Should You Try CBD For Your Pets? Reviews and Scientific Research
Enny SoyinkaFollow us on 
CBD is a largely unregulated product since research is still ongoing on the effects and its potential benefits. As a result, there’s a lot of misleading information about using CBD products for human and animal consumption. Keep reading to learn more about if you should try CBD for your pets, reviews, and available research.
How does CBD work on Pets? The Scientific Research
To start with, Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the 80 chemical compounds (cannabinoids) derived from the cannabis Sativa plant. However, unlike THC, a famous cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. Instead, it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system to regulate the body system.
Recently, there has been a surplus of ongoing research on using CBD products for pets; however, most studies remain largely inconclusive. Meanwhile, researchers have confirmed that several clinical trials have shown promise in using CBD oils for some animals.
For instance, a CBD + CBDA study conducted by ElleVet sciences at the University of Florida Vet School on the long-term safety and pharmacokinetics of using ElleVet’s Proprietary Hemp CBD + CBDA blend on dogs and cats showed that the CBD product is safe to use for dogs and cats.
In addition, the Journal for Pain in 2020 published a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study that showed, “Cannabidiol possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties and significantly improved the mobility of large domestic canines afflicted with osteoarthritis” But, CBD products may include different controlled substances, so there is no definitive conclusion on using CBD for pets.
Is CBD Effective for Pets? The Scientific Reports
Some companies offer a range of CBD pet products for oral or topical usage, including oils, treats, lotions, gels, creams – the list goes on. However, there are no definitive scientific reports on whether or not CBD is effective for Pets in treating specific health conclusions or on what the exact CBD dosage should be for pets.
Some researchers studied the safety and clinical efficacy of CBD treatment in osteoarthritic dogs. The results showed that 2 mg per kilogram of body weight administered twice daily helped reduce pain without any reports of side effects.
Additionally, CBD products have shown benefits for animals with other conditions such as seizures, pain relief, inflammatory issues, and anxiety. Experts also believe that CBD can help to soothe nervousness and provide feelings of calm for animals with fear. A study on this showed that CBD might stimulate the nervous system and interact with serotonin, also referred to as the happiness hormone.
In addition, CBD has also proven effective in treating epilepsy in dogs with a combination of epilepsy medications. There’s limited research that believes it can help stop the brain nerves from firing too much and lower the number of electrolytes that can trigger seizure conditions. However, the only way to tell is by observing your pet’s condition improvements.
CBD for Pets Reviews: Do Vets Recommend CBD for Dogs?
Suppose you’re considering using CBD for your pet. In that case, it’s essential to consult with your Vet to avoid complications to your animal’s wellbeing. This section will discuss what real Vets think about using the best CBD oil for dogs as an alternative therapy.
Despite the surplus of research and scientific studies backing the use of CBD oils and products for animals, there are no conclusive reports. Following the rules of the American Veterinary Medical Association, many Vets cannot administer, describe, prescribe or recommend cannabis products for animals. Still, many Vets believe in the benefits of CBD for dogs in practice.
Vet doctors often advise owners to use a notable company with quality control standards. According to Lauren Beaird, DVM, “I have several pets that benefit from full-spectrum hemp oil that are suffering from arthritis, cognitive decline, anxiety, and even cancer,” She also shares that it can help manage pets with seizures, especially if combined with a quality diet.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jerry Klein from the American Kennel Club recommends consulting with your Vet before combining a new supplement with your dog’s prescription medication. Some Vets also suggest that owners use a pet-specific CBD product to get more effective results.
CBD for Pets Experiences: What do Customers think?
Generally, most pet owners consider CBD therapy an alternative natural remedy when conventional medication isn’t working or is causing significant side effects. However, since CBD pet products are still largely unregulated, the best way to confirm the benefits of CBD products on your pets is from observation.
Some people may give their pets CBD to treat behavioral and physical conditions like anxiety, joint inflammation, stress, allergies, chronic pain, arthritis, etc. Recently, Leafreport surveyed 1,448 American pet owners, and 50% reported that they had tried CBD products for their cats and dogs based on their Vets’ recommendations.
Key findings of this research showed that 44% of pet CBD consumers used CBD to help ease their pet’s anxiety or stress. In addition, two-thirds of the survey members believe that CBD has provided moderate to significant improvements in their pets. In addition, 74 percent concluded that they would likely recommend using CBD to other pet owners.
Meanwhile, among the pet CBD buyers, only 41 percent confirmed that they checked the brand’s third-party test reports before purchase. If you browse the internet, you’ll see that many pet owners recommend using CBD products for your dogs or cats as an alternative remedy to traditional medicine. As a result, it has become increasingly popular among many pet owners.
Don't forget, you can find the best CBD brands for dogs here.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, CBD pet products are fast becoming a mainstream concept even though CBD itself awaits FDA approval. Still, many Vets encourage patients to be careful with adding CBD supplements to their pet’s diet. However, now you’ve learned about the latest scientific claims regarding CBD use for pets. You can choose wisely and make the best decision for your pet.
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