The discussion of CBD oil has been on the rise recently, as studies showcase the substance’s great healing properties and governments legalize cannabis in one form or another.
From small businesses to medical offices, CBD products are prescribed and sold to customers and patients to treat a variety of issues.
Although the research and overall focus of CBD is quite refreshing, some animals may be left out of the conversation, specifically dogs.
Compared to the already small amount of studies and research dedicated to cannabis studies concerning humans, the substance’s effect on animals’ health, especially dogs’ health, is noteworthy.
With federal and state governments legalizing CBD, the treatment of animals’ medical conditions has stemmed from this topic.
In October 2018, Canada federally-authorized the recreational use of marijuana. Only two months later, President Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill of 2018, permitting the use and distribution of hemp and its derivatives, primarily CBD.
At this present moment, 33 states in America allow cannabis in some form or another, demonstrating the immense change of supporting and welcoming the substance as an option for treatment.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive component found in the marijuana plant that contains therapeutic and healthy properties fit for a variety of medical conditions.
According to CoolThings, CBD can treat anxiety disorders, epilepsy, nausea, IBD, and other common diagnoses. In addition, the substance is becoming potentially a partial answer to the cure of severe illnesses, including Alzheimer’s Disease.
Nonetheless, all of this information mostly applies to the well-being of humans, not dogs. Only recently veterinary studies have been profiting from learning about CBD’s effect on dogs’ health.
Vets would risk their practice, not to mention their license, when discussing, recommending, or prescribing CBD treatment for pet owners.
Last year, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 2215, making it legal in California for vets to discuss cannabis for their clients with pets. Although they still cannot recommend or prescribe, vets can now at least discuss its use and safety.
There have been several studies conducted, which have been as successful with human and animal models.
Similar to humans, dogs can use CBD products in regard to help with joint pain, arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
Dr. Joe Wakshlag of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine conducted a study published in July of 2018 that tested CBD oil on dogs experiencing pain from osteoarthritis.
Since dogs themselves could not report their feelings of pain or potential improvement from the treatment, a series of questionnaires administered by the veterinarians and owners were completed before the treatment.
The dogs’ mobility and activity were recorded at weeks two and four as an indicator of pain level, and blood tests were performed during each visit.
The results of the study were successful, as the researchers reported that over 80% of dogs taking the CBD oil had significant improvement in pain levels and overall quality of life without any side effects.
Ellevet Sciences, a company in Maine that makes hemp-based pet chews and oils for pets with arthritis and muscular issues, funded the study.
In order to get as much scientific backing for their product as possible, Ellevet Sciences decided to test their formula and fund Dr. Wakshlag’s clinical trial. Not only did the study showcase CBD’s promise in aiding dogs, but it also assured that Ellevet Sciences’ formula works.
Moreover, CBD oil has shown great success in aiding those experiencing seizures and epilepsy. In fact, the only FDA-approved drug that contains CBD called Epidiolex is used for helping patients with pediatric epilepsy and seizures.
Due to Epidiolex, its importance, and extreme success with people, TSA changed its marijuana policy, where people are now allowed to carry CBD products on flights.
The scientific community was curious to see if the positive relationship between CBD oil, epilepsy, and seizures applies to dogs.
According to CBD Kyro, one in 20 dogs suffer from seizures, where most are given drug phenobarbital and potassium bromide to prevent seizures. CBD oil should also become an option for pet owners to help their dogs to live a life with minimal seizures.
Various human model studies have shown that CBD oil can reduce the frequency of seizures and overall definite improvement of life.
A study conducted by Dr. Stephanie McGrath of Colorado State University had tested the use of CBD for dogs with epilepsy.
Using 16 dogs, where nine dogs were treated with CBD with 0.3% or less THC (as per the Farm Bill of 2018) and the remaining were given a placebo, the results were groundbreaking in the veterinary world.
Dr. McGrath reports that 89% of dogs who received CBD in the trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
While the two studies discussed above are the most prominent and significant in showing the positive effects of CBD in animals’ health, some believe that success does not stop there.
Dogs can potentially benefit from CBD’s capability to reduce anxiety, treat depression and nausea, and increase appetite, which can all be detrimental cases for dogs. However, there are no studies to support these claims as of yet.
Due to the colossal amount of change in policies and a push in conducting more cannabis studies, the market size for CBD has only been on a positive trend.
The market for the substance can grow further when more studies are conducted around animal health and subsequently more products are launched.
Different companies are trying to reach out to the target audience of pet owners to sell products containing CBD. From specific food, pills, and other oral treatments, the market size can boom when pets are factored in.
While the current information is extremely promising, the research cannot stop there. The truth about CBD oil and dogs is that there is more to uncover, and the pets and their owners can have a better quality of life with further studies.
CBD oil is definitely making its case as a natural form of treatment for dogs’ health. If your pet is dealing with issues that CBD can tackle, do consult a veterinarian for advice regarding the matter.