There are things you should know before using CBD for pets. Pet owners may decide to give such oil to their pet. Such a pet usually has poor health or suffers from anxiety.
However, is this a good idea? Are there any side effects? In this post, we will explore more information about CBD oil in pets.
Is CBD Oil for Pets Legal?
The short answer is no. It’s illegal giving CBD oil to your pet. Some people may choose to give different forms of CBD oil to their pets in order to aid illnesses or discomfort.
It’s worth mentioning that the use of cannabis in pets was not mentioned when the Cannabis Act was passed by the federal government. Not even after they have updated it to include edibles.
Related: How to relax your dog at home
The president of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine, Sarah Silcox, stated the following:
“Veterinarians are not permitted to authorize medical cannabis nor are there are any products that contain cannabinoids that are approved for use in animals; So the most promising step is the government has last year proposed a new class that they have termed cannabis health products, but they would be approved by Health Canada for both human products as well as animal products”
That being said, Sarah Silcox predicts that change is at least a year away.
Why is it accessible on the internet?
People are buying CBD food manufactured for pets on the internet. Manufacturers sell them in forms of biscuits, oils and treats. Silcox stated that these are “black market” products. She also adds that “they’re not legal but it’s not highly enforced.”
Sarah said that cannabinoids for pets are not federally regulated. She also stated that veterinarians are not always sure about the content in these products.
Silcox’s words regarding these products
“Sometimes they have contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals, sometimes they have THC in them and they’re not supposed to, sometimes they have more CBD, sometimes they have less CBD than what’s on the label; So if you’re considering using a cannabis product like CBD for your pets, work with your veterinarian. We cannot prescribe it but what we can do is advise you on safer usage. I can direct them to a product sold through the legal market that I think is going to be most appropriate for their pet and I can advise them how to administer that as safely as possible. Those products are intended for human consumption but half of the drugs that we use in veterinary practice are intended for human consumption, so that’s nothing new for us.”
Silcox said dosing depends on factors such as the size of an animal, adding CBD products are “generally very well tolerated and a relatively safe product.” While no “lethal dose” has been established, CBD oil can have side effects such as sleepiness and diarrhea, she added.
Are there any side effects?
Although CBD oil offers many benefits for cats and dogs, it may show some bad side effects.
Dry mouth
Dehydration may occur. Therefore, make sure your pet always has access to fresh and clean water.
Lowered blood pressure
There are many health problems that can cause lowered blood pressure in dogs. This includes organ issues, anaemia and low red blood cell count.
Drowsiness
Pet being tired and sleepy is common symptom from taking CBD oils. However, it may be caused by other issues, such as hypoglycaemia or organ problems.
Related: Toxic substance list that dogs should never eat
What are the benefits?
According to Dr. Klein, CBD is also used because of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and for possible anti-cancer benefits, although there’s no conclusive data on this use.
Sarah Silcox’s words source: Torronto Sun
The main author of Vivo Tail, Stefan is .NET desktop application developer since 2016, content writer and above all – passionate animal lover. He decided to start a website to help animals in need after the dog he loved has passed away.
