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These 3 Things Are a Must-Know Before Giving Cannabis to Pets

Here are some things to keep in mind in order to ensure that the process is safe and effective.

By Claire PetersPublished 5 years ago 2 min read
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Cannabis has become an increasingly popular home remedy. In fact, studies have shown that cannabis can serve as an effective treatment for a wide range of ailments, from arthritis and cancer to anxiety and depression, especially in conjunction with other medications.

Although a growing number of veterinarians believe that cannabis can help treat various ailments in pets, state and federal laws restrict them from prescribing cannabis products as a treatment. However, pets can greatly benefit from treatment with cannabis.

Benefits of treating with cannabis

Like humans, pets also suffer from arthritis, cancer, stress, and anxiety. Although the doses differ from humans to pets, cannabis can be used to treat the same conditions in both pets and humans.

Studies on cannabis use in pets show that owners have successfully managed anxiety, lack of appetite, and symptoms of chronic pain in their pets. According to a recently published report in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, dog owners report that hemp products have helped with sleep-related issues. The most common side effects among pets include sedation and overeating.

Although cannabis products can be difficult to obtain depending on your location, hemp-based products can provide similar relief for pets. Hemp-based treatments can be found in all 50 states and are often high in CBD, a compound of cannabis popular for medical uses that does not provide the psychoactive effects of THC.

How to calculate dosage

Cannabis products typically list dosages for human consumption, making it tempting for pet owners to calculate the correct dosage for their pet. Administering a human-size dose of cannabis to your pet can lead to a trip to the emergency room, and the overconsumption of cannabis can cause serious health risks in pets. Although most health risks arise from pets breaking into their owners’ stash, administering a high dose can also cause issues.

To avoid potential health risks, be sure to choose the right product for your pet’s needs with caution. CBDistillery, a popular new cannabidiol (CBD) company, offers a variety of products that can be used as an all-natural treatment for ailments in humans and work similarly in animals. Before making any purchases, make sure to read a review of CBDistillery online to guarantee that the products are high-quality and effective.

After choosing the right product for your pet, start with a low dose and increase it slowly. While increasing the dose, be on the lookout for any side effects, and immediately stop treatment with CBD if your pet responds adversely.

Administering cannabis to your pet

There are a variety of methods that can be used to administer cannabis to your pet. The easiest way to administer cannabis for pets is edibles, which range from biscuits to soft-chews. However, when treating with edibles, it’s crucial to buy edibles specifically formulated for pet consumption, as regular edibles often contain toxic ingredients like chocolate, raisins, or xylitol.

However, veterinary experts recommend using tinctures, or oil-based extracts that can be administered using a dropper. Tinctures allow pet owners to administer small, controlled doses of CBD to pets in order to avoid the risk of overconsumption. To administer the most effective treatment, spread the tincture on your pet’s tongue and allow it to be absorbed through the mucus membrane.

While cannabis can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a multitude of ailments in both pets and humans, it’s important to remember that pets react to cannabis differently and must be treated accordingly.

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