CBD: A Hidden Cure

I am not a veterinarian. I am a certified animal nutritionist, and my advice is based on my training and knowledge in animal nutrition. My recommendations are intended to support and enhance your pet's health and well-being through proper nutrition. For any medical concerns or emergencies, please consult with a licensed veterinarian.

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CBD has been all the rage for the last couple of years, and not just for human use, but even for your pets. Controversial at its start, CBD has become more mainstream, especially for treating issues in people. This explosion of CBD use in people has bled over into the pet industry and has owners questioning if humans can be relieved from pain with its use, can my pet also? So let's dive into the world of cannabis with the most frequently asked questions from pet owners and some honest feedback from experts.

So what is CBD anyways?

If you aren’t super familiar with CBD (Cannabidiol) and what it truly is, just know it's far from its cousin, THC, although it's derived from the same cannabis sativa plant. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the part of the cannabis plant that has psychoactive properties and is responsible for causing a high for users. 

CBD does not have the same psychoactive properties as THC, but it does offer impressive therapeutic effects that can provide relief from a variety of symptoms. Many of these conditions are also treated similarly in people! Such as anxiety, joint discomfort, skin health, and even seizures.

CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is a precursor to CBD and can work alongside CBD to provide additional benefits to the body. When various terpenes and other compounds found in the cannabis plant work together to enhance the therapeutic effects, this phenomenon is known as the "entourage effect." It's important to note that this effect does not involve THC.

Is there a difference between full vs. broad spectrum?

Yes, Full spectrum contains all compounds that are naturally found in the cannabis plant, which would include THC. Most CBD brands that are full-spectrum will have trace amounts of THC, but in such low amounts, typically <0.3%, it will not cause harm to your pet, but it should be noted. Full-spectrum is a plus when looking for a CBD product, as the terpenes and other cannabinoids found in full-spectrum benefit the body together by creating a synergy between each other, which is called the ‘entourage effect’. This variety or ‘entourage’ benefits the body even more than just CBD on its own.

Broad-spectrum contains all compounds found in cannabis minus the THC. Broad-spectrum will still have an entourage-like synergy that’s great for your pet, but it’s not as powerful as THC has with its counterparts in full-spectrum. If you need a heavy hitter for certain issues, you most likely are going to benefit more from trying full-spectrum.

There is also CBD Isolate. Isolate is just pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes; it may not be as powerful as full or broad-spectrum, but it’s good for pets on medication or with any liver issues. Remember to always run it by a vet first if your pet is either on meds or has any sort of liver issue before taking CBD!

Is CBD safe for my dog or cat?

Yes, CBD is generally safe for use in dogs and cats, with only some adverse reactions, possibly diarrhea or digestive upset, typically being the only real issues with broad or full spectrums. You’ll want to keep an eye out for these possible adverse reactions below ↓↓

• Diarrhea 💩

• Lethargy 😴

• Dry Mouth 💦

• Elevated Liver Enzymes ⚠️

• Low Blood Pressure 📉

THC is a much different story and should not be included in dog or cat tinctures or treats, as it is toxic to pets and can lead to adverse reactions such as vomiting, lethargy, and even death in large quantities. If THC is present in a CBD tincture, it needs to be less than 0.3 %  to be non-toxic, which we call, as stated earlier, full-spectrum.

CBD is available in many forms, including treats, chews, oils, and capsules. Depending on your pet, you have several options for the best way to introduce them to it. And some tinctures are more potent than others, so make sure to read the label to find out the proper dosage for your size of pet.

Are vets on board with CBD?

Veterinarians generally have a neutral stance on the use of CBD for pets; they are not completely against it, but they often don’t recommend over-the-counter CBD products. This reluctance is primarily due to the limited research available. Since CBD is not approved by the FDA, studies regarding its use in pets are ongoing. Standards for quality, dosage, and other areas of concern are not regulated, which makes veterinarians unlikely to prescribe it. However, let's not paint CBD as a bad guy here! If other medication options have been exhausted, a vet might consider recommending CBD. It's important to note that veterinarians typically prefer to explore alternative treatments before suggesting CBD, but that doesn’t mean they will never tell you to seek it out.

Disclaimer: If your pet is on medication. Check with your vet to ensure that the medications will not be hindered by CBD. Depending on the medication, CBD can inhibit CYP450 enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down many medications in the liver. When these enzymes are slowed down, drugs may stay in the bloodstream longer, increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity, or the medication may not work as intended.

But don’t let this fact deter you from the potential benefits of CBD for your pet's pain by giving it a chance! Although CBD isn’t prescribed by veterinarians. It doesn’t mean that it won’t work or be a great alternative to other medicines prescribed by the vet that may just not be cutting it for your pet. Just ensure that if your pet is on medications, you check with your veterinarian first, as I stated above. 

Give me the facts!

I totally get it. Concerns about CBD products often arise due to their lack of FDA approval and regulation for quality. While CBD is not fully approved by the FDA, consumers can verify the quality of CBD products through a Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA is designed to test the purity and potency of CBD brands, helping to ensure that consumers receive reliable and safe products.

There have also been many studies conducted on CBD use for dogs and cats from various universities, and they are still ongoing. Studies have shown very promising results for a variety of maladies, from skin to anxiety to even seizures. Also taking into account the thousands of people who have tried CBD as a last resort and have had the greatest blessing when it worked when other medications didn’t! 

So let's start with some studies that have been done so far.

Cornell University was one of the first to do trials regarding CBD use in dogs and found that dogs suffering from osteoarthritis benefited greatly from CBD use. 80% of those dogs in that trial had lessened pain when trying CBD. 

Colorado State University conducted the first clinical trial of CBD use for epileptic seizures on 16 dogs and found that 89% of the dogs given CBD had a significant reduction in seizure frequency. Dr Stephanie McGrath, who headed the study, calls these finds “really exciting”.

And I didn’t forget about you kitty owners either! Below are some studies done on CBD for cats as well.

A study done by Masataka N. (2024) was done to see how well CBD worked on cats undergoing separation anxiety from cats. The cats given CBD over the placebo seemed to have much less stress in a two-week period than those on the placebo.

The American Animal Hospital Association compiled a list of findings for cats that tried CBD. Including a study also done by Colorado State University on its use in cats and dogs to alleviate anxiety, epilepsy, pain, and cancer. As well as findings of CBD aiding in digestive issues and IBD in cats.

My CBD Testimony

My first introduction to CBD was when I became so desperate to calm my dog Charlie down before the Fourth of July. I had tried many options, tryptophan chews, trazodone chews, hemp chews, etc., and nothing would stop him from hiding behind the toilet all night in absolute fear. Until I tried CBD.

I didn't have high hopes for it, honestly, because I had already gone through so many options that I was over it! But surprisingly, it worked so well that he was able to go outside with fireworks booming, and he barely flinched. It was an incredible sight that he was finally able to be at peace! It's also helped him with his trips to the vet, allowing him to be less grumpy and anxious with the vet staff! Even a bit sleepier in my experience, but not in a huge way.

Unfortunately, the CBD chews I was giving to Charlie, the Only Natural Pet brand, are no longer available. I will be transitioning to one of the amazing brands I will recommend in another post!

This is the brand I give to Charlie, but unfortunately, I can no longer find this exact product. However, there are alternatives offered by this brand for calming aids that you can check out here!

Conclusion.

For me, CBD has been an incredible discovery and has proved so very helpful for my dog Charlie and his anxious issues. Although the studies for CBD continue to be ongoing, the results available are promising, coming from people like you and me who have sometimes taken risks to address their pets’ issues. These voices truly inspire and raise awareness of the positive effects of CBD. I encourage you to seek out information on your own to deepen your understanding. Remember that, like anything else, there can be side effects, especially if your pet is on medication. Always consult a veterinarian if you’re unsure. Stay tuned for my upcoming post on the best-quality CBD brands for various issues, and good luck on your CBD journey!