Cannabis for Dogs and Cats : Treat or Poisons

There is a surge of interest amongst the pet owning community on the topic of administering cannabis for dogs and cats.

Many pet owners have reported benefits from giving CBD and often these were more or equal to those from regular prescription medication.

At the same time, research on the effects on pets is still in its preliminary stages, particularly so in felines.

It is up to you to weigh the possible benefits against the risks (CBD has side effects too!) and decide whether to give it your pet or not.

Getting to know Cannabis and its Two Key Cannabinoids

Cannabis Sativa is the general name for a herbaceous flowering plant. It comprises over 500 compounds with no less than 113 cannabinoids.

The two key and more well-known cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is psychoactive and hence responsible for the “high” while CBD has no psychoactive effects.

CBD products with under 0.3 percent THC concentration are commonly accepted as safe for humans in all the states of America. At the same time, not all CBD products fitting that category are legal. So you need to do your research before making a purchase for your pet.

Pets can handle slightly higher amounts of THC than 0.3 percent. However, by making use of the best Khalifa kush strain with you, you could be overdoing it. Be cautious and wise.

Your Pets Have an Endocannabinoid System Too

Just like humans, cats and dogs have an endocannabinoid system comprising three mechanisms namely endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes which make and degrade the endocannabinoids. More and more pet owners are beginning to see the benefits of administering cannabis to dogs and cats in terms of achieving homeostasis. Imbalanced functions can be restored to balance with the right dosing of cannabis.

Benefits of Cannabis for your Canines and Felines

Here are some of the ways cannabis could benefit your pet if taken at the right dosage.

1. Anti-Convulsant

CBD has a well-known ability to assist with controlling seizures, spasms, tics, and tremors. CBD’s natural anticonvulsant properties came to worldwide attention through the very encouraging story of a young epileptic girl, Charlotte Figi.

A Colorado State University neurologist by the name of Stephanie McGrath determined that 89 percent of dogs given CBD as part of a clinical trial experienced a reduced frequency of seizures.

2. Anxiety Relief

Research has shown CBD to be very suitable for multiple anxiety disorders with acute dosing. Just like humans, pets do suffer from stress, anxiety, and even certain phobias.

In dogs and cats, CBD could help achieve a sense of well-being and overall tranquility.

3. Provides Pain Relief

As per studies, cannabidiol can cause a temporary increase of anandamide chemical. This chemical assists with reducing pain signals in the brain. When pain signals are reduced so are the pain sensations.

The temporary boost in anandamide has decreased pain sensations as one of its effects.

Kittens are usually reclusive and hesitant to travel so cannabis makes for a convenient, easy option for their aches.

4. Is an antiemetic

Dogs and cats are usually given medicines such as aminopentamide, chlorpromazine or acepromazine to control vomiting and nausea.

However, these medicines are associated with many side effects such as excessive drooling, poor appetite, hypotension, and diarrhea.

Research indicates that CBD is better than many typical emetic medications in treating the problem without any bad side effects.

6. Could help with cancer

Multiple studies indicate that both CBD and THC cause cancer cell suicide (apoptosis) and stop tumor growth. Research also shows that cannabis can prevent cancer from spreading through the bloodstream.

Treatment with whole plant cannabis may be better for pets with cancer.

Florida medical marijuana rules or the rules in other states apply only to humans. It is worth mentioning that vets are legally prohibited from discussing cannabis with pet owners. Writing a prescription is unthinkable! There are no medical cannabis program regulations or guidelines for pets that can be called legal. It is all left to your discretion.

Dosing and Side Effects

Given below are some dosing suggestions.

Keep in mind that dosing varies with the situation and you have to experiment a little. Always start with a small dose, wait for 30 to 60 minutes and watch for changes.

If there isn’t any, perhaps you need to increase the dose. Allow a few days for the CBD to take effect.

Be wary of side effects. There may be an allergic reaction or your pet could look sedate.

For cats, the typical dose is 1 to 5 mg, and for dogs, it is 1 to 5 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Toxicity

The possibility of toxicity is rare if the cannabis contains minimal THC or even no THC at all. Some examples of reliable pet brands you could use are Treatibles, Canna-Pet and Pet Releaf.

Do keep the marijuana products you use for your personal requirements away from the reach of your pets(s).

Also keep pets away from marijuana or tobacco smoke.

Toxicity can also occur if the pet is fed edibles which may cause concurrent toxicity (chocolate, xylitol or raisin toxicity).

Watch out for symptoms such as the following that could be signs of marijuana toxicity. You should also hurry to the vet.

· Depression

· Vomiting

· Wobbliness

· Bradycardia (slowness of heart rate)

· Dribbling urine

· Hypothermia

· Dilated pupils

· Drooling

· Increased sensitivity to physical stimuli

Death by toxicity in pets is rare but still occurs. Keep your pet safe.

In what form to give the cannabis?

Tinctures have shown the best outcomes safety-wise. CBD oil and dog treats are also popular.

To conclude, given in the form of CBD with limited or no THC, cannabis is a promising and safe treatment option for dogs and cats. Take the necessary precautions to avoid it becoming a poison.

The post Cannabis for Dogs and Cats : Treat or Poisons appeared first on Growers Guide to Cannabis.

Cannabis for Dogs and Cats : Treat or Poisons