Cannabis for Pets
Most everyone today recognizes that cannabis has numerous medical applications. It has been used to treat various ailments including seizures and glaucoma. What some do not know is that cannabis products can also be used to address health issues in pets. If your pet suffers from seizures, anxiety, arthritis, or other common pet health problems, here is some useful information about cannabis for pets.
Cannabis Oil as a Treatment Option for Pets
The marijuana, or cannabis, plant is made up of flowers which contain trichomes. These are glands which contain an oily substance that can be extracted. The cannabis oil can then be used to create edible treats or topical applications which are suitable for pets. The purpose of extracting cannabis oil for medicinal use is to establish an appropriate mix of cannabinoids.
The cannabis plant contains as many as 80 different chemical compounds. The most prevalent cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is a psychoactive compound that is responsible for the high that individuals experience when using cannabis. CBD acts as a balance to THC and confers therapeutic benefits. Cannabis oils for your pet can be purchased with higher levels of CBD, and this allows you to treat the pet without the risk of intoxication. You can find a vet CBD dosing chart here.
In searching out cannabis products for pets, you should look for items which have a high concentration of CBD and a low concentration of THC. Remember, however, that the two compounds are most effective when used together in some measure.
How cannabis for pets helps.
There are many ailments faced by pets that can be addressed with cannabis products. These are just a few of the health issues that pet owners have treated with the help of cannabis oils, topical treatments, and edibles:
- Digestive issues of the GI tract
- Weaknesses in the immune system
- Joint discomfort in older pets
- Neurological issues
- Anxiety and hyperactivity
- Seizures
Some pet owners have even reported using pet cannabis supplements to provide pain relief and a better quality of life for elderly pets in their final days.
Veterinarians have stated that cannabis can be used to treat the same health issues in pets that are often treated in humans. This would include diseases like cancer and arthritis. Cannabis may also be useful in helping pets who are struggling with their appetite. Noise phobias and insomnia in pets may also be relieved with cannabis oil.
Is Cannabis for Pets Legal?
In states where medical marijuana is legal, pet owners can have an easier time obtaining cannabis products for their family friend. However, hemp products which contain CBD are legal in all 50 states. Many pet products made from hemp can produce the same results as cannabis oil. Cannabis for animals is a growing trend these days and will continue to be.
A benefit of using hemp pet products is that the items have very low concentrations of THC. Dogs are especially sensitive to THC, so pet owners must be aware of the ratio in any cannabis product before administering it to their canine.
How is Cannabis for Pets Administered?
Some of the most popular cannabis products for pets are edibles. It is possible to buy pet food which has been made with cannabis oil, chews and treats, and biscuits. These methods are certainly easy. Most edibles are made to have a pleasing taste to pets, and they often come in flavors that pets love.
Photo by Pranidchakan Boonrom from Pexels
CBD oil can also be added to a pet’s regular food supply or water. This should be done with care, however, to avoid over medicating the pet. Pet owners should always begin with a minimal dosage amount and gradually increase the dosage as needed. If side effects are observed in the pet, owners should stop medicating. Most pets that have been overdosed with cannabis products will appear lethargic and sleep a great deal.
The most preferred method today is a tincture. Tinctures are marijuana oils that have a precise amount of CBD/THC concentration. These oils come in a bottle and include a dropper. The pet owner simply places a drop of the tincture on the pet’s tongue. The oil is then absorbed into the body where it can perform its medicinal work.
Using cannabis oil to treat a dear pet can be an economical and holistic way of managing ailments. The ultimate goal of such treatments is to enhance the well-being of your pet and promote happy, healthy living. Just make sure if your growing marijuana, keep it away from your pets.
Note – Colorado Highlife LLC and its employees are not medical professionals and this article is not a statement of fact. Please visit your medical professional for advice before you start cannabis consumption in your legal state.