With a growing interest from pet owners across the country, more and more people are using CBD for pets.
“Anxiety is the number one reason people come in for it,” said Heather Levesque, manager at Bridges Pets in Snohomish.
“You want to make sure that the CBD products are third-party tested,” stressed Levesque. “Because the person that’s third-party testing doesn’t have a stake in the company. So getting that third-party verification is showing it really does have what they’re stating it has.”
Here’s what veterinarians and consumers have to say about using CBD for pets…
Have Realistic Expectations
While some pet owners swear by CBD, keep in mind that researchers are just starting to learn how to use it for pets and at which dosages, says Stephanie McGrath, D.V.M., a veterinarian and assistant professor of neurology at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
After her initial research, McGrath began two clinical trials, one on dogs with epilepsy and another on dogs with osteoarthritis. Early results are encouraging with an 89% reduction in epileptic seizures for dogs treated with CBD.
A separate study from Cornell found that 2 mg per kilogram of CBD twice daily “can help increase comfort and activity” in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Talk With Your Vet
While CBD experts say veterinarians cannot legally prescribe CBD for animals, at least make sure your vet knows you’re considering it for your dog.
If you live in a state that has legalized CBD, there’s nothing to stop you from giving it to your pet on your own. But experts say it’s a good idea to talk with your vet first. And while veterinarians can’t bring it up themselves, they can certainly answer questions you have in an effort to reduce any potential harm to your pet.