For several years now, cannabidiol (CBD) products have been gaining popularity. Their effects on human health and well-being are regularly discussed and praised by their proponents. But what about animals? More and more pet owners are asking this question and considering giving CBD to their faithful companions. This article aims to provide an overview of the benefits of CBD for pets, according to veterinarians.
Reasons for a Pet Owner to Use CBD
- Pet owners are turning to CBD primarily to improve the quality of life of their four-legged friends. Indeed, CBD is believed to have beneficial properties for managing various health problems, including: Chronic Pain:
- CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It could therefore help relieve pain associated with various conditions such as arthritis, injuries, or nerve disorders.
- Anxiety: Some animals suffer from anxiety disorders that can be linked to various factors, such as separation anxiety, thunderstorms, or fireworks. CBD may help by promoting a calming response to stress and thus improve the animal’s well-being.
- Skin problems: The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may also help reduce skin irritations in animals suffering from allergies or other dermatological problems.
Epilepsy:
In some animals, CBD may help control epileptic seizures and thus decrease the frequency and/or severity of convulsive episodes.
However, it is important to remember that each case is unique and that the use of CBD should always be supervised by a veterinarian beforehand to avoid any adverse effects on your pet.
The Current State of Research and the Veterinarians’ Perspective
Faced with this growing interest in CBD, animal health professionals have diverse perspectives based on their knowledge and existing scientific studies. The subject remains complex and still requires in-depth research to clarify its effects on animals.
Encouraging Preliminary Studies
While most research on CBD focuses on humans, some animal studies have shown promising results regarding its use as a complementary treatment for various conditions.
For example, a 2018 study of dogs with osteoarthritis demonstrated that CBD improved their quality of life and reduced their pain levels. Another 2019 study of epileptic dogs also showed a significant decrease in the number of seizures in subjects receiving CBD.
A lack of regulation and potential risks However, it’s important to understand that this research is still limited, and the reliability of the results varies depending on the methodology used and the lack of long-term data on the effects of CBD in animals.
Furthermore, the sale of CBD products is not strictly regulated, leading to significant variations in the quality and purity of extracts available on the market.
Online retailers
- offer products that are sometimes very different from one another, and it can be difficult for consumers to navigate this landscape.
- It is therefore prudent
- to consider these factors and avoid any self-medication without consulting a veterinarian who can guide you toward the best products based on your pet’s specific needs.
- Veterinarians’ advice on using CBD in animals Even though the use of CBD for animals still raises some questions, some veterinarians are beginning to incorporate this molecule into their practice. If you are considering using CBD for your pet, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Consult your veterinarian:
