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With hemp being produced in more states — including Wyoming — people are considering foods and supplements made from hemp that may have health benefits. Chief among them is cannabidiol …
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With hemp being produced in more states — including Wyoming — people are considering foods and supplements made from hemp that may have health benefits. Chief among them is cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC, which is found in only trace amounts in hemp, CBD doesn’t produce a high in users, but it’s said to help with pain, anxiety and even seizures. Now some people are looking at the possibility it may have the same benefits for their pets.
A survey of veterinarians in 2018 found that 63% of the more than 2,000 vets polled had pet owners ask about CBD supplements.
There are a number of products on the market, including tinctures, oils, ointments and chews. Murdoch’s has a small section of CBD pet products for dogs for joint health and anxiety.
While there’s been a lot of interest in CBD products for humans, Kurt Scott, manager of Murdoch’s in Powell, said he hasn’t seen a lot of demand for the pet products among the store’s customers.
However, “I’m sure it’s going to take off,” Scott said. “It’s fairly new and hasn’t hit Powell yet.”
Dr. Ray Acker at Bighorn Animal Care Center said he knows of some pet owners who have used CBD on their pets and they gave “mixed reviews.”
The veterinarian said it’s hard to give any recommendations or cautions without examining each product and what it’s being used for, but with so little information, it’s hard to say much.
“I honestly don’t know that much about it. I haven’t had much experience with it,” Acker said.
He pointed out that cannabis-based medicines for humans have been shown to have very positive effects on helping such ailments as epilepsy.
There have been quite a few studies on the effects of CBD in humans, and they have found it can be useful for treating chronic pain. Studies on pets, however, are scarce and largely inconclusive. One study in the Frontiers of Veterinary Science found that daily doses of CBD helped dogs with osteoarthritis achieve more activity and comfort.
A large study by Colorado State University on the effects of CBD in treating canine epilepsy is underway, but it won’t be complete until next year.
While the science is inconclusive, CBD certainly has its believers. And now, with hemp being legal to grow in just about every state, it’s likely more pet products will be made from the chemical.
