CBD for Cats and Dogs
Our pets are family members and it breaks our hearts to see them suffering from ill-health, injury or old age. The good news is that CBD (Cannabinidiol) is a safe effective natural treatment for a wide range of conditions for both cats and dogs.
In fact, all vertebrates, including birds and even fish have an ECS ( Endocannabinoid System), and paleo-biologists have identified ECS in creatures that lived millions of years ago.
The ECS plays the important role of maintaining communication and balance between our organ systems. Naturally there are differences between the human ECS and the ECS of any other creature, but the homeostatic function is identical. Fortunately for us animal lovers, in the last few years there have been a number of clinical trials to ascertain CBD’s efficacy in treating our pets safely & effectively for a variety of conditions.
Synergy Wellness’s CBD Pet Oil has become a household essential for many members & staff with cats and dogs. We recommend CBD for a range of conditions: arthritis, anxiety, recovery from shock, pain, injury and chemotherapy.
Using CBD Oil, I’ve successfully treated my own pets and our friends’ pets with CBD. Our dog Akira, a largish cross-breed, took CBD tincture for the last four years of his life, which enabled him to keep mobile and engaged in life despite hip dysplasia, arthritis and blindness. One of our cat’s, Toltec, developed a distressing yowling habit when we moved apartments, which we treated with CBD Oil in wet food, which calmed him down and the yowling ceased!
More recently I suggested that our next-door neighbor try CBD Oil for her anxious 11 month old miniature Corgi. Phoebe was barking when she was left alone during the day and another neighbor had complained. I suggested they take her on a brisk walk before leaving for work and give her CBD oil in her food when departing. The combination has worked. Phoebe has stopped her barking jags- though she still lets us know she hears us put key to lock, because she is a good little guard dog!
What the Science tells Us
Many clinical trials on CBD in cats and dogs have been published in the last twenty years. Possibly the most significant study pertaining to both cats and dogs is the 2019 clinical trial at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine which investigated the pharmacokinetic action of CBD in both species. Pharmacokinetics is the science of how compounds are processed in the body, this clinical trial was designed to test the safety of CBD medication for cats and dogs.
The trial used eight healthy dogs and eight healthy cats, the dogs were given one 2mg CBD chew daily for twelve weeks and the cats were given a daily dose of a 2mg CBD-infused fish oil capsule. The results expressed through blood tests showed a dogs’ uptake of CBD is greater but cats retain CBD in blood plasma for longer. Interestingly, dogs were observed to have more cannabinoid receptors than cats, which might account for the greater uptake in the canine subjects. When dosing, this translates to a larger dose, per pound, for cats than for dogs. It also explains the dramatic side effects for dogs who ingest high doses of THC cannabis- they get very stoned but, like humans, do fully recover. At Synergy we have witnessed dramatic improvement using our CBD oil, with no side effects, no matter the dose, as there is so little THC on board. For our furry friends unfortunate enough to be suffering from cancer or post surgical pain, a 4:1 olive oil tincture can be of benefit, without side effects, via careful titration.
Dogs have received most of the recent attention from the research community with clinical trials focussed on osteoarthritis, epilepsy, pain reduction, improved functionality and atopic dermatitis. Across the board CBD showed improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
As well, in March 2021, a Canadian study, on the safety and tolerability of CBD in escalating doses for cats, yielded positive results with oil-based tincture without significant side effects.
Seizures
Colorado State University’s 2018 study on dogs suffering epileptic seizures, showed 89% of participant dogs (who previously had two or more seizures a month), had significantly decreased seizures over the 6 week trial period. CBD showed benefit when used alone and/or in conjunction with typical seizure medications.
Stiff Joints, Arthritis and Hip Displasia
Dogs with arthritis have been studied in three recent trials at Cornell University, Colorado State University and in Ontario at the Canopy Growth Center of Human and Animal Research, all three studies reported reduction of pain, improved mobility and better quality of life. CBD decreases inflammation in joints easing arthritic pain and hip dysplasia in large breeds. A daily CBD supplement has enabled continuing walks and quality of life for many dogs including my own.
Skin Issues
CBD topical cream was tested in a clinical trial in 2020 for the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis, a painful condition which affects many dogs with allergies. The dogs were treated with CBD rich cream for seven weeks and the results showed significant decrease in symptoms. Oral ingestion has also been shown as helpful for itch & allergy and can be used alone or in concert with topical treatment (65% of dogs have at least a 50% decrease in itching & chewing, with half of those recovering fully from itch w/treatment!). There is also significant anecdotal evidence to support arthritic relief from massaging CBD-infused salve (ask for our HE salve) into painful joints or, for less mess, try an alcohol tincture applied using a spray top (#102).
Injuries
Pet owner’s accounts of animals responding positively to CBD treatment for injuries, attest to quicker recovery from surgeries, strains, inflammation as well as relief from pain and anxious symptoms.
It is such a comfort to be able to alleviate pain and distress in animals, and as the trials and the anecdotal record show, CBD tincture taken at correct dosages will benefit cats and dogs with a variety of ailments and issues. Keeping dated notes on dosage amounts and perceived results will guide the pet’s treatment plan. We recommend our #711 CBD for Pets tincture for cats and dogs. At a 24:1 CBD: THC ratio, the tincture delivers a high dose of CBD in each drop of infused olive oil. Our pet product is made using the same high quality standards & ingredients as all our tinctures (small batch organic oil & flower infusions). Two to three drops per 10lbs of pet weight is a therapeutic dose for dogs (double for cats), added to food for optimum absorption.
Sources
Early Medical Practises https://www.drugtimes.org/cannabis-use/early-experiences-in-the-19-th-century.html
Safety and Tolerability is Escalating Cannabinoid doses in healthy cats https://www.canopyanimalhealth.com/en/research/cannabinoid-clinical-studies/safety-and-tolerability-in-healthy-cats
Study evaluates adverse effects of CBD in dogs and cats https://www.dvm360.com/view/study-evaluates-adverse-effects-of-cbd-in-dogs-and-cats
What you need to know about CBD and efficacy