What is CBD?
With medical marijuana now legally available in many places throughout the world, researchers are actively exploring the therapeutic potential of the plant-based treatment. Early signs have been positive enough, and many are anecdotally preaching about the benefits.
The two main active ingredients found in medical marijuana are CBD and THC. They are naturally occurring cannabinoids, each distinct in how they produce their effects.
THC, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is psychoactive and may cause you to get “high”. CBD, or cannabidiol, is not psychoactive and will not intoxicate its users.
For us, medical marijuana products are used as a treatment option to provide relief for symptoms associated with chronic conditions. Now, many who believe in its therapeutic benefits are wondering about the efficacy of CBD treats for dogs.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
Research on how effective and safe CBD oil dog treats is has been severely restricted due to a global effort to keep medicinal cannabis away from the public.
In recent years, you may have noticed the sudden appearance of CBD-infused products for dogs and other pets. Early signs indicate that low-dose products are generally safe for dogs and is unlikely to cause serious side effects, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious.
A veterinarian can provide you with the best guidance when it comes to CBD for dogs. As pets are not quite the same as us, only high-quality products specifically formulated for dogs should be used.
CBD oil or treats for dogs are used for the same reasons as when used for humans, to provide relief of certain symptoms related to chronic conditions. As existing evidence is limited, we can’t say anything with certainty regarding how effective these treatments are for dogs.
The anecdotal and pre-clinical evidence, however, has been largely positive.
Is CBD legal for dogs?
In Australia, cannabidiol is legal for both humans and pets provided a valid prescription has been granted by an authorised medical practitioner.
In the case of your dog, you’ll need to get a qualified veterinarian with the relevant authority to write an appropriate prescription.
A few requirements will need to be met before a vet is willing to grant a prescription.
Firstly, cannabidiol must make up 98% or more of the total chemical compounds in the preparation. Next, any compounds different to cannabidiol included must be those naturally occurring in the cannabis plant.
The owner must also consent to test an unlicensed and possibly damaging treatment, while confirming that there will be a consistent monitoring of the pet’s response and any potential side effects that may occur.
Purchasing medicinal cannabis from an unauthorised source is unlawful and may lead to legal consequences for the pet owner.
The risks associated with black market products are also much higher, as patients have no way of knowing what the true ingredients are. A lack of third-party testing and legal regulation means the products should not be trusted
What CBD products exist for dogs?
Some medical marijuana products are manufactured specifically for pet consumption, usually at lower doses and in ways that make it easier for the pet.
The CBD-based products available for dogs are not that much different from those available for humans. The most common of them are:
- CBD oil for dogs
- CBD dog treats
- CBD topical products
A veterinarian will be able to guide dog owners on the product most suitable for the pet’s condition. The product prescribed will depend on the size of the dog, the condition being treated, and the method deemed easiest for consumption. Dog treats with CBD oil are often the most popular medical cannabis products made for dogs.
If you’re dog accidentally consumes a medicinal cannabis product with THC in it, you should immediately head to a vet, as THC is not considered safe for pets.
Side effects of CBD for dogs
While cannabidiol is considered generally safe for dogs, it is not entirely free of potential side effects. The scientific data is limited, but we can make deductions based on how the compound affects humans.
A few of the potential issues that may arise are:
- Dry mouth: As CBD may reduce the production of saliva, your dog may have increased thirst.
- Upset stomach: Cannabidiol may impact your dog’s digestive system and cause an unwanted reaction.
- Lowered blood pressure: Large doses may cause a temporary drop in blood pressure.
- Drowsiness: High doses may cause your pup to feel a lot drowsier than usual.
Most side effects associated with the naturally occurring cannabinoid tend to be mild and do not cause any long-term harm. If your pet has a bad reaction to cannabidiol, you should discontinue use immediately.
Summary
CBD has surfaced as a treatment option for both humans and dogs. Researchers are actively exploring how medicinal cannabis impacts various symptoms associated with chronic conditions.
For now, there are no severely harmful effects related to the use of CBD and experts believe it to be well-tolerated in pets. There are, however, a few mild side effects that may occur.
In Australia, CBD is legal for dogs in cases where a veterinarian has written a medical prescription. Pet owners should always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before giving their dogs cannabidiol.
Buying cannabidiol from an unauthorised source is still illegal and should be avoided at all costs. The lack of third-party testing and regulation means the risks of harm are also much higher when using a black-market medical cannabis product.
For more information on CBD oil treats for dogs, speak with your regular veterinarian.