We've heard about how humans are using cannabidiol (CBD) for therapeutic purposes, but what can this non-intoxicating cannabinoid offer to man's best friend?
Dogs — like humans, cats, horses, and all other mammals — have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a system of receptors and endocannabinoids that help maintain an animal's health. Studies show that when cannabis molecules interact with the receptors in the ECS, cannabinoids such as CBD can provide therapeutic effects for a variety of ailments.
“CBD has all of the same medical benefits in animals as it does in people. It's an anti-inflammatory, it can be helpful for pain, it has some anti-cancer properties, it can be helpful from an anxiety perspective, it can have anti-seizure properties,” said Gary Richter, veterinarian, author, and owner of Holistic Veterinary Care in Oakland, California. “All of those same things that a person might use CBD for, it can also potentially be used similarly for animals.”
Are CBD treats good for dogs?
There are several purported benefits to giving CBD to dogs, and some pet owners swear by the remedial qualities of this non-intoxicating cannabinoid.
One study published in the Pet Behaviour Science journal in April 2019 found that CBD oil reduced the frequency of seizures for some canines suffering from epilepsy.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has also shown promise as a treatment for older dogs with arthritis and chronic pain. Because dogs have an ECS that functions similarly to other mammals, including humans, CBD's anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial properties provide the same potential therapeutic benefits to canines as to humans.
What are the best CBD dog treats?
If you're considering administering CBD to your dog, we recommend making your own treats so you can control the amount of CBD oil your pet gets. We also recommend knowing the source of the CBD oil being infused into your dog treats — be sure to buy from a reputable, pet-friendly brand.
You should not, under any circumstances, give your dog CBD products that contain over 0.3% THC, which is the legal limit that industrial hemp is permitted to have in the U.S.
Avoid administering any kind of CBD that is made for human use, especially if it's derived from cannabis instead of hemp, to avoid the risk of your dog getting stoned sick.
To be extra cautious, find a CBD oil producer that provides a testing analysis, preferably through a third party. This way, pet owners can be sure that their CBD oil doesn't contain potentially intoxicating levels of THC or other ingredients that could be harmful for dogs to consume. If you prefer to give your dog CBD treats without making a mess in the kitchen, buying pre-made CBD treats is another option.
“The CBD market being what it is these days, it can be very difficult for the consumer to be sure that what they're buying is actually what it says on the label,” Richter said. “There are a lot of products out there that are not necessarily exactly what they're labeled to be. It's important that people are buying from reputable companies, that people are checking certificates of analysis, and so on.”
Kate Scott, registered veterinary technician and chief operating officer of VETCBD, a pet-friendly CBD oil producer, echoes Richter's statement. “When giving your animal a cannabis product, it is important to ensure that the product has been specifically formulated for pets. The ratio of CBD to THC is an important factor, as well as the total number of milligrams per dose.”
How long do CBD treats take to kick in for dogs?
There's no denying that dog treats will make any eager pooch wag its tail with excitement, but are edibles the most effective method for treating dogs with CBD? While dog treats may be the most happiness-inducing way to give a dog CBD, Richter believes the best thing to do is directly administer CBD oil into your dog's mouth.
“I think it's worth saying that CBD administered as an oil that's given directly orally is probably better absorbed than it is when it's eaten and has to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract,” Richter said.
Bottom line
Nonetheless, hemp-derived, pet-friendly CBD oil offers pet owners the opportunity to bring joy and comfort to their dogs' lives. The dosing and time of onset for CBD with pets are similar to those of humans. Usually, you can expect CBD treats to kick in between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of your dog, while orally administered oil starts a little sooner, between 15 and 25 minutes.
Pet owners considering CBD oil for their pups should consult a veterinarian. While most veterinarians in the United States are not allowed to recommend or sell CBD to clients, they are technically allowed to discuss it.
“My primary recommendation for people would be to talk to your veterinarian,” Richter said. “As of January 1st [2019], veterinarians are allowed to discuss the use of cannabis with their clients. For example, if someone came in to see me and wanted to talk about CBD for their pet, I'm legally allowed to discuss it. That would be my best recommendation.”
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