CBD is one of the most popular products of marijuana, which leads many pet owners to wonder what the dosage of CBD for pets is. Since CBD is something that humans increasingly are using to help alleviate pain, anxiety, and seizures, you might be interested in using it to help your pets. As a responsible pet owner, it is important to first consider the effects it can have on your furry friends.
The Research Behind Pets and CBD
Unfortunately, there aren’t dozens of studies revolving around administering CBD to your pets, though there are a couple of things to consider. Similar to human consumption, this extract from cannabis still has many years of research before the positive effects of CBD are understood in a complete way.
Some of the most interesting studies we’ve found pertaining to using CBD on your pets include:
1. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
This was the very first study conducted by Dr. Joseph Wakshlag from Cornell University. In July 2018, the Frontiers in Veterinary Science published it.
In the study, researchers were determining the effects of hemp-based cannabidiol products on arthritic dogs. More specifically, they were using ElleVet Sciences’ hemp oil blend. The conclusion of the study found that over 80% of the dogs that received the hemp oil treatment experienced an increase in mobility and a decrease in pain.
2. Colorado State University Studies
There are two studies currently being conducted at Colorado State University using client-owned pets. The research not only revolves around CBD use in pets with arthritis but dogs with plenty of other ailments as well. They hosted many clinical trials, including:
- Canine Epilepsy Clinical Trial: Designed to determine if CBD use reduced seizures in epileptic dogs.
- Canine Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial: Used to determine if CBD helped to decrease pain associated with arthritis.
As CBD becomes more popular, it’s likely there will be plenty of additional studies for you to turn to in order to determine if CBD is the right treatment for your pets. As of now, it appears to be that most studies are conducted on dogs and hopefully they expand to other pets and animals as well. However, there’s more to deciding if this is the treatment for you, as you have to consider the ethical implications as well.
Veterinarians and CBD
It’s very important to know that most veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe your pets CBD or any cannabis-based treatment, regardless of their professional opinion. Each state has a veterinary board that will follow the federal guidelines and regulations revolving around cannabis use and the use of its by-products. As cannabis is not federally legal, they are unable to prescribe it as a treatment.
The California Veterinary Medical Board even states that there’s nothing in the laws in California that would allow vets to prescribe or approve marijuana or cannabis as a treatment for animals. As you likely know, cannabis is legal for all adults to consume in the state. In fact, if a veterinarian prescribes CBD as a treatment, they face having their license suspended as well as paying fines.
The Future of Studying CBD in Pets
The hardest aspect of determining if CBD is safe for your pets is the fact that many veterinarians aren’t allowed to use it for their research, especially if they live in a state where it is illegal. A great example is Dr. Dawn Boothe, a clinical pharmacologist and an internist at Auburn University in Alabama. She is unable to even begin her study, as she must abide by state laws that make marijuana illegal for any purpose.
You’ll also find that the DEA has a strict position on CBD, stating that it holds the same restrictions as marijuana with a high amount of THC. As a researcher, you will need to apply for federal permits in order to handle marijuana, as it is a controlled substance. For many, this is another painstaking hoop to jump through in order to study the effects CBD has on animals.
At-Home CBD Administration
As a pet owner who lives in a state where cannabis is legal, you might be tempted to administer it to your pets on your own. However, there are plenty of things to consider, including knowing the dosage for your pets. It’s important you pay close attention to the following tips.
1. CBD for Pets Dosage
Most retailers of CBD products for your pets will have already calculated the appropriate dosage for your pet based on their weight. It’s highly advised that you purchase approved products that have been assessed by professionals. The three main things you’ll likely to find from a dispensary include:
- Capsules: Many retailers, including Canna-Pet, have capsules for small and large animals ranging from under 20 pounds to over 20 pounds. For large and small dogs, one capsule of CBD twice daily mixed with their food is the recommended dosage. Cat owners will likely see results from administering one capsule daily with their food.
- Oils and Liquids: Liquids and oils are going to be absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream substantially faster. Meaning, you’ll have to add the CBD oil or liquid three to four times daily. If your pet is under 20 pounds, up to three drops daily, and for pets over 20 pounds, up to four drops daily.
- Biscuits: It’s incredibly common to find CBD treats, such as biscuits. Smaller dogs (under 20 pounds) should receive one biscuit every 12 hours. Dogs between 21 and 95 pounds can consume two to three biscuits every 12 hours. Finally, dogs over 95 pounds can have four biscuits every 12 hours.
Please note that these are guidelines based on manufacturers advice for CBDs based products for pets and they have to be taken as such. We are not vets and can take no responsibility for the advice or results of the products on your pets, so please proceed with caution.
If you decide to try a CBD product for pets on your pet, try a reduced dosage from the recommended dosage if unsure. As with humans taking CBD for pain relieve, start on a reduced dosage and wait to see at what point there is a visible improvement. For a dog with arthritic pain, you will likely start to see more mobility in your dog.
2. Product Quality
Above all else, it is important to note that the quality of the CBD you’re giving to your pet is of the utmost importance. This is because not every retailer gets its CBD from a trusted source. The last thing you’d want is to give your pet medicine that is shoddy or poorly extracted.
It’s best if you are able to find products that don’t have any GMOs, animal products, or preservatives. You will want to focus on brands that carry whole-plant supplements without any unhealthy byproducts. Just like you would want to consume the highest quality CBD possible, your pets deserve the same treatment.
Final Thoughts
Although CBD may not be legal for veterinarians to administer, you can give it to your pets if you live in a state where CBD and cannabis use is legal. You will also need to confirm the CBD for pets dosage from the product and manufacturer, and if unsure, make the dosage very low to start with, increasing the dose while watching carefully for an improvement in your pet’s condition, but you should not exceed the advised maximum dosage by the manufacturer.
With plenty of options from biscuits to CBD oils, you may be able to help your pet with a variety of ailments, especially arthritic pain.
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