Who knows better than Veterinary doctors about your pet’s health? Whenever we see even slight discomfort, appetite loss, or behaviour changes in our pets, we immediately rush to the most trusted vet in the vicinity. After all, there’s no more helpless feeling than the one you get from seeing your pets in pain.
Pet CBD products have quickly become quite popular in the last few years, and brands claim that they can help your pets sleep, move, behave, and feel better. However, many pet owners are hesitant about smashing that buy button before discussing it with a vet first.
The problem is that there’s a lack of proper regulation when it comes to CBD for dogs, cats, or any other animal. So, can your vet recommend it? Let’s find out !!
What is CBD? Why are Pet Owners curious about it?
CBD ( Cannabidiol ) is a plant compound mainly found in flowers, leaves, and stalks of hemp plants. Manufacturers extract it and convert it into consumable forms like gummies, oils, chews, and more. Studies show that regular dosing of CBD can help both humans and pets,s like cats and dogs, with multiple wellness issues.
It has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and analgesic properties. That means it can curb anxiety, reduce stress, bring down pain, and protect brain cells from damage. It works on a complex cell signaling network, which is present in all mammals with vertebrates.
That’s why it’s effective for humans, dogs, cats, and even horses. It’s been legal in the US since 2018, and there’s no clarification on whether it’s allowed for only human or animal use.
Plus, various studies have come out in the last few years involving humans, dogs, and other mammals, where CBD has shown tremendous benefits in improving anxiety, sleep, stress, pain, and other major mental and physical conditions. But you can not give human CBD to pets, as it’s made with slightly different formulations.
For example, CBD oil for dogs and cats is often completely free of THC and comes in specific flavors like peanut butter. All major brands have started offering both human and pet-specific CBD products. The demand is growing at a very fast rate, and pet owners from all across the country want to try it to improve their furball’s well-being.
Can a Vet Recommend CBD for your pets?
It’s a bit of a tricky subject, see, the farm bill that legalized CBD oil hasn’t specified anything about who can use it. Hence, the choice of recommendation is very subjective. Some vets are in favor of recommending CBD for pets, while others are trying not to promote it.
Those who do not freely recommend it say that the number of studies is still limited and more concrete research is required. Then, some want to recommend it, but their state-specific regulation stops them. That’s because the 2018 farm bill is a federal one, and states have the liberty to carve its nitty-gritty in their ways.
So, even the vet around you may not be very comfortable in recommending CBD openly, but that hasn’t affected its demand even the slightest. To sum up, the main reasons why vets won’t recommend CBD for pets are :
- Lack of clarity is the 2018 farm bill
- Lack of regulations from the FDA’s end
- Strict local-state laws
- Limited Research
- Potential of serious fines and license cancellation
See, in the end, it’s the pet owner’s decision. Vets don’t want people suing them if something wrong happens with their pets from using untested or poorly made CBD products. That’s why you, as a parent, must buy CBD oils or chews for your dog from only reputed and well-tested sources.
Can I at least discuss CBD with the vet?
Yes, there’s no restriction in discussing CBD for pets with the vet of your choice. They are allowed to educate you on the topic and make you aware of potential benefits and drawbacks.
But they can not give you any recommendation about which one and from which brand you should buy. Hence go with an open mind, don’t try to argue, and try to get as much information as possible before making any final decision.
They can explain to you how CBD might work in your pet’s body, how many times you may give it, what could be the right method of administration, how long it will take to work, and more. Plus, you’ll find plenty of information on the internet itself.
You can talk with fellow pet parents on discussion forums on Reddit and get an idea of how effective was CBD for their pets. Oh, also, you’ll find tons of educational YouTube channels by Vets, where they talk about safely incorporating CBD in your pet’s wellness routine. If you go with an open approach, most vets will be willing to help you out.
What should I look for while buying CBD for my pets?
So, let’s say you are all set and ready to order the first bottle of CBD oil for cats and dogs. The very first thing you should check is the lab test report, you’ll find it through the scannable bar code on the bottle or product page itself.
It will help you to ensure that the concentration of cannabinoids is the same as what’s mentioned on the bottle or not. Next, check the ingredient list and avoid brands that have the potential to cause allergic reactions in your pet. Next, check out brand reviews on third-party platforms and try to talk with users who used the product before you.
Our Thoughts
To sum it up, No, in most states, Vets are not allowed to recommend CBD oil for your pets, but they can discuss it with you. You can ask them all the questions about dosing, product type, and working mechanisms.
But, they can not pick and say go buy this oil for your pet or give them these CBD-infused treats. So, do your research, discuss it with your vet freely, and push that buy button only when you are fully satisfied. Try to opt for well-regulated and highly tested brands like Colorado Botanicals.
Leave A Comment