Colorado State University’s Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment for Dog’s Epilepsy Study Results Shown

• Dogs and cats, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system in their body.
• Scientists are starting to experiment with the effect that CBD can have on seizures and other medical conditions in animals.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, has shown to have a positive effect on the human body, so why not pets? A recent article by CBD Snapshot spoke about the effects that CBD can potentially have on our furry friend as well, especially from a medical stance.

Just as leukemia in adults and children can be a detrimental and difficult condition to be present during, the same can be said of chronic leukemia in dogs. The symptoms are similar – a lack of appetite, anxiety, more thirst and more urination, lethargy, and swelling, predominantly in the abdomen. In this article, the author spoke about a dog named Mandy that suffered from exactly this predicament, which would’ve ultimately taken owner Christine Leogrande down a difficult road. However, the owner added CBD to her diet, changing her demeanor drastically, and there are many pet owners like her doing the same.

More research is still being explored in this use of CBD, and it is possible that a variety of pets may soon find comfort in the use of CBD. In a recent clinical trial, CBD was tested on the effect of seizures sustained by dogs, finding that 89% of these dogs experienced a reduced frequency.

Theoretically, cats and other animals could benefit as well, as many mammals have a common endocannabinoid system in their body that responds positively to CBD. If you are a pet owner looking to test the effect of CBD on your own pet, Dr. Casara Andre, a veterinarian and founder of Veterinary Cannabis Education and Consulting in Colorado, says that a tincture or oil is best to start. While a few drops under the tongue would give the optimal effect, consumers can also put the oil in their pet’s food or purchase a treat that is already infused with CBD.

Any changes that incorporate CBD should first be discussed with a trusted veterinarian.