CBD & Pets.

Anyone who has lived with a pet will tell you that the health of their animal partners is of paramount importance. Anything from a slight limp to diminished enthusiasm for their favorite food can be a sign that a trip to the vet is in order, and with good reason - we love our pets for the love that they give to us.

So it should come as no surprise that pet owners are beginning to turn to CBD as a therapeutic option for their loved ones. CBD has grown in popularity among humans in recent years for everything from treating seizures to alleviating the symptoms of inflammation. It stands to reason that people who have benefitted from using CBD will see the value in using it to treat their pets.

Unfortunately, the lack of clear regulatory guidance surrounding CBD means that there is minimal research on its therapeutic value for animals.[1] This means that historically much of the evidence related to the benefits of CBD on pets is anecdotal, passed among proponents without much underlying hard data. But these anecdotes, as well as the emerging field of research in support of them, are encouraging.

Stephanie McGrath is a veterinarian and assistant professor of neurology at Colorado State University. She spoke to the Washington Post in February of 2019 about studies with which she’s currently involved that seek to shed light on the impact of CBD on pets. “I feel really comfortable at this point, given all of our clinical trials and our initial research, that it’s a safe product,” she told the Post.[2]

Specifically, the Post points to two specific ailments with which CBD can help: epilepsy and osteoarthritis. In addition to McGrath’s work, a study at Cornell concluded that CBD can help ease symptoms in dogs with osteoarthritis.[3]

CBD may also be useful for everyday health issues with pets. We’ve all known skittish or high-strung pups. Maybe your dog bolts under the table during a storm, cowering at the first sound of thunder, or reacts aggressively to the doorbell. Many dog owners are now turning to CBD as a means of helping their pets with noise anxiety.[4]

CBD made specifically for pets is almost identical to CBD made for people. Some pets tend to be picky with taste so CBD made for animals has a mildly altered flavor to make it more pet friendly.

While it’s clear that CBD has many benefits for pets, it’s important to always consult your veterinarian before administering CBD. They will be up-to-date on the latest research in the field, and will be able to offer comprehensive answers to any questions you may have about whether CBD is right for your loved one.

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[1] NBC News Article

[2] Washington Post Article

[3] Veterinary Cannabis

[4] Veterinary News Article