Cannabis Oil and Dogs

Recreational cannabis is building momentum all across the United States with full legalization in Canada; but with the spread of cannabis, especially in oil form derived from the marijuana plant, pet owners want to know if there are health benefits for their animals.

For humans, cannabis can be used to relieve a variety of ailments ranging from anxiety and depression to common joint pains and cancers. And, pets are no different. 

Cannabis oil can be used to treat seizures, nausea, stress, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, symptoms of cancer, and gastrointestinal issues, among other health conditions in dogs. 

Relief is provided as the cannabinoids in marijuana interact with the endocannabinoid system, Shu explains. “It’s a series of receptors that run throughout the body,” he says. “The cannabinoids interact with the receptors in the body and modulate things like pain, anxiety, and nausea.”

Pet parents that do not live in medical marijuana regions can access hemp products for dogs that have lower amounts of THC. Both marijuana and hemp products may lead dogs to become tired or overly hungry at times.

Cannabis oils do not have life threatening side effects in dogs.