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<\/p>\nIn the last few years, CBD products have popped up everywhere: from skin care aisles to cocktails to pricey lattes in chi-chi coffee shops. As we start to understand just how useful CBD is in treating a variety of conditions, many dog parents might be wondering if the miracle cannabinoid is just as effective (and safe) to give to their fur babies. And the short answer is: Yes. But there are a few things you should know before dosing your pup with some cannabidiol. <\/p>\n
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CBD vs. THC<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n If you don’t know much about cannabis, you might be wondering if cannabidiol, or CBD, will get your pooch high. The answer is: Yes and no. Your dog won’t turn into Jackyl from Dude Where’s My Car<\/em>. But your dog does<\/em> have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), the same way humans do, so they will react to CBD. <\/p>\n Their ECS is a little bit different than ours, however. Canines are far more sensitive to cannabis than humans because they have more CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are what cannabinoids bind to in the body, leading to us feeling high. And, although CBD won’t necessarily give your furry friend couch-lock, they’ll still likely feel something. So, yes, your dog may exhibit signs of being intoxicated after consuming CBD, more so than a human would. <\/p>\n But CBD won’t harm your pup, and if you give them a small dose, it’s unlikely you’ll notice any effect at all. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on the other hand, isn’t as safe for animals \u2014 specifically dogs \u2014 and large doses should be avoided. A study from a prominent veterinarian science journal<\/u><\/a> raised some serious red flags about the dangers of THC, as it could increase a risk of fatality in certain animals.<\/p>\n Why Should You Give Your Dog CBD?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Dogs can benefit from CBD in many of the same ways humans do. For instance, symptoms of doggy anxiety and stress range from loss of appetite to pacing and panting. CBD reduces nervousness in both humans and dogs, as it’s one of nature’s greatest anti-anxiety remedies. If your pup suffers from arthritis, CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints, allowing them to move around without being in pain thanks to the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties. <\/p>\n Furthermore, studies have shown that CBD helps ease epilepsy and seizures in dogs. Scientists at Colorado State University\u2019s veterinary teaching hospital led a small pilot study<\/u><\/a> specifically looking at seizure frequency and CBD treatment for dogs. The study found that around 90 percent of dogs who received CBD experienced a reduced frequency of seizures. Pretty promising stats, eh?<\/p>\n You\u2019ll Have to Ask Your Vet First<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Asking your vet about giving your pet CBD can be tricky. Until last 2018, it was illegal for vets to even have a conversation about cannabis with their patients’ owners. Now, the conversation can happen, but it is still illegal for vets to recommend cannabis for animals. California is looking to pass a first-of-its-kind bill \u2014 Assembly BIll 627 \u2014 which will allow vets to recommend medical marijuana to pets. AB 627 only applies to the Golden State, however. <\/p>\n Truthfully, the legal landscape \u2014 for all things cannabis, but particularly with pets \u2014 is complex and muddled. 47 states have legalized CBD for human use but most haven\u2019t addressed the issue of CBD for animals. So, even in states where cannabis is recreationally and medicinally legal, such as Oregon and Colorado, it\u2019s still not technically legal for vets to recommend or prescribe CBD for pets<\/u><\/a>. <\/p>\n At the federal level, the FDA has approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medicine, which is used to treat epilepsy in humans. Additionally, because CBD products aren\u2019t yet regulated by the FDA, there are no accepted standards for dosage<\/u><\/a> in humans or pets. The bottom line is that most vets can only talk about CBD for pets if the clients broach the topic first<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) wants pet owners to know that there’s been no formal or definitive study in the veterinary field on how CBD affects dogs<\/u><\/a>. So, any evidence from pet owners about CBD\u2019s benefits for dogs is purely anecdotal. The AKC also stresses that side-effects are unknown but could include those seen in humans, including dry-mouth, lowered blood pressure, diarrhea, or drowsiness.<\/p>\n Gallery \u2014 Animals Who Love Weed:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n![\"1566455897784_ScreenShot2019-08-21at11.37.57PM.png\"](\"https:\/\/files.merryjane.com\/uploads\/generic\/1566455897784_ScreenShot2019-08-21at11.37.57PM.png\")
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