animals, including dogs. Many people have found CBD to be a helpful supplement for their furry friends, and for good reason. Here are some of the of benefits CBD for dogs and cats:

• Pain relief- CBD can help alleviate pain in both dogs and cats, and is especially helpful for older dogs with joint pain or other chronic conditions. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain levels in the body.
• Reduced anxiety- Dogs and cats can experience anxiety and stress just like humans do. CBD has been shown to have calming effects on dogs and cats, which can help reduce anxiety and improve their quality of life.
• Improved appetite- Loss of appetite is a common issue among sick or older dogs and cats. CBD has been shown to stimulate appetite in both, which can help them maintain a healthy weight and get the nutrients they need.
• Reduced seizures- CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce seizures in dogs with epilepsy. While the research is still in its early stages, many dog owners have reported seeing positive results with CBD supplements.
• Better skin health- CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin irritation, itching, and redness in dogs and cats. It can also help regulate sebum production, which can help prevent skin issues from developing in the first place.

Choosing High-Quality CBD Products

When considering the right CBD products to recommend/use, it's important to choose high-quality products from reputable brands. Look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency, and avoid products that contain unnecessary additives or fillers.

Here are source some tips for finding high-quality CBD products for your furry friend:

• Choose a reputable brand.
  • Look for a brand that's well-established and known for providing high-quality CBD products.

• Check for third-party testing.

• Look for products that have been lab-tested by a third-party laboratory. This can help ensure that the product is free of contaminants and contains the intended amount of CBD.

• Read the label carefully.

• • Make sure to read the product label carefully to determine the appropriate dosage based on the animal’s weight and needs. Also, make sure the product is specifically formulated for pets.

• Avoid products with additives.

• Look for CBD products that are free of additives and artificial preservatives.

• Consider the type of CBD.
  • There are three main types of CBD: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Isolate contains only CBD, while broad-spectrum and full-spectrum contain additional beneficial compounds found in hemp plants.

While CBD is generally safe for animal use, it can interact with some medications and may not be suitable for certain health conditions.

Get CBD Right at Your Veterinary Practice

In conclusion, there are many potential benefits of CBD for dogs and cats, including pain relief, reduced anxiety, and improved appetite. If you're interested in recommending CBD for animals under your care, be sure to do your research to ensure the brand(s) you sell/recommend are of high-quality products from reputable brands.  

Talk to your peers and gain feedback from patients to see the success they have had using specific CBD veterinary products as part of a treatment plan.

Sources
https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/types-of-cbd/
https://www.cannabinoidclinical.com/covering-cannabinoids/volume-3/the-thc-0.3-percent-threshold