At Red Dog Blue Kat, we’re passionate about promoting holistic health solutions for your furry family members. We understand that the topic of CBD and hemp oil can be confusing, especially for pet parents seeking clarity on their benefits and uses. The variety of products and conflicting information can make it challenging to know what’s best for your pet.
To shed light on this subject, we are thrilled to introduce Dr. Katherine Kramer, a veterinarian specializing in Veterinary Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Kramer combines the latest in Western medicine with the wisdom of Eastern practices. Let’s dive into her expert insights on CBD and hemp oil for pets.
Meet Dr. Katherine Kramer
Dr. Katherine Kramer is a veterinarian at Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, specializing in Veterinary Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. With a career spanning over several decades, she integrates the advancements of Western medicine with Eastern practices to provide holistic care. Dr. Kramer is passionate about preventative healthcare, complex internal medicine, and geriatric care. Her interest in alternative therapies led her to incorporate cannabis into her practice, making her a vocal advocate for its therapeutic use in companion animals. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and an active member of several professional veterinary organizations. Learn more about Dr. Katherine Kramer.
Commonly Asked Questions About CBD and Hemp Oil for Pets
To help you better understand how CBD and hemp oil can benefit your pets, we asked Dr. Kramer to answer some of the most frequently asked questions from pet parents like you. Her responses provide valuable insights into the use of these natural products for your furry friends.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new natural products, including CBD and hemp oil, to your pet's regimen. Follow your veterinarian's guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.
Q1: What are the benefits of CBD for pets?
CBD has been shown to be effective in treating many conditions such as pain and inflammation, allergies, cancer, anxiety, cognitive decline, seizures, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, cardiac disease, and fractures.
Q2: What is the difference between CBD and hemp oil for pets?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the many chemicals (phytocannabinoids) found within the cannabis plant. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that contains no active cannabinoids. CBD oil should only contain CBD. Full spectrum products refer to cannabis products that contain other cannabinoids (in addition to CBD), flavonoids, and terpenes. Hemp oil contains no active cannabinoids but is a good source of essential fatty acids and other nutrients.
Q3: Can you use CBD for both cats and dogs?
CBD can be used safely for both cats and dogs. It is not recommended for growing animals (under one year of age) or pregnant animals.
Q4: How do I choose the best CBD product for my pet?
The best option is to consult your veterinarian to find a safe product. There are currently no legal products for pets and veterinarians are unable to prescribe or dispense products. Although there are multiple pet products available, these products are not regulated and often either do not contain any CBD or contain pesticides or other harmful ingredients.
Q5: What are the risks or side effects of CBD for pets?
Although typically well tolerated, CBD can have many side effects including lethargy, hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, anxiety, and itching. CBD has also been shown to cause increases in liver enzymes. It can also interact with many medications.
Q6: How often should I give CBD to my pet?
It really depends on what condition is being treated, but typically it is given once or twice daily.
Q7: How long does it take for CBD to work in pets?
Some pets will show improvements within a few days, but it can take at least two weeks to see a benefit. It is recommended to start with a very small amount and slowly titrate (based on response) as we never know exactly how a pet will respond to a CBD product.
Q8: What is the best way to give CBD to pets: chews, oils, capsules, or topicals?
An oral form is the most effective. CBD oils tend to be absorbed the best, but many pets are unable to tolerate the oil component. Topicals have been shown not to be highly effective in pets.
Q9: Can I give my pet CBD products meant for humans?
This is currently the best option as pet products are illegal and not regulated.
Q10: Are there any types of CBD product ingredients to avoid for pets?
It is very important to use either a CBD-only product or a full-spectrum product containing less than 0.03% THC (another cannabinoid). Dogs and cats are extremely sensitive to THC. Even small amounts of THC can make pets quite sick.
Q11: What scientific studies support the use of CBD for pets?
While more companion animal studies are needed, there is a growing body of research supporting the use of CBD in pets for arthritis, cancer, seizures, allergies, and anxiety.
Q12: Are there benefits to using CBD alongside a raw pet food diet?
Adding hemp oil can be an excellent supplement to a raw food diet in healthy pets as it is extremely nutritious. At this point, there have been no studies to suggest that CBD can be beneficial to healthy pets. There are contraindications to using a CBD product with a raw food diet.
Important Considerations When Using CBD for Pets
While CBD is considered safe and beneficial in many conditions, it is EXTREMELY important to work with your veterinarian to find a safe product and an effective dose. CBD can affect the absorption and activity of many medications. The Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine is an excellent resource for more information: CAVCM.
Conclusion
Using CBD and hemp oil for pets can offer numerous health benefits, but it is crucial to approach their use with caution and professional guidance. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure the products and dosages are safe for your pet. For more information, check out the resources provided by the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine.
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