With more and more people giving their pets CBD, there are a few important things to consider, explains Scott Mazza of Vitality CBD.
Just like humans, pets often suffer from uncomfortable ailments. In fact, 80% of dogs will suffer from arthritis. And just like us, dogs endure extreme pain and discomfort from this condition.
Increasingly, science is backing up the anecdotal benefits of CBD for animals. Qualitative, peer-reviewed studies report CBD treatment as an effective way to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules and immune cells associated with arthritis. In turn, owners and veterinarians are seeing a significant increase in animal quality of life.
Such promising early findings are spurring more owners to consider CBD for their pets. In doing so, there are certain considerations to keep in mind. Let’s look at the science and how to best introduce the compound into your pet’s diet.
Scott Mazza, co-founder of Vitality CBD
The science of pets and CBD
It’s no surprise pet owners are increasingly interested in leveraging CBD with their animals.
Estimates show that about one-quarter (24%) of pet owners consume CBD-based products either for themselves or their pets. Anecdotally, pet owners find CBD a useful treatment for things like anxiety, sleep disorders and epilepsy. Moreover, rising incidences of anxiety disorders in pets, especially dogs, are propelling the market even further forward.
Importantly, early studies are positive. For example, Baylor College of Medicine conducted one of the first scientific studies to assess the potential therapeutic effects of CBD for arthritic pain in dogs.
Published in the journal PAIN, nine of the 10 dogs on CBD showed benefits, including a significant improvement in mobility. Further, the researchers found no alterations in the blood markers of the animals, suggesting that the treatment appears safe.
It’s worth noting this study carries a “p-value” of less than .05, which makes it statistically significant. Therefore, it’s a big affirmation for more qualitative studies in this direction.
The dos and don’ts for dogs and CBD
With more studies on the horizon, pet owners should feel free to experiment with the compound in the interim. However, there are some dos and don’ts that owners must consider for the best results.
First, start slow and stay attentive when introducing CBD to your animal. Remember: dosage is critical. Use weight as a guide and collaborate with your veterinarian regarding the right amount. Be attentive and consistently monitor your animal’s reaction to the supplement once or twice daily as needed.
On the other hand, owners should avoid poor products with the lowest price. Typically, low-quality CBD products use harsh chemical solvents to isolate CBD, therefore removing many of the beneficial cannabinoids that the plant offers. To make matters worse, these products are more likely to contain pesticides and higher levels of THC that can be harmful to animals.
My advice is to buy only the best for your best friend. This is possible by selecting organic products tested for potency and purity. Likewise, stick with formulations specially made for animals. These recipes will be unlikely to contain artificial ingredients, sweeteners and preservatives. As a result, your pet can absorb all of the benefits of the hemp plant without the harmful additives.
This is only the beginning
Pets are extensions of our families and deserving of the best care. It’s no surprise, then, that owners are more often turning to CBD. Despite only early studies in this field, these owners are convinced of the compound’s efficacy in wellness routines for animals and humans alike. So, with more qualitative data and willing owners, expect this market to grow substantially in the coming years.
Grand View Research reports the CBD pet market accounted for $187 million (USD) last year. By 2028, the research firm forecasts a compound annual growth rate of almost 60% for a projected valuation of $4.8 billion.
Additionally, more interest will result in more funding and studies, which could shine an important light on CBD research more generally. For example, arthritis in dogs closely mimics the characteristics of human arthritis, one of the world’s leading causes of pain and disability for which there is no effective treatment.
Therefore, finding an effective treatment for animal arthritis could be an important breakthrough for the condition in humans.
This emerging market segment is yet another demonstration of the holistic possibilities of CBD. This time, however, it’s our animals who could gain important boosts to quality of life. Again, early results should ease owner concerns about the safety of the compound on their pet. Nonetheless, they should always carefully monitor dosage, effect and product quality along the way. Watch this space.
This article was supplied by Scott Mazza, co-founder and COO of Vitality CBD.
*In the UK, there are currently no CBD products authorised for veterinary use. According to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), however, a vet may prescribe a legally obtained human CBD product “under the provisions of the prescribing cascade”.
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