The Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Pets

Many CBD researchers and veterinarians are continuously searching for new pieces of evidence to prove the effectiveness of CBD oil. It is because the past researches could not be enough to support some of the positive claims regarding CBD. It is vital to be aware of these matters, especially if you are considering treating your pets with CBD oil. Even though you may have friends who use this remedy, you still need to consult a vet. Veterinarians are still the experts who know the best treatment for your pets. Besides, vets are knowledgeable about CBD remedies so they can recommend the ideal CBD product and proper dosage. Not only that, but veterinarians can also inform you of the pros and cons of using CBD oil for pets.

The CBD Oil Pet Market

Like CBD oil for humans, the use of cannabidiol for pets is continuously rising. In the global pet care market, CBD infused products are claimed to be among the winners when it comes to revenues. It is also projected that the CBD pet market revenues are one of the fastest-growing CBD sectors. That’s why entrepreneurs are leaping on the opportunity to build their own CBD business and cater to pet owners. There are several reasons why dog and cat owners are considering CBD for treating the animals’ health conditions. 

First, some preclinical studies show the effectiveness of cannabidiol in alleviating anxiety, arthritis, depression, and other ailments. Second, many CBD products are more affordable than some medical treatments and therapies. Lastly, there are several ways on how pets can take CBD products, including edibles, oils, topicals and tinctures. With these variations, pet owners have the opportunity to select a product that provides comfort to dogs and cats.

CBD for Pets: The Pros and Cons

As a pet owner, it is vital to ask your vet first, especially if you want to use CBD for your dearest dogs and cats. Instead of relying on commercial websites for CBD information, the vets are the ones who can give you reliable insights about cannabidiol. According to Lara Sypniewski, an associate professor of the OSU School of Veterinary Medicine, the market for CBD-infused products for pets has exploded without enough research to back it up. But she believes that CBD has a significant potential to help many patients.

If you notice some behavioural changes in your dogs and cats, then the first thing to do is to assess whether they are sick or not. You may also visit a veterinary clinic so that the veterinarian can perform a check-up to your dogs and cats. If you think that CBD would help them, then know the pros and cons of using this treatment. Here are several things you should learn about cannabidiol:

Pros

1. CBD oil may help pets in becoming less reactive to low-level pain stimuli.

According to Mark Verdino, MD, senior vice president and chief of veterinary staff at North Shore Animal League America, dogs seem to be less reactive to certain things like anxiety and arthritis once they take CBD products. Verdino also uses CBD for his own dog. As he claimed, CBD seems to help in alleviating the symptoms of his dog. For pet owners like him who want to make use of CBD products, it is recommended to opt for pet-specific items. Doing so would make it easier to know the appropriate concentration.

2. CBD may help in controlling seizures.

In a preliminary study from Dr. Stephanie McGrath‘s lab at Colorado State University, 89% of canines had a reduced frequency of seizures when compared to 43% in the control group. Those dogs who have lessened their frequency seizures have received CBD in a clinical trial. She has several studies that claimed the effectiveness of cannabis products in treating specific conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, inappetence, and nausea.

3. CBD can benefit the cardiovascular system.

In a health journal published online, cannabidiol has beneficial effects in certain ailments like cancer, colitis, diabetes, and Huntington’s disease. Not only that, but there is also accumulating evidence that CBD also benefits the cardiovascular system. It enhances the vasorelaxant responses in animal models. Furthermore, cannabidiol also protects against vascular damage, which is caused by a high glucose environment.

Cons

1. Some edibles like gummies may contain toxic substances.

Gummies are one of the popular CBD edibles that both humans and animals can consume. Unfortunately, some companies use Xylitol as an artificial sweetener for CBD products. This substance is said to be toxic to animals. If you are considering cannabidiol-infused edibles for your dogs and cats, you may choose veterinary-specific products. With this, you can ensure that the items come from reliable manufacturers.

2. CBD may cause some side effects.

The effects of cannabidiol vary from one pet to another. Some dogs and cats may suddenly become less energetic once they take CBD. When your pets take too much CBD oil, they might experience lethargy and depression, causing them to excessively drool, shake, and vomit. If this happens to your pet, consider only adding a few drops of CBD oil to your pets. You can avoid this from happening if you visit a veterinarian and ask for the right dosage.

3. Some CBD pet products may contain THC.

Unlike CBD, THC has mind-altering effects that can harm some animals. Unfortunately, there are CBD products in the market that contain THC instead of CBD. That’s why these items should be tested for the presence of heavy metals and pesticides. Unfortunately, some CBD products are not tested due to a lack of regulation. To avoid buying such products, always inspect the label of the items you purchase. You can also ask recommendations from vets who can provide you with trusted brands.

Many CBD researchers believe in the potential of cannabidiol in treating various diseases. Besides, a lot of pet owners have claimed the positive benefits of using CBD. As a responsible pet owner, you have the option to consider cannabidiol for your pets. But be mindful of the potential risks of purchasing this product. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to use CBD-infused items. Most importantly, consult with a veterinarian to identify the best medical treatment for your pets.