5 Questions To Ask Your Veterinarian About CBD

In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) has experienced a surge in popularity in the health and wellness space. This is a result of multiple studies suggesting that CBD can be a promising natural treatment for a laundry list of health issues — from mild acne and social anxiety to chronic pain and even neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

CBD is one of more than a hundred chemical substances known as cannabinoids naturally found in the hemp plant’s flowers and leaves. It typically interacts with our body via an advanced physiological system known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS): a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that help control some of our most vital life functions related to memory, appetite, mood, pain sensation, and immune system. As it turns out, all mammals have this unique and fascinating bodily system as well. This means that our pets can consume CBD just like we do and experience similar effects!

If you are looking to start your furry companion on a CBD regimen, you are definitely not the only one. Before you go out exploring all kinds of CBD products for your cat or dog, there is one thing that you absolutely must do — speak to your veterinarian. Even though vets are currently not able to prescribe CBD, your vet will probably know your pet’s medical history more than you do and can guide you through the process to ensure that your furry little one is following a regimen that is healthy and safe for them.

At New Age Hemp, we are here to make the puzzling world of CBD a lot easier for people to understand. In this blog, we will break down some questions that you must ask your vet before starting your pet on a CBD routine. Each of these questions can provide valuable information, so make sure that you include all of them when you are ready to have this conversation about CBD with your vet.

Question 1 — Is CBD right for my pet?

The first thing you should ask your vet is whether they recommend giving your pet doses of CBD. A vet will understand your pet’s health needs better than anyone else, and they will be able to tell you whether or not changing or introducing new things into your pet’s diet is a good thing. Therefore, it is essential that you ask for their approval to have all bases covered when the time comes to give your pet CBD.

Question 2 — What is the ideal CBD dosage for my pet?

There is no evidence-based Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for CBD yet. This means that if you are administering CBD to your pet, figuring out the best dosage can be somewhat confusing. Before you go blindly estimating your dosages based on your friends’ recommendations, confer with your vet. Taking into account factors like your pet’s breed, weight, sex, age, and activity level, your vet will be able to advise you on the ideal CBD dosage for your pet. For example, an 80lbs German Shepherd will respond better to a slightly higher dose than say a 20lbs Beagle.

Tip: Experts agree that the best way to find the right dosage for your pet is to “start low and go slow.” Start with a very low dose. Monitor how your pet responds to that amount of CBD, and steadily increase the potency while continuing to gauge your pet’s body’s responses. Keep at it until you find the perfect dose that works for your pet’s unique needs.

Question 3 — Is there a particular administration method best suited for my pet?

From hemp-infused treats to sprays to tinctures, there are a couple of ways to administer CBD to your pets. As with the dosage, some pets respond better to one administration method over another. For example, some pets may respond better to edibles, while others may find that topicals are the best choice. Ask your vet which administration method they think will be best suited for your pet. Your veterinarian will likely be able to guide you in the right direction.

Question 4 — How can I know if the CBD is working?

Keep in mind that depending on the concentration of CBD, your pet’s weight, and the severity of the condition you are trying to treat, efficacy may show after different periods and even take as long as two weeks. However, before you shrug off CBD as non-effective or useless, ask your vet to give you an idea of what you should expect to see and when. Maybe they will tell you certain behavioural signs that indicate that the CBD is doing its job. If the CBD is not seemingly providing the desired effects and your pet is not getting the relief they deserve, your vet may advise you to adjust the dosage level in small increments over time.

Question 5 — Are there any side effects of CBD?

Don’t forget to ask your vet if there are any potential side effects associated with CBD use that you should be looking for. However, at the correct dosages, the odds of undesired effects should be limited as CBD is generally well tolerated.

Asking your veterinarian questions about CBD is never a bad thing.

Many pet owners are finding success with using CBD to support their pets’ condition. If you are interested in joining the club, you can explore the wide variety of CBD products on the market today. Still, it is always important to seek veterinary advice before you start giving your furry friend doses of CBD. When bringing up CBD with your veterinarian, use these questions above to make sure that you have as much information as possible before getting started.

If you are interested in starting your pet on a CBD routine, check our online selection of CBD oils today. Also, don’t forget to head over to the main page of New Age Hemp’s blog for more insights and news on CBD.