Have you wondered how to bring up CBD to your veterinarian? Don’t worry! You’re not alone. Many doting pet owners want to try CBD oil for their furry little friends. However, most people are just not sure how to start the conversation with their vet. Are you curious about using CBD oil for your cat or dog? Keep reading on and we’ll give you a brief overview of using this natural extract for your pets. Plus, we’ll also discuss different ways to bring up CBD to your veterinarian.
Using CBD Oil for Pets
The use of CBD oil for dogs has been studied far more than its use in cats. Though as a whole, medical research in pets has been lacking. Even still, the use of CBD has been studied on dogs with osteoarthritis as well as those with epilepsy. In both studies, researchers determined that it helped. The older dogs with joint health issues showed an 80% improvement in mobility as well as pain relief. While dogs with epilepsy were shown to have fewer seizures than those just given a placebo.
The only real research that has been published involving cats and CBD oil revolves around their tolerance of it. That study, published in 2019, found that cats seem to show lower absorption rates of CBD when compared to dogs. Cats eliminate the CBD much faster from their bodies than dogs as well. The recommendation is to start at lower doses for cats than you would dogs and work your way up. It may be possible that CBD oil can help with joint health issues and epilepsy with cats as it does for dogs but more research needs to be done.
Research has shown that all mammals and even non-mammalian vertebrates like birds, reptiles, and fish have cannabinoid receptors needed to benefit from CBD. However, as stated above, more research needs to be done to prove any benefits to these types of pets.
How to Bring Up CBD to Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian might already want to talk with you about using CBD for your pet. The truth is, they might just be too scared to. The reason for this comes down to federal law enforced by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). When marijuana was placed on the DEA’s list as a schedule one drug in 1970 as part of the Controlled Substance Act, all derivatives went along with it. That means that hemp and CBD were both considered to be illegal as schedule one drugs.
Though many people, especially farmers, tried to get this law overturned, it didn’t happen until decades later. The 2018 Farm Bill finally removed hemp and CBD from the DEA’s controlled substance list. Before that time, even if your veterinarian wanted to talk to you about CBD for your pet, they risked losing their license to do it.
Since the laws are now changing to catch up with science, your vet is likely now more open to discuss this type of natural option with you. So, how do you bring up CBD to your veterinarian? Here are some ideas.
Talk About Options for Known Issues
If your pet already suffers from some known issues such as feelings of anxiousness, sadness, joint health issues, or epilepsy, for example, ask about treatment options. This is the most natural gateway in a discussion. However, it wasn’t that long ago that your vet could lose their license for discussing CBD. Therefore, this option may only lead to prescription options or diet changes.
Ask About Natural Alternatives
If the first option doesn’t work or you’re looking to be more direct, you can ask your veterinarian about natural alternatives or solutions for your pet. Many people give their animals nutritional supplements, so this is likely a question your vet is familiar with. Among the offered alternatives may be CBD oil. If it is, ask their opinion on it and what they believe the benefits for your pet might be.
Directly Ask the Vet’s Opinion
If the other two options didn’t work, it may be best to just ask directly. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with CBD. Those that are uneducated about it often assume it gets you high like THC in marijuana does (it doesn’t). Therefore, the vet may risk upsetting their client if they mention it as an option.
That’s why the best way to bring up CBD to your veterinarian is simply by asking them directly about it. If you have a concern about your pet, the best way to ask would be something like, “My dog Molly has an issue with _______. Do you think CBD oil would be a good option for her?” By being direct, your veterinarian can offer their direct opinion about it without fear of offending or upsetting you.
Bring Up CBD to Your Veterinarian to Learn More Options
Research has shown that CBD oil can benefit dogs with certain conditions. It may also help cats, lizards, birds, and more. Though, more research still needs to be done. The only person who knows your pet as well as you do is probably your vet. That’s why we recommend discussing CBD options for your pet directly with them. The way you bring up CBD to your veterinarian depends on how comfortable you feel with them. However, we recommend being as direct with them as possible. Simply discuss your pet’s issue(s) and ask your vet if CBD oil might be able to help them.
Since CBD and hemp were not removed from the schedule one drug list by the DEA until 2018, your veterinarian may still be hesitant to bring up this option on their own. In the past, they could have lost their license if they did. Therefore, it’s best if you approach the subject on your own to let them know you would value their opinion. From there, you both can discuss the best options and recommended dosage for your pet should the need arise.
