Why CBD is safe and effective for animals

Find out more about the healing properties of CBD for your pet.

Our beloved companion animals are part of our families, and we want them to be as comfortable as possible as they grow older. CBD is growing in popularity as a way to improve the quality of life for pets living with long term health conditions.

Scientists are discovering more about the healing properties of CBD for both humans and animals, but is it safe to share the benefits of CBD with our pets? At Vets2Home our specially trained vet in palliative medicine and animal hospice in the US, Dr Suzen Gregersen, can advise you on which CBD treatments may benefit your animal companions.

What is CBD?

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a molecule extracted from the hemp plant. It’s important to understand that cannabidiol will not cause the high associated with the compound THC and cannabis. CBD can be extracted separately and is usually sourced from a specially cultivated strain of hemp, bred to maximise the CBD, and minimise or eliminate the THC completely.

Natural hemp CBD has had a huge impact on veterinary medicine in the past 5 years and has allowed vets to offer more, and safer, options to manage discomfort. The science is fascinating, and we are only just beginning to understand how CBD might help manage a variety of conditions in both humans and animals.

CBD is now commonly used in the US and there are lots of new products that have been specially developed to help offer relief from conditions that effect our pets as they age.

As their care takers, we want our animals to live full and rewarding lives for as long as possible. It can be hard to decide which products might help your pet the most and which are safe. Our dedicated professional team and Dr Suzen, believe that no pet owner should have to make these difficult choices, or decisions, alone.

How may CBD help my animal companion?

The benefits of CBD are still being uncovered but it has already been shown to help with lots of conditions, including
Pain, Anxiety and Dementia. In addition, it may help with:

Arthritis

CBD may help animals cope with the pain associated with this common condition. In fact, CBD has anti – inflammatory properties so it can help with any pain associated with inflammation. Incorporating CBD into your dog’s care could help them continue enjoying those long Sunday afternoon walks with all the family.

Seizures

Evidence is growing that CBD can help to control seizures in humans and it is increasingly being used to treat the condition in animals too. Quality of life is so important when our pets are living with long term health conditions. CBD could offer positive benefits without the nasty side effects of pharmaceutical medicines.

Poor Appetite and Vomiting

A pet that isn’t eating is worrying, creating stress and anxiety for all concerned. CBD, alongside other, minor alterations to the diet, can reduce the symptoms of nausea and help encourage them to get back to enjoying their food and thrive.

End of Life Care

As our animal companions reach the end of their lives with us, we want to make sure that their last days are as comfortable as possible. CBD can help reduce pain, distress and anxiety, ensuring that the last part of their journey, can be spent peacefully, surrounded by the love and care of family.

How does CBD work?

Even though Cannabidiol was first discovered within the cannabis plant, they exist throughout many other biological systems. An endocannabinoid is a cannabinoid produced within the body, via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This was only discovered several decades after cannabidiol was identified. CBD activates the ECS receptors in the body and reduces the perception of discomfort.

All mammals have an ECS, so CBD is a well-tolerated, safe and effective way to help control the symptoms of many health problems. New discoveries are being made, and there is so much more to learn about the benefits of CBD for both humans and animals. There is some great information to be found here.

Is CBD safe for my family animal?

When caring for any animal, but especially an older, much loved pet, you really want to be sure that the interventions you choose, including using CBD, is completely safe. CBD has been used widely in the US, and there is a wealth of research that has been carried out to ensure that it is safe for our animals. Researchers are working hard to demonstrate just how safe and beneficial CBD can be. There are some important recent studies to be aware of here.

The most important thing for owners to understand is that CBD should probably not be given without the advice of a vet, or person, that knows about proper use of this newly available medicine. There are lots of products available that have been developed to help pets, but few top ones are freely available within the UK and the quality – and labelling – is very variable. It is essential that CBD is sourced at the appropriate dose and from a reputable supplier which is hard due to lack of regulations in this field. Owners should carefully consider only giving CBD to their pets with clear instructions from a professional, especially if on other medication.

At Vets2Home – Peaceful Pet Goodbyes, our expert team, under the instructions of Dr Suzen, can guide you through the options available or even recommendations to help keep your pet comfortable and happy for as long as possible. Dr Suzen is one of few UK based, and US trained and certified Palliative Care and Animal Hospice Vets (CHPV) with a special interest in the many benefits of CBD. Her vast experience and special training mean she can discuss the treatments that might work best, specifically for your furry friend. It is our mission to support families facing difficult choices and to keep pets with you for as long as possible.

Does CBD have any side effects?

CBD generally has very few, if any, unwanted side effects and works well in most cases. Just like any other medicine, it is important to monitor for signs that your pet is not responding well to treatment. Our expertise will make sure that they are getting the optimal dose at the right frequency in a way that is easy to give.

However, your family animal may experience:

Dry mouth and increased thirst or hunger.
Low heart rate (relaxed).
Fatigue – more sleepy than usual (relaxed).

At Vets2Home we will continue to observe your pet’s overall health during treatment to make sure he or she is kept as comfortable as possible.

What we recommend

The company that we have used in the past, including for Dr Suzen’s own pets, and recommend highly is called “CBD Brothers”. You will see that it is for humans, but we have seen excellent benefits in dogs and cats too.

They are a UK based company so their products can be delivered to the UK.

Find out more about their products here.

Vets2Home’s discount code V2HCBD allows up to 20% off most products purchased from CBD Brothers.

The discount code excludes CBD Patches, CBD Edibles, CBD Vapes, Bundles, CBD Cosmetics, and E-Vouchers. (Also, the code cannot be used alongside any other discount).

Why choose Vets2Home – Peaceful Pet Goodbyes?

Our dedicated team, led by Dr. Suzen Gregersen, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for your beloved pets. Dr. Suzen, a UK-based veterinarian with specialised training and certification in Palliative Care and Animal Hospice (CHPV), possesses extensive expertise in the therapeutic applications of CBD for animals. She can provide personalised guidance on appropriate CBD treatments, including accurate dosage and usage tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

To explore how CBD can benefit your furry companion, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Suzen, where she will offer expert advice and support, ensuring your pet’s comfort and well-being in the familiar surroundings of your home.

Please contact us for more information on our special, stress-free at home end of life services, or to book a quality of life consultation with our specially trained palliative care vet, Dr Suzen Gregersen DVM MBA CHPV MRCVS.