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4 Veterinarians Publish Their Thoughts Regarding CBD for Pets
As more consumers realize their love of CBD, and how it may positively affect their own lives, they cannot help but wonder how well it may work for the family pet. With states having varied rules and restrictions on what licensed veterinarians can say, 4 licensed and practicing pet doctors got together to publish their thoughts and findings.
In their article titled Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine – A Critical Review, the four from Colorado and California wrote that the goal of publishing this piece was to “provide the veterinary community with a concise, understandable and clinically relevant review of cannabis medicine in companion animals”.
As consumers begin to research the possibilities of cannabinoids and their pets, many are often left feeling more confused than when they began looking for answers. It is with a desire to close that information gap that the doctors published their thoughts.
How does CBD work with pets?
The active compounds from the cannabis family of plants (known as cannabinoids) work similarly within mammals – human or house pet – as all mammals have been found to have an Endocannabinoid System. The Endocannabinoid System is a neuromodulatory system that is aligned within the central nervous system as well as having receptors through organs and cellular structures. The ECS is believed to, as the doctors describe, “provide the body with a fine-tuned biologic balancing system.”
This system has receptors (CB1 and CB2) throughout, and it is these receptors that take in the cannabinoid compounds so that they can do their job.
(Read more about the ECS here)
It is this ability to match up with receptors, like the body’s own endocannabinoids do, that makes the cannabis family of the plant's hundreds of compounds hold so much potential.
“The most common and scientifically justified clinical applications of cannabis in veterinary medicine to date are analgesia for osteoarthritis (OA) and anticonvulsant activity for epilepsy,” reads the piece. Continuing that they believe it is because of the hundreds of studies regarding humans and cannabinoids that this can equal similar possibilities in our furry friends, saying: “The multitude of documented uses in human medicine propose a myriad of potential applications for the veterinary practitioner beyond the treatment of OA and seizures.”
Is CBD safe for pets?
According to the quartet of qualified authors, CBD has “very few side effects and a wide margin of safety in both humans and veterinary patients” and that the compound has been shown to have “multiple therapeutic benefits including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antineoplastic, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties.”
CBD, unlike THC, is non-psychoactive. THC, however, is and too much THC is often seen in pets in side effects like swaying, standing in a “sawhorse stance” and repeatedly trying to catch themselves from falling over. For those who may have access to High THC (“marijuana”) products, this may be seen if the family pet happens to get into them.
They found that this happens in dogs because “canines have a higher density of CB1 receptors in their cerebellum compared to other species studied”. CB1 receptors tend to be the place for THC to park whereas CB2 receptors are what attracts CBD.
So, what are some tips from the Vets?
According to the clinicians, here are some great tips on looking at CBD for your pets.
- Be aware of the Therapeutic Window
Cannabis compounds like CBD are “biphasic” meaning they work great until they don’t. While they may be wonderful for symptoms for a while, too much can cause it to flip in the system, leading to creating the very issues that are trying to be squelched. It is always best to keep to the lowest amount that provides the desired results.
- “Start low and go slow”
The doctors explain that it is best to “incrementally increase the dose every 5 to 7 days based on the response and tolerance.” They go on to state that most consumers are advised to keep to every 12 hours unless the issue may be more severe. It is always good to keep in communication with your veterinarian with issues.
- Full Spectrum is a fave
When it comes to choosing spectrum, the doctors state that Full Spectrum is the favorite. “Full spectrum formulations are preferred by most clinical cannabis experts due to the anticipated increase in therapeutic benefit from the entourage effect.”
When it comes to the idea of how much, most consumers choose to follow the idea of 1 – 5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight, with 1 mg per 10 pounds being a typical starting amount. Naturally, it is always a good idea to talk with your pet’s licensed and practicing veterinarian as their constitution or existing regime may not be right for CBD.
As more studies and qualified medical professionals continue to explore the possibilities of CBD for us and our pets, more will become comfortable with sharing in the conversation.
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. All readers of this content should consult their physicians before beginning or changing any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of Kurativ CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Consult your physician prior to use.