
Why Your Dog Might Be Vomiting
No sound will get a dog owner’s attention quite like…
The buzz around cannabidiol commonly referred to as CBD, seems to be everywhere. CBD, which is primarily derived from the hemp plant, has transformed from a relatively unknown substance into a dizzyingly fast-growing industry in just a few years. Sales of CBD have skyrocketed as people flock to stores to purchase CBD products.
What about pets, though? Can CBD help our pets?
Defining the Terminology
Discussions about CBD can quickly become confusing without an understanding of certain terms. Here are some helpful definitions:
A key difference between marijuana and hemp is the level of THC, the psychoactive substance that produces a ‘high.’ Marijuana is cultivated to have very high levels of THC, while hemp has less than 0.3% THC.
CBD in Pets
CBD is not psychoactive. In human health, scientific research and anecdotal evidence have highlighted CBD’s many health benefits, including anti-inflammation and anti-anxiety.
Very little is known about CBD in pets, though, in large part because of the continued legal confusion, on both the state and federal levels, surrounding CBD. The health benefits of CBD in pets mainly come from anecdotal reports. Such benefits include pain reduction, anti-inflammation, and anti-anxiety.
Fortunately, there are a few scientific studies of CBD in pets.
One study, conducted at Cornell University, evaluated the use of CBD oil in dogs with osteoarthritis, a common canine orthopedic condition. Study results suggested that a low dose of CBD oil, when given twice daily, can reduce pain and improve physical activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
An ongoing study at Colorado State University is studying the effect of CBD in dogs with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
The potential negative effects of CBD in pets still need to be determined.
Selecting CBD for Your Pet
Giving your pet CBD first requires careful consideration and evaluation of CBD products. Below are some guidelines for choosing a product:
Bringing it Together
CBD use in veterinary medicine is an exciting frontier, but many questions remain about its safety and therapeutic benefits in pets.
If you’re interested in using CBD in your pet, do your homework first and talk with a veterinarian who is up-to-date on medical cannabis use in pets.
Provide Peace of Mind
Pet insurance provides peace of mind that if your pet gets sick or injured you don’t have to think twice about the financial aspect and you can just focus on your pet’s care.
The team at PetFirst Pet Insurance loves helping pet parents have the ability to give their pets the best care possible. As a pet parent, you can find the best coverage for your furry friend with PetFirst and our various options that fit your needs.
Pet health insurance through PetFirst can help you offset the costs of a variety of medical conditions in your dog or cat.
Contact PetFirst today for a free quote!