76 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com There were so many booths presenting new products containing CBD at this year’s pet industry trade show, Global Pet, I found it difficult to make objective evaluations in such an overwhelming environment. If you’ve spent any time researching cannabis for dogs, and specifically the non-psychoac- tive cannabis derivative, cannabidiol (CBD), you may be feeling just as overwhelmed.Are they safe and will they offer your dogs any real benefits? Marijuana and hemp both come from the plant Cannabis sativa (though marijuana also comes from another member of the Cannabis family, Cannabis indica). The cannabis plant has over 60 chemi- cals called cannabinoids. The two main types of cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBDs are therapeutic cannabinoids, while THC is the cannabinoid that gets you high. Marijuana’s THC content is usually between 10 and 15 percent; but hemp must have a THC content of 0.3 percent or less. At this level, cannabis has no intoxicating effect,for people or dogs.Hemp is higher in CBD, the substance that provides the thera- peutic effects. Florida is one of 46 states where CBD is legal, and it’s been popping up in health food stores and pet stores across the state. CBD is derived from the cannabis plant as a compound, and does not cause feelings of euphoria. CDB is not psychoactive and does not change the state of mind of the pet or person using it. CDB and THC affect different receptors in the brain, said Keys Animal Hospital owner Dr. Mike Dunn. Humans and animals have an endocannabi- noid system which receives and translates signals from cannabinoids.In turn,the prop- erties of CBD can help regulate sleep, immune-system responses and pain. “It’s something that I’m recommending more and more.We’ve been using it as par- tial treatment for cats and dogs,and it’s been really good for aggression problems in male cats in particular,” Dunn said. Partial treat- ment, Dr. Dunn explains, means CBD oil combined with medicine. To date, there have been no rigorous scientific studies published on CBD as a treatment for pets with such medical condi- tions as arthritis,seizures or anxiety.But that may soon be changing, as a few studies are either in the planning stages or underway. The lack of a published, double-blind study for animals makes it difficult to pull out facts from the purely anecdotal evidence. However, as with any anecdotal evi- dence about CBD, we don’t have to look hard to find stories of dogs in extreme pain, for instance, who have found relief through CBD. Many pet owners who praise the benefits of CBD will say that it helped reduce their dog’s pain and corresponding anxiety or immobility.These claims should not be discounted — nor believed blindly — on face value, but it’s one of the main reasons veterinarians are so eager to study the possible medicinal uses of CBD in pets. Though there are some topical treat- ments, cannabis oil is typically administered orally to dogs. The correct dosage is imperative. Again, herein lies a problem, as research needed to determine the correct dosage for dogs simply has not been done yet. Dr. Richard Sullivan of the AVMA, recently told Congress: “Clients are asking us, and it’s our obligation morally and ethi- cally to address these cases. We need the research, and we need our national associa- tion to represent us at [the] FDA and get things moving. We do need to be in the conversation.” We here at The New Barker, continue to have conversations with local pet industry professionals and members of our Veterinary Advisory Board, who have first- hand knowledge of the multitude of CBD products on the market. As with anything involving your pet’s healthcare and diet, we always recommend having a conversation with your family veterinarian. For some immediate, more in depth information, consider downloading a free CBD Buyer’s Guide from Dogs Naturally at DogsNaturallyMagazine.com/cannabis- dog-can-help In the meantime, please enjoy the following articles, written exclusively for The New Barker by two pet professionals, Angela Ardolino and Twila Cole. It’s Legal and It Can Help Your Dog. by Anna Cooke Nature’s Pet Herbals CBD oils and treats. New easy- to-use spray helps with pet anxi- ety and for pain relief.Available at Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater (727.446.7999) and Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg Le Pup in Mt. Dora (352.735.4755) and Ocoee (407.578.5552) CBD products, sourced and made in the USA and locally sold. Treatibles Grain free large chews. Full cannabinoid content is at least 180 mg Phytocannabinoid Rich Oil, making these treats the most cost-effective on the market.At BarkLife in Seminole (727.399.3647) and St. Pete (727.343.7700). Keep the CBD treats separated from your regular treats so that you always know how much you’re giving your dog. Swamp Yeti Products Info@SwampYetiProducts.com or call Dr. Kristen Brauer at Sunshine Animal Hospital, 727.791.7242. U