Plant-Based Medicine for Dogs
Explore the potential of plant-based medicine to support your canine companion’s well-being. This page provides valuable insights into using cannabis for dogs, including recommended dosages based on real-world experiences and scientific evidence. Learn how to safely introduce THC and CBD, understand potential side effects, and discover effective administration methods. While individual responses may vary, this guide offers a starting point for exploring the potential benefits of plant-based therapies for your furry friend.
Understanding Cannabis for Dogs: What You Should Know
Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) data and scientific evidence have shown that cannabis may provide both symptomatic relief and potential anticancer benefits in some dogs, though results can vary widely. If you’re considering cannabis for your dog, it is generally used in the form of THC or CBD-infused oils, or by diluting Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) into a base oil. These infused oils are typically given with food, placed on treats, or applied directly to the gums. In cases where side effects occur, veterinary support may be necessary to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.”
During your dog’s treatment, it’s important to keep a close eye on their status for any potential side effects or benefits. This involves regular veterinary checkups and monitoring their progress at home. Keep an eye out for the following benefits that may occur:
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Reduced pain
- A general feeling of well-being
- Reduced depression and anxiety
- Acting like their old self or even puppy-like behavior
- Increased Appetite
- Any decrease in symptoms that started along with the cancer diagnosis
- Decrease in cancer markers or tumor burden
Overall, if you are not getting the results you want, the target dose of the THC and/or CBD should be increased. Increasing by 10-20mg THC and 20-40mg CBD is reasonable. Remember to slowly increase THC by no more than 3mg per day.
FECO or FECO-infused oil can easily be incorporated into your dog’s food. As the amount of FECO used is minimal, most dogs won’t even notice it’s there. However, for those who do, there are a few methods for getting them to eat it:
- Mix it with peanut butter
- Wrap it in cheese
- Use a Pill Pocket
Some dogs may even let you rub the FECO directly onto their gums, or they may lick it off your hand if it’s infused with oil. One thing to remember is to never put FECO in water.
It’s important to keep in mind that this information is based on currently available knowledge and may change as further research emerges. While there is still much more to learn, scientific evidence combined with Patient-Reported Outcome data continues to shape our understanding. By exploring findings from the Effectors List, new insights into potential outcomes may also be revealed.
Possible side effects include
Anxiety | Lethargy | Sleepiness | Inability to move | Inability to eat or drink | Incontinence | Diarrhea | Euphoria | Staring off into space | Clear distress