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The health and pharmaceutical industries have seen all sorts of products that claim to be the cure to a wide range of health issues. While many of these products have come and gone and are forgotten, the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) seems to rise with each passing day.
This compound gotten from cannabis plants has been said to treat several illnesses and diseases in humans and even pets such as dogs and cats. Some of the health issues it is said to treat include arthritis, inflammation, pain, seizures, anxiety, and even cancer. Visit https://www.fda.gov/consumers/ to learn what you should know if your dog has cancer.
While CBD has been used for humans for quite some time now, its use for dogs is still relatively new. Hence, most dog owners are concerned about the safety of this product. They want to know all they can about this compound.
If you are one of such folks, you can rest assured that we have you covered. In this article, we will provide you with the necessary information that will help you determine if cannabidiol is safe for your furry friend. We will also discuss the legality of this product to further put your mind at ease.
Let’s begin, shall we?
How safe is CBD for Dogs?
Most cannabidiol products which include oils, topicals, and edibles are mostly used therapeutically for pets such as dogs and cats. The percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in these products is usually lower than 0.3%. Some products don’t have THC at all.
THC is the cannabinoid in marijuana that gives it its psychoactive properties. Since cannabidiol products do not contain above the legal THC content, they aren’t placed under scrutiny as THC-contained products. The major reason for the reduced scrutiny is the Farm Bill that was signed in December 2018.
This bill ensured that industrial hemp and products derived from Cannabis sativa L. were no longer included in the Controlled Substance Act. However, products that contained over 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol are still regarded as Schedule 1 drugs. Hence, their production, as well as distribution, is still under strict regulation.
The question “is CBD for dogs safe?” is asked primarily because cannabidiol products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is strange given that most products that are labeled as therapeutic are overseen and regulated by the FDA.
The federal agency has come forward to acknowledge the promise of the potential of CBD as an alternative therapy. However, the agency knows that certain companies are still marketing cannabis-derived products that are in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) that could jeopardize consumer safety and health. As a result of this, the agency is still careful to approve cannabidiol products. Nevertheless, plans are in place to approve certain products that have been deemed safe by the FDA.
While the FDA’s stance can be seen to be that of caution due to the bad practices of certain manufacturers, the consensus is that cannabidiol products manufactured according to safety guidelines are indeed safe for dogs.
Is CBD Recommended by Veterinarians?
The major reason veterinarians do not readily recommend cannabidiol is due to Federal law restrictions. Over the years, vets have been prohibited from prescribing and administering extracts from cannabis plants to their patients.
Even State laws have more ambiguity which makes it difficult for these professionals to readily discuss or advise their clients regarding the use of this alternative therapy. However, if the pet owner raises the issue, they can then give their professional advice and in most cases, they tend to advise against its usage due to the product’s legal uncertainty.
Another reason many vets do not recommend CBD is the high price of these products. If you own a Fido that weighs 20 pounds, in a month, you might spend up to $58 to treat joint pains. Click here to find out why CBD oil is expensive. Hence, not every dog owner can readily afford such.
Studies on the Use of Cannabidiol for Dogs
Although there is little research on the effects of cannabidiol on dogs, there is still enough we can work with.
The Colorado State University carried out research and discovered that the rate of epileptic seizures in dogs with this condition reduced by 89% after they were administered CBD. Several other research has led many scientists to believe that this compound can be used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Hence, they are planning a larger study where more patients will be treated and studied.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in a study found out that when 2 milligrams of cannabidiol per kilogram of a dog’s body weight is administered twice daily, an 80% relief in arthritic pains in canines with this condition was experienced.
A Michigan veterinarian by the name of Dr. Jeff Powers who serves as the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents vice-chairman has credited CBD for regulating noise anxiety in his dog (a St Bernard’s).
All these are not just anecdotal pieces evidence but scientific proof of the effectiveness of cannabidiol in treating health issues in dogs. It is expected that as time progresses, more research and studies will be carried out to provide the necessary backing that will lead to the wide approval of CBD.
Conclusion
In the article above, we have discussed the issue of cannabidiol safety when administered to dogs. We also looked at the legality of this compound and some studies surrounding its usage and effectiveness.