In recent years, there has been a tremendous surge in CBD products, from oils to edibles, touted for their numerous health benefits for humans. Recent research funded by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is shedding light on the safety of CBD in our four-legged friends.
The results are promising and suggest that hemp-derived CBD, as well as other cannabinoids, may not just be safe, but potentially beneficial for long-term use in dogs.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, marks a significant milestone in our understanding of how cannabis-derived products can have a positive impact on animal health.
Big news from our friends at the National Animal Supplement Council! pic.twitter.com/7d7e00v8Kn
— US Hemp Roundtable (@HempRoundtable) March 6, 2024
Findings From Study
The research team set out to investigate the long-term safety of CBD on dogs, an aspect of cannabinoid use that has previously been clouded with uncertainty.
Employing a scientific approach, a randomized, non-blinded, negative controlled, parallel design 90-day repeat dose study was conducted, with a 14-day recovery period. Here’s what they found:
- The study involved the randomization of 32 healthy beagle dogs, which were administered either a control substance or a form of cannabidiol, cannabigerol, or cannabidiolic acid at a regulated daily dosage.
- All animals completed the study, consuming the doses over 90 consecutive days, with no occurrences of significant adverse effects noted.
- Additionally, the research included an analysis of post-market surveillance data on more than 10 years of supplement use in dogs, further supporting the study’s conclusions.
These findings suggest that when administered at a dose of 5 milligrams of CBD per kilogram of body weight per day, hemp-derived cannabinoids are well tolerated in dogs and do not pose significant risks. This is a welcome discovery, especially as the CBD market continues to expand into the pet care realm.
“These data demonstrate that different cannabidiols are safe for long-term use in healthy dogs when given at the dose studied,” said Bill Bookout, NASC President in a press release about the study.
“With safety studies, no matter how well controlled or meticulously defined, it is impossible to account for everything that can occur when a product is commercialized. That is why this safety study includes not only data from a well-designed study protocol, but also 10 years of post-market surveillance data”
“No other study that we are aware of is as comprehensive and includes both data sets.”
Pet Health and Well-being
Pet owners considering CBD products for their dogs now have the reassurance of a comprehensive study that extends a safety net over long-term usage. Data on post-market surveillance adds further credibility to the findings.
For animals suffering from anxiety, pain, or other age-related issues, CBD may present a natural and safe way to manage their conditions, improving their quality of life without the risk of significant side effects.
The study’s results also hint at the potential for cannabinoids to become a staple in veterinary medicine; as more research unfolds, we may see a shift in the types of treatments that are recommended for certain ailments.
This could lead to a new wave of CBD products designed specifically for pets, with tailored doses and administration methods.
With these new findings, the door is open for further exploration of CBD and other cannabinoids in veterinary practice. It’s essential that as an industry we leverage this information to develop more robust and effective pet wellness products.
This creates a unique opportunity for collaboration between scientists, veterinarians, and industry leaders to pioneer safe, effective, and tailored cannabinoid solutions for pets.
Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian before introducing any new supplement into their dog’s diet. Although this study is a vital step towards understanding the long-term effects of CBD on canines, each animal is unique and may respond differently.
Cannabis and Comprehensive Wellness
The safety study for CBD in dogs is just the tip of the iceberg. The cannabis plant continues to hold secrets that can benefit various aspects of our lives, both human and animal alike. With each new study comes the potential to unlock another door, ushering in a new realm of holistic well-being.
It’s not just the products themselves that need attention and investment; education and awareness are vital for the responsible use of CBD in pets and humans.
Legislative changes, public health campaigns, and more extensive studies will further cement the role of CBD in our wellness regimens, offering a natural and safe alternative to an array of health issues.
Overall, the NASC’s safety study has provided an essential green light for the use of CBD in canines, presenting a significant milestone for the industry. It underscores the power of solid research in demystifying the potential of CBD and other cannabis cannabinoids, showing us that where safety and efficacy align, the possibilities are endless.
For pet owners, it offers a reassuring confirmation that the natural wellness trend is more than just a passing fad; it’s a pivotal shift towards a more balanced, holistic approach to caring for our animals. With details of the study now in the public domain, it’s likely that more research will emerge, further cementing CBD’s place in the veterinary world.
