My cat Olive always gets nervous when we have guests over at our apartment (I say “our”, but even though she rules the roost, she doesn't pay the rent) It's me). She will be a completely different cat. She becomes panicky, aggressive, and frankly embarrassing. She didn't want to be one of those cat ladies who couldn't see anyone because her cat was “sick”, so until her friend suggested giving her CBD to calm her down. I was at a loss. I already knew that CBD was a popular choice for many humans when it comes to relieving anxiety or acting as a pain reliever for certain illnesses, but I wasn't sure if it was appropriate for pets. CBD products specifically for dogs and cats are on the rise, but you can never be too careful when administering drugs to animals.
Below, veterinarian Dr. Michelle Durake, DVM, co-founder and CEO of Fera Pet Organics, talks about the benefits of CBD, the best ways for pets to get it, and why it's better than CBD for jumping animals. If there are any alternatives available.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that is known to have health benefits in relieving pain, anxiety and seizures, Durake said. There are two main active ingredients in the marijuana plant: 1) Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC is responsible for people's “high” experience with marijuana, CBD does not cause the same “high.”
What are the potential benefits of using CBD for pets?
“CBD has been shown to help reduce the frequency of seizures when used in conjunction with Western anti-seizure medications in pets with epilepsy,” Durake told Scary Mummy. “CBD also reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation and calm through the release of serotonin, a hormone that makes us feel happy and relaxed. CBD also relieves pain and inflammation, especially osteoarthritis pain. It may also play a role.”
What are the possible side effects of giving CBD to my pet?
According to Durake, the main side effect that veterinarians see after pets consume CBD long-term is liver damage.
“It's important to let your veterinarian know that you're giving your pet CBD and the dosage and duration,” she says. “We recommend having liver blood tests every three months while taking CBD supplements. Other side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.”
Other reported side effects include vomiting, restlessness, changes in heart rate, pale gums, and rapid breathing.
What should you look for when looking for CBD products for your pet?
While there are a number of different types of CBD products, including oils in tinctures, oral treats, and topical products, to name a few, Durake says there are currently “no FDA-approved CBD products for use in animals.” No products and many studies showing safety and effectiveness for pets.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD and therefore does not issue a dosage list either. This means it is unknown what doses are toxic to animals. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any products containing CBD. If your veterinarian gives you the go-ahead to try it, Durake says it's important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it, watching for any side effects.
She also stressed the importance of being particular about product quality, as many CBD companies promote unsubstantiated medical claims, making sure the ingredients on the label are in the product. We recommend that you request a “Certificate of Analysis” to prove that the product has been verified. If a company cannot provide you with her COA, it is better not to buy from them. ” You can also check to see if a product has the National Animal Supplement Counsel (or NASC) Seal of Quality Assurance.
The last thing you want to avoid are products made for human consumption (which often contain ingredients that are toxic to pets) or products that contain THC.
What are CBD alternatives for pets?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that CBD products are helpful or safe for pets. So if you're still feeling anxious, that's totally okay.
Durake recommends alternative treatments such as acupuncture, herbal supplements, physical therapy, and dietary changes. She also highly recommends trying herbal supplements known for their calming effects, such as ashwagandha, valerian root, and passionflower.
