Medicinal cannabis for pets

Those who live with a pet know how difficult it is to see them lose mobility or quality of life due to an illness. Problems such as osteoarthritis, seizures, or pain have sparked interest in studying whether certain cannabinoids could have any utility in veterinary medicine.

One of the cases that brought visibility to this topic was that of American veterinarian Doug Kramer, known as the “Vet Guru.” When his dog Nikita was suffering from terminal cancer, Kramer decided to explore the use of cannabis with the intention of alleviating her discomfort in her final days.

His story reflects how far someone might go to improve their pet’s quality of life, although it is an individual experience and not a test of efficacy for other animals. The case was covered by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What is known about CBD for dogs and cats?

Research has focused primarily on CBD for dogs. Some studies have observed promising results in certain situations, such as pain associated with osteoarthritis. Its potential role as a supplement for other health problems is also being studied, but there are still doubts about which products are suitable and how they may interact with other treatments.

Evidence in cats is more limited. For this reason, it is not advisable to directly apply conclusions obtained in dogs to them or to use a product formulated for another species. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recommends consulting a veterinarian before administering CBD to an animal.

CBD and THC are not the same

It is important to distinguish between both cannabinoids. THC can cause poisoning in dogs and cats. Therefore, we should not offer them buds, extracts, cannabis-infused foods, or products prepared for humans. They should not be deliberately exposed to smoke either: do not smoke in your pets’ faces. The MSD Veterinary Manual describes the effects of THC exposure in dogs and cats.

CBD should not be administered on your own initiative either. Products can vary in composition and quality, and this cannabinoid can interact with some medications. Before considering its use, you must check which animal it is formulated for and speak with your veterinarian.

Always consult your veterinarian

If your dog or cat shows pain, seizures, mobility problems, or other symptoms, the first step is to go to the veterinarian. They will be able to identify the cause, assess the available treatments, and tell you if it makes sense to consider a CBD product in their case.

At GB The Green Brand, you can check out our CBD products for pets, formulated specifically for dogs or cats. Just because a product is intended for animals does not mean it is suitable for all pets or that it can replace veterinary care.