Your Horny Dog Can Probably Use Weed.

Humans are not the only species with an endocannabinoid system – the means by which weed phytochemicals interact with the body. In fact, all animals have it – even fish and invertebrates . This means that all animals can benefit from the effects of cannabis on the body, including our pets. Yes, while we are still studying how this complex system works in humans, humans have started using cannabis on their best mammals (especially dogs and cats) to their advantage, and you should probably do it too.

If you think this sounds crazy, I would point out that cannabis is now available in most pet stores, usually in CBD form, and for good reason, which we’ll cover. Cannabinoid therapy can help pets with arthritis, anxiety, cancer, and the complications of conventional aging, just as anecdotal (and even some scientific) evidence tells us it can be in humans . This range of diseases spans many causes, which explains its newfound popularity as a supplement for pets.

While cannabis is generally safe for humans, some cannabinoids carry a risk of acute toxicity for pets, especially small animals, which means that it is important to be careful and careful when giving it to them, so before you get down to business, arm yourself with some basic knowledge. …

Why do we give pets weed at all?

Around the time CBD entered public discourse – let’s say around 2015 – people started experimenting with it to see how their pets would react to them, and food began to seep. After a 2018 study on dogs with arthritis opened the floodgates, the idea of ​​giving cannabis to pets seemed to suddenly spread everywhere.

Veterinarian and VetCBD founder Dr. Tim Shu spoke to Lifehacker via email, providing some ideas to practice as well as some basic guidelines to follow when using this type of product on cats and dogs, but fear not, horse girls (and guys). and many other animals are now also being treated with cannabinoids.

And said that treatment is proving to be critical for many pets (and pet owners), Dr. Shu says, “If cannabinoids like CBD can benefit animals, we, as health workers, have a moral and ethical obligation to explore this potential. , understand it, advise on it, and remove barriers to access so that we can improve the lives of animals. “

Relief is an option

Some dogs and cats receive a small dose of CBD tincture with meals to support an overall sense of well-being, while others receive large doses to treat acute or chronic pain. More people store CBD treats to help pets in stressful situations such as travel, fireworks, vet visits, or guests.

“Every day, customers tell us about the impact our products have made on the lives of their pets and, subsequently, on their lives,” says Dr. Shu.

“It’s not uncommon for pet owners to tell us that they had no other choice, but CBD has been able to dramatically improve their pets’ situation. Cannabinoid therapy should and will eventually become part of every veterinarian’s medical toolbox. ”

If you think your pet may be helped by the pain relievers or stress relief that cannabinoids can provide, start with 1 to 2 mg of CBD to see how they react. You may find that a low dose has a subtle effect that is much closer to what you want than the mild sedation that 5-10 mg can give pets less than 40 pounds. Larger breeds will require a much higher dose, and many foods have a weight chart (like this one ) to help you choose the right dose.

Important things to consider

We humans use the terms to refer to weed pretty much interchangeably, and all cannabis products are technically cannabinoid-based drugs, but when it comes to pets, CBD is the cannabinoid you want to focus on. Minor amounts of THC found in full spectrum foods, including hemp, are usually NBD, but if you can count THC in milligrams per dose, this is not good for pets.

Correct labeling and laboratory testing are key here, regardless of the classification of the cannabis source; all varieties produce THC, but the quantity is important. Often times, THC is actively removed in pet foods, but this is not necessary if the initial THC is very low. In fact, full spectrum products (and even those containing THC) are often touted as the best choice over CBD isolate formulas because they are considered to be more effective.

A lab tested product will tell you the exact amount of cannabinoids in a bottle (or treat box) and tell you how to dose to give your pet the right dose. This confidence will help you avoid setbacks, although both Dr. Shu and the author must emphasize that if you suspect your pet has consumed THC and is intoxicated, you should definitely seek veterinary attention as they may need a little help. to get through this.

Due to the serious backlog in cannabinoid research (for both pets and humans), you are likely to have more questions. As a leader in the movement to educate veterinarians on the benefits of CBD treatments for animals, Dr. Shu’s company made so many inquiries and received so many responses that they decided to give consumers another tool to access information – CBD for pets. hot line.

“We believe that pet owners should have access to the very latest information on cannabinoid therapeutics and how these products can benefit their pets. This is how the hotline came about, ”he tells Lifehacker.

You can call the hotline even if you haven’t bought anything and you just need to ask about everything you need to know to make you feel comfortable giving CBD to your pet (or not). Considering that many veterinarians don’t quite understand cannabis yet, this is a useful resource.

“The veterinarians don’t talk about this [to the poets’ owners] because they are restricted by the law, so they just have to do their own research,” says Dr. Shu.

As with grass and humans, there is undoubtedly a stigma against the idea that cannabis can help our pets. It’s no secret that we cherish our furry friends, and those who treat them with CBD are not trying to bring them to fido – they are trying to give them relief without putting them to sleep or causing other side effects. Whether you have an older cat or a truly anxious dog, the benefits may encourage you to include her in their long-term care, leading to a more comfortable life – which should be the goal of any pet owner.

Many people have found quite significant benefits they give their pets as a daily supplement, and I am one of them. When you stick to CBD, it is also a low risk as long as you obtain your treats and infusions from a reliable source. Once you get the hang of the terrain, figuring out when and how much to give your pet becomes second nature. Even if you don’t choose uid yourself, consider trying it for a pet in need.