Can CBD help your pets?

CBD is all the rage for we humans. A recent article in Vox said 2019 was a “breakout year.” But the healing power of CBD for your furry companions may be even more remarkable. It’s especially important because just as we’ve been stressed out, our pets have been too! ASPCA says that 50 percent of all companion animals suffer from some behavioral issues. The healing power of CBD could be just what they need to chill out and feel better.

In my practice and in reading relevant research, I find stronger evidence for the efficacy of CBD with dogs. With cats, I think further research is required as their is some evidence it has a more negative effect. 

So let’s deal with some of the facts (and myths) of CBD and how it can help your pets.

How CBD works

Cannabis, hemp and marijuana, while from the same family, are uniquely different. Cannabis is a family of plants with two different classifications, Indica and Sativa. Marijuana and hemp are species of the Cannabis family that share properties but are structurally and functionally unique. 

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in Hemp plants and the second most often found in the cannabis plant. THC in cannabis plants causes the psychoactive effects. CBD contains none of the psychoactive components and will not cause euphoria or a “high”. 

CBD oil arouses cannabinoid receptors, CBD1 and CBD2, which naturally occur in humans and animals. These receptors are multi-functional. They are thought to provide an important role in calmness, reducing anxiety and to be anti-inflammatory.

CBD can help with a variety of ailments

Multiple articles have been written to support their use in aiding the treatment of arthritis pain, seizures, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. 

Each pet may react differently to CBD. As in all medications and supplements, doses can vary. It’s a good practice to consult with your vet and then when administrating the medicine, each pet should be observed closely. 

If any adverse symptoms are seen, minimize the dose. If indications continue, you may increase the dose accordingly, until signs or indications improve, but again, be safe and consult with your vet.

“Like most nutriceuticals, it’s poorly regulated right now. You could put olive oil in a jar and say it’s CBD,” says Dr. Mark Verdino, chief of veterinary staff at the North Shore Animal League America. “So it’s important, as a vet, that while we don’t ‘recommend’ CBD, we can choose a product we have confidence in.”

Part of what I do as a veterinarian is find and recommend products I believe in. When it comes to CBD, I love the B-Glad Pure CBD Drops that I offer on my site here. It’s a very healthy approach to pain relief and treatment for a variety of symptoms. This supplement can be purchased by all residents within the state of New York. 

Like most supplements, Efficacy may either be dose dependent or not effective at all. Of course, always heed the advice of your veterinarian.

About The Author

Author Dr Babette Gladstein is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr Gladstein’s treatment modality expertise includes acupuncture, ultrasound, chiropractic and massage therapy, prolotherapy, holistic and traditional therapies. She makes house calls in the New York metropolitan area.