CBD for Pets


We love our pets.

Cute baby in blue outfit smiles at equally cute white fluffy dog

We often love them more than our children (because they can't talk back and they're generally much more obedient :)
So we get to know them very well and despite the fact they can't talk to us or tell us how they're feeling - most pet owners will "just know" when they're little pals aren't feeling themselves.

Studies have now demonstrated that CBD is very well tolerated in animals as well as humans. We all share a similar regulatory system (the endocannabinoid system) and if you've ever experienced the benefits of CBD yourself, you'll be glad to know that your pets can avail of the same experience. They'll thank you for it in their own way with improved mood, skin, coat, increased energy levels and reduction in pain due to inflamed joints which our four legged friends are all prone to.



Cats


Cute little kittens in a little basket look upwards as they're being photographed


While there are several anti-inflammatory medications for the treatment of pain in dogs, there are only a few approved for the delicate systems of cats. This is one of the reasons veterinarians and cat parents are so enthusiastic about CBD oil.


Rather than using steroids or NSAIDs that carry severe side effects, they are turning to all-natural CBD for relief of pain with a group of researchers from the University of London believing CBD is powerful enough to qualify as a new class of drug for pain relief.


Joint inflammation is one of the most common causes of pain in cats. It occurs when the cartilage in a joint wears away, allowing the bones to rub together painfully. Although diagnosed more frequently in dogs, our feline friends can definitely suffer from sore, inflamed joints. Not only do cats visit the vet less often than dogs, but they are also experts at hiding their pain.



Our pets should never have to suffer in silence. Using CBD oil in cats that are older, overweight, or have symptoms of joint pain can help reduce painful inflammation and allows them to move pain-free.


Dogs


Two cute dogs run along together side by side at sunset

As discussed, more research has been done on dogs as opposed to cats with one such study from 2018 seeking to assess safety, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-pain properties of a CBD oil in dogs with osteoarthritis.


Researchers gave dogs doses of 2 or 8 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Eighty percent of the dogs showed improvement in their pain and mobility, as measured by two veterinary resources — the canine brief pain inventory and the Hudson activity scale.



A small study published in 2019 found that epileptic dogs given CBD in addition to seizure medication had significantly fewer seizures than those that received seizure medication and a placebo. However, similar numbers of dogs in both the CBD group and the placebo group responded to treatment and had decreases in seizure activity. The authors recommended further testing before reaching any definitive conclusions.



As with all things related to CBD, more research is needed and is ongoing but if your pet is suffering today, there are very positive findings which confirm the benefits with very few side effects.


Start with a low dose to ensure no negative reaction and monitor your pets' behaviour. We know from experience with our own pets that nobody knows them better than we do and we're positive you'll see the results for yourself !