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Cannabis for Pets A Growing Trend in Veterinary Medicine
Cannabis for pets has quickly become an issue raised with veterinarians and pet professionals alike, prompting more frequent questions from clients about it. Therefore, understanding this growing trend is vital in order to better serve clients who inquire.
Many pet products on the market contain CBD, which does not get animals high. But some also contain THC which is extremely dangerous for animals as it can lead them to lose control over their bladder function and bowel control.
Cannabinoids
As hemp-derived CBD products have become more readily available, veterinarians have been approached by clients looking to use them on their pets. Unfortunately, due to federal law prohibiting veterinarians from recommending these supplements as treatments (1).
Some dogs react to marijuana with dilated pupils, drooling, off balanceness, muscle twitching and vomiting; these adverse reactions may be severe but typically subside with time.
An holistic veterinarian recently shared the case of a dog suffering from terminal cancer who received cannabis oil as treatment and lived for several more months pain-free. They called this an amazing victory both for both owner and dog; its owners could enjoy quality time with him before giving him the best possible life during his final days.
THC
As cannabis laws loosen, veterinarians are witnessing more clients interested in trying CBD or THC for their pets. Unfortunately, research remains limited and not all animals react in the same way to either product.
The survey collected information from 430 veterinarians who utilized phytocannabinoids as treatments. Of those cases treated, 77% involved dogs suffering from pain, seizures or behavioral disorders while cats were often seen but less frequently and treated less often for specific conditions or combinations.
Note that products containing THC may be harmful for your pet if consumed, so they should be stored out of reach and placed in a high medicine cabinet or locked box to reduce accidental exposure.
CBD
CBD has quickly gained favor among pet owners as a natural solution for anxiety, arthritic pain, itching and seizures in both animals and humans. Studies on animals have demonstrated promising results in terms of relieving arthritis pain, soothing separation anxiety in pets and controlling seizures.
Some veterinary hospitals are permitting clients to purchase CBD products; however, due to regulations surrounding this topic they may be unable to discuss or recommend them to their patients. It's therefore essential for pet parents to recognize the limitations of current research on CBD and discuss any concerns with their veterinarian who will help guide them through these alternative solutions. It should also be noted that side effects associated with CBD may include dry mouth, low blood pressure and drowsiness - important considerations when making decisions involving alternative options like this one.
Legality
Cannabis products have become readily available and veterinarians are fielding many inquiries from clients about them. Unfortunately, these nutritional supplements do not allow claims about effectiveness or therapeutic benefits; however, when exposed to THC - even unwitting ingestion from cannabis products or secondhand smoke exposure - dogs and cats may develop life-threatening toxicity that causes lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting which requires supportive care services for recovery. Furthermore, dogs metabolize THC differently than humans making them more sensitive to its effects than us humans.
Many pet owners are experimenting with cannabis-derived products for their animals, yet there is limited scientific information on its safety and efficacy. Furthermore, veterinarians may legally be prohibited from discussing such products with pet owners without risking losing their licenses.
Safety
As laws loosen, more veterinarians are comfortable advising and even prescribing cannabis products for pets. While most are willing to recommend CBD (cannabidiol), few will approve marijuana products containing THC.
THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana plants that makes us high, is toxic for dogs, cats and horses as well. Since 2015 alone, veterinarians are reporting an upsurge in cases of cannabis-induced poisoning among animals; Pet Poison Helpline reports a 458% spike in calls related to THC exposure among animals over time.
Cannabis westcoastbud.io consumption or inhalation can result in serious side effects in pets, including tremors, confusion, hyperactivity, anxiety, vomiting and diarrhea - potentially even life-threatening reactions. Any time your pet comes in contact with THC-rich materials they should be immediately brought to either their veterinarian or the Pet Poison Hotline to receive medically assisted vomiting and supportive care services as soon as possible.
- Created: 05-02-24
- Last Login: 05-02-24