Protect your customers’ driver’s licenses with Kleaner spray! The best complementary product for CBD shops. In these times of required altruism and compassion, we have never talked so much about animal well-being and denounced speciesism. The latest studies on the use of CBD in veterinary medicine are therefore timely, as it could help relieve certain pains in our faithful four-legged companions. If science remains cautious about the benefits of CBD, due to a lack of conclusive evidence, studies are nevertheless increasing, attesting to the growing interest of medical research in our favorite cannabinoid. On the consumer side, the case has long been settled and testimonials abound to describe its benefits. But what about our animal friends and how can CBD contribute to their well-being? In this area, like many others, it is the animals that have borne the brunt, especially mice and rats, the favored « raw material » of experimental science (along with cell cultures, which are increasingly replacing animals). Some effects have indeed been observed specifically in rats, but once again, we have the most empirical evidence to describe the benefits of CBD on animals, particularly pets. Therefore, it is logical that these benefits are most often reported in dogs and cats, with pain relief in elderly individuals, for example, suffering from arthritis or varying degrees of paralysis in the hindquarters. A 2018 American study had already demonstrated the clinical efficacy of CBD in reducing pain in these bone pathologies. This benefit is due to the well-documented anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD in today’s scientific literature, which sometimes allows affected animals to regain mobility and engage in certain activities again. CBD also appears to be effective in soothing cancer-related pain in pets and, as recently demonstrated in mice, substantially reducing tumors when used in conjunction with radiotherapy. CBD, an effective method for reducing animal stress Domestic animals, especially dogs, are very receptive to human emotions and easily affected by environmental stress during anxiety-inducing situations. Any change in their bipedal companions’ usual behavior, from a simple explosion of anger to a slightly prolonged absence, creates anxiety that CBD is capable of relieving by increasing the production of serotonin, the famous « happiness hormone, » which among its functions includes mood regulation. Several recent studies also describe the interesting effects of CBD on animal behavior, particularly in terms of aggression or hyperactivity, as well as sleep disorders. The beneficial effects of cannabidiol on epilepsy, which have already been clinically demonstrated in humans and materialized in Epidiolex, the only CBD-based medication approved in France, have also been observed in the animal world, producing comparable results to specific medications while causing far fewer side effects. Another lesser-known advantage of CBD is its effective action in cases of appetite loss, which many pet owners have already experienced. However, caution is required when hyporexia is not due to a psychological cause, but to a disease requiring treatment and potential drug interactions. The advice of a veterinarian in the therapeutic use of CBD for animals appears necessary here, even though there are still few who claim the use of this molecule. Nevertheless, medical history has shown us that veterinary science is often more audacious in experimenting with natural products, and it is highly likely that the use of CBD will develop more rapidly in animal therapy than in human therapy. Dosage and administration of CBD in animals, a few rules to follow While the benefits of CBD appear to be real in terms of animal well-being, it is nonetheless not to be considered as a medical treatment and is not recognized as such by any scientific authority. Just like in humans, the effectiveness of CBD varies from one animal to another and can therefore be very modest. As for the dosage, it was addressed in a recent American study on the use of cannabidiol in the treatment of animal arthritis. It was found that its benefits are of interest to dogs and cats starting at a dose equal to or greater than 2 mg per kilo, administered twice a day, with the weight of the animal being the sole indicator of the necessary dosage. However, it seems that CBD can be effective in many cases at lower doses, as reported by a number of veterinarians who tend to set the dosage around 0.5 mg per kilo. As for administration, it is preferable to use oils, which can be dispensed using a dropper inserted between the teeth and the corner of the lips, so that the product reaches the cheek’s mucous membranes. Finally, it should be noted that there are oils specifically designed for animals to facilitate administration, including the use of meat or fish flavors! THE METHOD ACCORDING TO JULIA « I started using CBD almost a year ago, mainly for one of my dogs who had a difficult start in life and is very anxious. It has proven to be very effective because in just four days, his stress disappeared, and he started playing with the other dogs. » Julia Vernaton is a « musher, » she drives a sled pulled by her seven dogs, beautiful Alaskan Huskies, and is currently studying for her professional diploma. « I had already consumed CBD before, » she explains, « and I had much less anxiety, it really calmed me down. So, I thought it might help my dog too, even though there weren’t many studies at the time on the effects of CBD administered to animals. But he refused to run because of his stress, even though huskies are normally athletic dogs who love it. Thanks to CBD, it didn’t take long for him to regain his love for running. » For dosing, Julia followed the advice of her supplier, Pawell CBD, which recommended three drops in the morning and three drops in the evening, gradually increasing until the effects were felt: « I use a 7% oil for adult dogs and 2.5% for puppies. To administer it to the dog, I sometimes put the drops between the lip and the jaw, but most of the time, I pour them directly onto the food. Another interesting technique for more difficult dogs is to put the drops on their paws, which encourages the dog to lick them! » Julia’s dog now takes CBD daily; the others also take it, but more occasionally: « I have given it to my puppies successfully and also to one of my older dogs who suffers from arthritis, but where I am really pleased with the use of CBD is during the females’ heat. I gave it to the males to calm them down, and it worked really well. While they are normally uncontrollable, they remained perfectly calm this time! » Does it also work for overly eager men? We await your testimonials… Find Julie Vernaton on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jubreaker/?hl=fr DELI DE BIEN-ÊTRE With over 50 stores throughout France, the…
