CBD for Pets: What You Need to Know Before Giving it to Your Furry Friend

CBD advocates tout a myriad of benefits for humans, but can it help our four-legged friends too? The answer is complicated. When Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, veterinarian Stephanie McGrath found herself fielding questions about medical marijuana for animals. Despite her initial lack of interest in cannabis, the growing popularity of CBD products for pets prompted McGrath to delve into the world of veterinary cannabis research.

As one of the pioneering researchers in the field, McGrath has been studying the effects of CBD on animals, particularly dogs. With the legalization of hemp-derived CBD in 2018, the CBD pet care market is expected to reach $125 million by 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing segments of the CBD market.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a “high” but is psychoactive. Research on CBD for pets is still in its early stages, but promising studies have shown potential benefits for conditions such as osteoarthritis, epilepsy, and post-operative pain in dogs.

CBD pet care products come in various forms, including edibles, oils, and topical creams. McGrath’s research has shown that the oil form of CBD has the best pharmacokinetic profile in dogs, reaching the highest concentration in the blood and staying in the bloodstream the longest.

While CBD appears to be safe and well-tolerated by animals, pet owners should exercise caution when choosing CBD products. Quality control in the CBD market is still lacking, and products may contain ingredients not listed on their labels, including THC, which can be toxic to pets. To ensure safety, pet owners should look for products that come with a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent lab.

Overall, while CBD shows promise as a potential treatment for various conditions in pets, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Pet owners are advised to consult with their veterinarian before giving their animals CBD and to use caution until more information is available.