Dr Martine Perkins is delighted to be able to offer CBD to our client’s pets. Our preferred and trusted supplier of CBD is PetCann, an Australian pioneer of innovative, cannabinoid-derived therapeutic products for animals.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is the second most abundant phyto-cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant. It is characterised by very low toxicity and is non-psychoactive and non-addictive.
CBD is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can be used to improve treatment outcomes for a wide variety of conditions in pets including chronic pain, osteoarthritis, epilepsy, anxiety and anti-nausea benefits.
Because CBD is a non-psychoactive extract and does not contain THC, it will not make your pet feel high.
CBD Prescription for Pets vs Humans
Australian veterinarians can only legally prescribe medical cannabinoids for animals. Human medicinal cannabis products are not allowed to be prescribed for pets.
The only legal and safest way to source CBD for your pet is through a veterinary prescription. They will be able to guide you with dosing and potential drug interactions/adjustments to other medications.
How CBD is Administered
Pets can take CBD in multiple ways: orally or topically. PetCann provides oils, topicals, treats and chews for dogs and oils and topicals for cats. The choice often depends on the pet’s species, preference, the desired effect, and the specific condition your vet is targeting.
Here are the commons ways that pets can take CBD:
1/ CBD Oils
Using a measured oral dosing syringe, you can place the CBD oil with their favourite food. Compounded CBD oils come in many flavours including beef, chicken, tuna for dogs and cats or fruit flavours for birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. CBD oil can come in an unflavoured option if you are concerned about potential food/ingredient allergies.
2/ CBD Chews
A hit with many pets, these are specially formulated chews infused with CBD. Dogs are often more treat-motivated than cats, making this one of the most hassle-free methods for administering CBD.
3/ CBD Topicals
Topicals (oils or creams) are primarily used to address skin irritations, and to provide localised relief. They can assist with skin healing and reduce itch and redness. A small amount of CBD cream or balm can be applied to the affected area. Cats are frequent groomers and if you apply a topical CBD product, there’s a good chance they’ll lick it off. So, it’s vital to make sure that any topical application is safe for ingestion.
How can CBD Assist Your Pet?
There are numerous application benefits of using CBD. CBD may be used alongside many other treatment or management plans, thereby making the recovery faster and more successful.
Here are just some ways our veterinarians may suggest a prescription of CBD for your pet:
- Noise phobias – thunderstorms, construction work etc. More here.
- Anxiety – vet visits, separation anxiety or general nervousness. More here.
- Pet grooming. More here
- Travel stress and car sickness. More here.
- Spring time skin irritations, atopic dermatitis and allergies. More here.
- Inflammation – Read Alphonso’s case study here.
- New pets or introducing a sibling. More here.
- Behavioural training – excessive barking, jumping up, digging etc. More here.
- Joint pain relief and managing osteoarthritis. More here.
- Dementia and canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). More here
- Sleep assistance and night time settling. More here.
Interested to know more? Be sure to ask us about CBD on your next visit. Book online at The Village Vet or call us directly at the Pymble Clinic on 9499 4010 or Killara Hospital on 8350 5678.
Sources
- PetCann https://petcann.com.au
- Dr Martine Perkins BVSc (Syd Hons) MANZCVS MRCV, Senior Veterinarian and Owner, The Village Vet
