The benefits of CBD for our pets

By Quinton Charles Op -Ed Blogger

We love our pets

We as Americans, love our pets. We may even love them more than we love apple pie (I know that I prefer cherry) and rock-n-roll. I have no doubt that this love is the reason people go to great lengths to cure their pets of all ailments, no matter the price. While noble, it can lead to expenses far exceeding what one would expect to pay for any reasonable cure. Much to the chagrin of their owners, pets are usually not completely cured, which can lead to further costs and symptoms in the animal. While the benefits of CBD on pets has not been clinically proven, anecdotal evidence in support of the benefits of CBD for our pets is growing and you can read example after example from veterinarians, as well as pet owners, that illustrate the benefits of CBD use for pets.

Although I fully acknowledge that the types of pets that people own are as diverse as they could possibly be, I am narrowing this article to cats and dogs. In no way does this reflect any animosity towards other types of pets (I used to own a bird), but rather reflects the available information on the effects of CBD in pets.  This is a tricky subject to find information out there. However based on recent advances in cannabinoid administration in humans, it is believed that CBD is both safe in humans and animals. So Lets Talk Dogs!

CBD & Dogs

I grew up with dogs and it seems that near everyone either has a dog, or knows someone with a dog. Though our dogs may seem unaffected to all illness, as they run around and wag their tails, they are affected by diet, climate, and mood as much as a human is.

There are two parts to caring for your dogs health, and they are very simple: what you can avoid, and what you can’t. For many ailments, such as canine obesity, poor mood, and lack of appetite, a simple change in diet, frequent play and walks, and changing food types can solve the problem. For more serious, chronic issues, sometimes additional help is needed, and this can come in the form of CBD. Some of the potential benefits of CBD in both dogs and cats can include reduction in anxiety, pain and inflammation, protects the nervous system, helps with epilepsy and seizures, and aids in a healthy heart and blood sugar levels.

One anecdote mentions an Australian veterinarian:

“A senior Staffordshire Terrier had a 6cm mammary tumor and metastasis  that disappeared in 3 months and didn’t come back. A Jack Russell Terrier had a severe heart murmur and painful arthritis and, after a month, he wanted to go for long walks and his murmur was much improved. These are two examples of how Australian veterinarian Edward Bassingthwaighte discovered how CBD oil could be a critical part of his holistic veterinary practice. “I simply can’t explain the improved heart murmur” says Bassingthwaite. “They normally don’t get better.

So how does it work? CBD has similar effects in dogs as can be found in humans. It has been shown to reduce pain and swelling, and I’ve talked in the past about how it can combat epilepsy. It can decrease the activity of liver enzymes used to metabolize many prescription drugs, so if your dog is on medication, you might want to check with your vet before using CBD.

CBD and Cats

For people who own cats, CBD can have similar benefits. Once again, this is based on anecdotal evidence, since, although there have been no scientific studies that specifically investigate the impact of cannabis on pets, Dr. Gary Richter, a holistic veterinarian and owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital and Holistic Veterinary Care in Oakland, California, says that CBD oil is generally safe for cats. However, there can be some adverse effects to giving your cat CBD oil, including gastrointestinal upset(this is normally due to the specific carrier oil used, look for olive oil based tinctures for cats) It also can have some sedation affects depending on the cat, both of which can be relieved by discontinuing the use of the oil.  It is worth noting that while CBD oil and hemp are typically quite safe for cats and dogs, cannabis plants are not. “There is plenty of documentation of marijuana toxicity in cats, for those that nibble on the plants,” says veterinarian Dr. Liza Guess.” 

Overall, pet owners should consult with their pet’s veterinarian before administering any CBD oil. Once the go-ahead has been given, you should be more than ready to give your pet a holistic treatment and, hopefully, a cure to whatever ailment besets them.

If you have questions don’t hesitate to contact us by phone at 866-244-4223 or by email at support@greenwellnesslife.com!  We are passionate about our pets at Green Wellness Life!