Pets and Cannabis

Following the legalization of cannabis, there has been a sharp rise in the rate of use of the substance. Nowadays, the consumers of the substance are not only humans as many individuals now give cannabis to their pets. However, the use of cannabis for pets has been a source of various controversies among different parties. While some parties are focused on the benefits of cannabis for pets, others are concerned about the varying adverse effects of the substance on companion animals.

Given this, we will take a look at the relationship between pets and cannabis.

Why lots of pet owners are using cannabis for their companion animals

In 2019, around 8% of all cat owners in the US and 11% of dog owners offered cannabis to their companion animals. The substances were usually presented in the form of topical creams or salves, pet treats, and tinctures.

Due to the increase in the number of people giving cannabis to their pets, there has been a surge in the market for pet cannabis products. In 2018, the market was worth around $32 million but increased to about $400 million in 2019. It jumped to $426 million in 2020 and has been projected to be worth more than $600 million before the end of 2021.

According to a survey, most pet owners are not giving cannabis to their pets for recreational purposes. This substance is offered to pets to treat seizures, pain, anxiety, and other conditions. Some also give cannabis to their aging pets to make them more agile.

Lots of veterinarians with clinical experience have claimed that cannabis can be used for treating pets with chronic pain. Although the substance can lead to sedation, it doesn’t cause any side effects on pets when used for dealing with anxiety and pain.

Several pet owners also agree to the claim of these experienced vets. The success rate reported has shown that pets can gain a lot of health benefits from consuming cannabis. According to many pet owners, the substance has been successfully used for treating inflammation, digestive issues, pain, and anxiety.

Caution must be taken when using cannabis for pets

While the benefits of cannabis for pets cannot be overlooked, it is important to note that some risks are involved. Firstly, there is no regulation for CBD pet products. As a result of this, it may be quite challenging to determine the amount of THC, pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins inside them.

Also, the paucity of scientific studies on the use of cannabis for pets makes it difficult to note if cannabis is safe for pets. Besides, we don’t have evidence to support the best ways to use cannabis for pets. For instance, ingestion of cannabis has led to tremors, lethargy, vomiting, convulsions, heavy drooling, agitation, and lots more for many animals. Similarly, smoking or vaping is not recommended for dogs and other companion animals.

Due to these challenges, you should be careful when offering cannabis to your pets. To be safer, consider consulting your vet before giving this substance to your companion animal.