CBD OIL FOR DOGS, IS IT SAFE?

In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of legislation to allow the use of medicinal marijuana by those with chronic illnesses such as cancer.
The term medical marijuana refers to using the whole, unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts to treat symptoms of illness and other conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recognized or approved the marijuana plant as medicine.

​In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of legislation to allow the use of medicinal marijuana by those with chronic illnesses such as cancer.

The term medical marijuana refers to using the whole, unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts to treat symptoms of illness and other conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recognized or approved the marijuana plant as medicine.

What is CBD Oil for Dogs?​

Currently, the two main cannabinoids from the marijuana plant that are of medical interest are THC and CBD.

THC can increase appetite and reduce nausea. THC may also decrease pain, inflammation (swelling and redness), and muscle control problems.

Unlike THC, CBD is a cannabinoid that doesn’t make people “high.” It may be useful in reducing pain and inflammation, controlling epileptic seizures, and possibly even treating mental illness and addictions.

Cannabis oil is a liquid derived from the marijuana plant. There are many ways to extract oil from the plant, including CO2 extraction, says Dr. Tim Shu, founder, and CEO of a pet cannabis company in California called VETCBD.

“The [marijuana] flower contains trichomes, which are glands that have essential oils,” Shu explains. Once the glands are separated from the plant, they can be formulated to find the ideal ratio of cannabinoids, he says.

Marijuana plants contain 80 different cannabinoids, Shu says, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component) and CBD (cannabidiol, the medical component).

“When you use cannabinoids together, it’s more effective than separately,” Shu says of the “entourage effect” offered by cannabis. Hemp products, on their own, contain less than 0.3 percent THC.
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Dr. Gary Richter, owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, California, points out that cannabis oil has no psychoactive effect on dogs when dosed properly. “Depending on the nature of the product, if it contains little or no THC, then the dog is not going to get high.”

​CBD oil for dogs can be used to treat seizures, nausea, stress, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, symptoms of cancer, and gastrointestinal issues, among other health conditions.

Relief is provided as the cannabinoids in marijuana interact with the endocannabinoid system, Shu explains. “It’s a series of receptors that run throughout the body,” he says. “The cannabinoids interact with the receptors in the body and modulate things like pain, anxiety, and nausea.”

Unlike some traditional prescription medications, medical CBD for dogs has no life-threatening side effects with proper dosage, Shu points out. “It doesn’t damage the kidney, liver, or GI tract. The dogs aren’t high or sedated.”

CBD Oil for Dogs: What Do the Experts Say?

Check out this video by trusted holistic veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker on the topic:

Download the interview transcript from Dr. Becker’s website here.

Does CBD Oil Cure Cancer in Dogs?

The short answer to this question is no. And any company who claims their CBD products cure cancer in dogs is scamming you. However, CBD oil can be beneficial for dogs with cancer, and it can certainly help alleviate some symptoms- but it’s NOT a miracle cure. Always use CBD oil with your veterinarian’s supervision and guidance.

Is CBD Oil Right for Your Dog?
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You can also read more about CBD oil for dogs in “Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs: Natural Supplements to Support Healthy Living and Graceful Aging.” It’s free to read if you have Kindle Unlimited. ​