Veterinary Experts Discuss Growing Use of CBD for Pets

Kristy Rosenberger swears by cannabidiol – more commonly known as CBD – not for herself, but for her dogs. Rosenberger first encountered CBD over a decade ago while searching for remedies to help her dog, Punkie, who suffered from anxiety and epilepsy. During thunderstorms, the Yorkie would become distressed, prompting Rosenberger to fear the onset of seizures.

Punkie’s neurologist suggested administering CBD in combination with conventional seizure medications to alleviate her symptoms. Initially skeptical, Rosenberger was impressed by the noticeable changes in Punkie’s behavior. “When I started giving her the CBD oil, she was not reactive to those things,” said Rosenberger, who resides in Thornton. “I was like, ‘This is awesome.'”

Punkie has since passed away, but Rosenberger continues to use CBD for another dog. Her current companion, a four-year-old rescue named Cherish, suffers from anxiety due to past abuse and becomes terrified of loud noises. CBD oil mixed into her food helps calm Cherish during forecasted storms or fireworks.

The CBD pet product market has surged in recent years, as cannabis has been both legalized and normalized across the United States. A 2021 report from Brightfield Group predicted the market’s growth, driven by owners seeking alternative treatments for their pets’ anxiety. While benefits are often anecdotal, researchers at a local level acknowledge the validity of many of these claims with certain caveats regarding product specificity and administration methods.

Dr. Steph McGrath, a veterinary neurologist and associate professor at Colorado State University, has been exploring the effects of CBD on dogs since 2015, focusing on its potential therapeutic benefits. “Some dogs seem to respond well – it’s very calming, and it can help with pain and quality of life overall. And some dogs, to be totally honest, I don’t see really any benefits, even at higher dosages,” said McGrath.

McGrath advises caution and suggests that pet owners feel comfortable trying CBD, considering its safety for most dogs, except those with liver concerns. Key to its effectiveness, McGrath notes, is choosing the right product. “It’s still an art at this stage. Be patient,” she advises, recommending an evaluation period before concluding its ineffectiveness.

Dr. Rob Landry, having conducted studies on CBD use for dogs at the University of Colorado and Colorado State University, holds a favorable view regarding its application for chronic pain. His studies involved treating dogs with hip and elbow dysplasia or cancer pain with CBD, seeing improvements across the board. “The beauty of the veterinary side of things is no placebo effect,” Landry remarked.

Both McGrath and Landry recommend using full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD products, preferring these over marijuana-derived products. Full-spectrum products are believed to offer amplified benefits due to the presence of various cannabinoids and terpenes working together. A certificate of analysis is urged to verify product quality and testing.

CBD administration method matters as well, with Landry advocating for sublingual oil tinctures for precise dosing, although mixing with food is acceptable if sublingual administration is challenging. “I would give it a couple of months and, if it doesn’t work, call it a day,” McGrath suggests, underscoring the importance of patience in achieving desired outcomes.