Hemp’s Future in Veterinary Medicine

As veterinary experts uncover more insights into hemp and its capacity to foster optimal support and wellness in companion animals, many pet parents are curious about whether this incredible plant will be incorporated into the field of veterinary medicine. After all, many veterinarians are already recommending high-quality hemp pet supplement and oils to animal guardians looking to provide their four-legged friends with the highest level of health, comfort and care. It is important to note that hemp-based products affect individual pets differently. Depending on a particular animal’s dosage needs, some cats or dogs may experience adverse side effects like lethargy, coordination problems, and other minor issues. Consequently, some pet parents and veterinarians alike take issue with the idea of utilizing hemp in veterinary practices, fearing that its effects cause more harm than good.

At Canna Companion, we’re passionate about teaching pet parents across the nation more about the incredible benefits cannabis pet supplements and oils can produce in their favorite canines and felines. We also produce a range of hemp-based products to support the health and happiness of companion animals, specifically designed to boost the supportive benefits of cannabis while minimizing “high-inducing” concentrations of THC. Over the years, we’ve worked with thousands of proud pet parents to support positive health outcomes in their animals, helping them understand a bit about cannabis science. Many of these individuals have asked us why some veterinary professionals choose to forgo the incredible supportive benefits that hemp can produce in cats and dogs. Today, we’ll be shedding more light on that topic by discussing hemp’s potential future in veterinary medicine.

How Does Hemp Affect Animals?

Hemp contains a massive variety of beneficial compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant, including phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. A number of studies have confirmed the potential that hemp’s compounds can have in supporting the health and balance of the neurological, physiological, immunological and endocannabinoid systems of mammals. That’s why many pet parents use hemp-based pet products to produce a host of benefits for their companion animals, including:

GI Tract Support:

The natural compounds found in hemp are incredibly effective at supporting key digestive processes in cats and dogs, making hemp products an excellent way to support the health and function of your animal’s GI tract.

Immunity Support:

Hemp’s phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids can help to strengthen your pet’s natural defenses by supporting their immune system, keeping them in peak condition throughout each stage of life.

Mobility and Joint Support:

Cats and dogs subject their joints to incredible amounts of pressure while they’re running, jumping and playing. Luckily, hemp’s compounds can help to mitigate the discomfort associated with normal daily exercise, keeping your pet feeling happy and mobile.

Neurological Support:

Hemp helps maintain healthy neurological function in mammals, helping your pet’s mind stay in top form.

Demeanor:

Hemp’s natural compounds encourage a normal, calm demeanor in cats and dogs, making hemp products a fantastic tool for pets with situational and temporary fears and anxieties.

Note: For more information on the beneficial effects of hemp products, feel free to check out this page.

The Potential Downsides of Hemp

Although hemp oils and supplements for pets are 100% legal in every US state, some veterinary experts have voiced concerns about the quality of these products. Many aspects of the cannabis industry lack sufficient regulatory procedures, making it difficult for veterinarians to assess whether the hemp products they research actually contain THC concentrations below 0.3%, the key differentiator between hemp and marijuana. Cannabis products with THC concentrations above 0.3% can produce several side effects in cats and dogs, including low blood pressure, anxiety, aggression and extreme lethargy. Consequently, some veterinary experts turn away the idea of veterinary hemp altogether, unconvinced that the phenomenal supportive benefits of hemp are worth the risk of accidentally investing in a marijuana product due to poor industry regulations.

As we mentioned earlier, even the best hemp-based supplements and oils for pets can lead to adverse side effects in cats and dogs. Because they contain 0.3% THC or less, hemp products are incapable of getting an animal “high” when he or she overdoses, but they can produce lethargy and a lack of coordination. Fortunately, these symptoms usually abate within a matter of hours, and there are no known long-term effects for hemp administration. Moreover, these issues can be largely avoided by establishing and following proven administration guidelines. That’s what sets hemp product producers like Canna Companion apart from many of our competitors. Our company was founded by veterinary experts to create and maintain strict administration guidelines, ensuring our customers provide the perfect level of endocannabinoid support for their animal with minimal risk of overdosing. However, until a majority of hemp providers achieve this level of quality assurance, a stigma around the reliability of hemp for veterinary purposes will linger in some capacity.  

As more veterinarians discover the benefits of hemp through peer-reviewed studies, we have no doubt hemp will eventually be embraced as a staple in many veterinary practices. And until that day arrives, you can still support your animal’s well-being through hemp-based products that are approved by animal health experts. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting your pooch or kitty on any new cannabis product. Your local animal health expert should be your first and best source of advice when determining whether hemp products are the right choice for your pet.

Contact Canna Companion Today

Are you interested in learning more about Canna Companion or our selection of industry-leading hemp supplements and oils for pets? Then don’t hesitate to call or message us! You can also reach out to us if you have any additional questions about the future of hemp, the effects of hemp compounds in dogs and cats, or any other subject related to cannabis and how it impacts our companion animals. We would love to hear from you and provide any other resources or support you need to improve and maintain your pet’s quality of life for many, many years to come.