Sources vary on the exact number, but cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of among 60 to over 100 distinct chemical compounds — called cannabinoids as a group — that can be derived from the plant we know as marijuana. This author reviews what CBD is, clarify what it is not, how it functions and the kinds of medical conditions that it might be useful in treating.
The Food and Drug Administration conducts scientific tests on the contents of these products and posts a yearly clearinghouse of warnings on ones that either, a) misrepresent themselves or b) their chemical contents. These lists for 2015 and 2016 will help educate you and team members about various CBD treats.
Source: Dogster, August 16, 2016.
The primary claims of reputable CBD treats for dogs revolve around cannabidiol’s effects on the brain and the body. They are not a cure for any particular ailment; they are used as palliatives for a number of neurological and persistent pain conditions. We are not trying to make claims ourselves for their effectiveness, simply reporting that these treats have been used specifically for the following purposes:
- Pain relief in dogs with arthritis or other chronic pain
- Mitigating the stresses associated with separation anxiety, travel, and startling noises
- Stimulating appetite in dogs who are having trouble or refusing to eat
- Calming and stabilizing dogs who suffer from seizures or heart issues
- For dogs in whom prescription medications cause adverse effects