Cannabis for Dogs 6 c THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BY DANA COX, WITH KATHERINE KRAMER, DVM
annabis has consistently topped headlines over the last year, and the hype around its use extends to our animal companions too. More and more people are searching for safe and effective alternatives to conventional medicine, and with the recent legalization of cannabis in Canada, many pet parents and veterinarians wonder what this means for our dogs.
“The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine are working with Health Canada to establish guidelines for veterinarians so they can work with cannabis in their practices,” says Dr. Katherine Kramer, Medical Director of VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital. Unfortunately, she adds, at this point, veterinarians are not allowed to recommend or prescribe cannabis products. And depending on where you live, your veterinarian might not be able to discuss this with you unless you ask first.
1
contain a wide variety of chemicals called cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). But the ratios found in these two plants differ greatly. Hemp contains high concentrations of CBD and low amounts of THC (0.3% dry weight basis). Marijuana contains large amounts of THC (5% to 25%) with low concentrations of CBD.
CANNABIS WORKS WITH THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM, WHICH IS PRESENT IN EVERY MAMMAL.
The effects of cannabis occur naturally through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS serves as an intricate messenger system that consists of a group of fatty acids the body makes (endocannabinoids) and their receptors. When an endocannabinoid attaches to a receptor, it causes a physiologic response. The ECS’s principal role is to maintain
3
In the meantime, pet parents CBD need to educate themselves PRODUCTS before using these CBD oil is available in products on their pets. different forms. Generally, it While that education is administered via a dropper should include a chat (based on weight and severity of with your vet, here are condition) but some companies six things you should offer capsules. You’ll also find CBD treats on the market – these know about cannabis can prove beneficial for skin for dogs. and coat but most don’t contain enough CBD for medicinal purposes.
BOTH HEMP AND MARIJUANA ARE CANNABIS, BUT THEY ARE VERY DIFFERENT
Cannabis is perhaps the oldest cultivated crop on the planet. For thousands of years, this plant has been used as a source of food, fibre and medicine. Hemp and marijuana are just two of the countless varieties of cannabis. Think about it this way – while dogs all belong to the species, Canis familiaris, Great Danes are vastly different from Chihuahuas. Both hemp and marijuana
2
That being said, cannabis pet supplements are readily available online, in dispensaries and pet stores. And while reports suggest cannabis works well for some canine conditions, the concern is that people may inappropriately use their legal medicinal cannabis on their pets, thereby increasing the already rising rate of accidental marijuana toxicosis in pets.
homeostasis, or balance. The cannabinoids in cannabis can stimulate the ECS. “The cannabis plant is the only plant known to man that has an entire receptor system devoted just to it,” explains Dr. Kramer.
DOGS ARE MUCH MORE SENSITIVE TO THC
Both dogs and cats have ten times more cannabinoid receptors in their brains and central nervous systems than humans do. “Because it affects the brain, THC causes psychotropic effects and can lead
to drops in blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, ataxia and seizures,” says Dr. Kramer. “The toxic effect is amplified if the THC is within another toxic substance such as chocolate or xylitol.” Continued on page 97.
96
CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2019