CBD oil for palliative care in pets
Palliative care for pets is about improving comfort and quality of life when curative treatment is no longer an option. Whether managing chronic pain, easing anxiety, or alleviating discomfort from terminal illness, palliative care focuses on the comfort and wellbeing of pets in their final stages of life to support a peaceful, dignified end.
One emerging treatment that’s gaining attention in this area is CBD oil, a product derived from the cannabis plant, which, when used under veterinary supervision, can offer promising benefits for pets in need of compassionate end-of-life care.
In this article, we’ll explore how CBD oil can be integrated into palliative care plans for pets, its potential benefits, and important considerations for both vets and pet owners.
Full spectrum CBD oil
Full spectrum CBD oil contains not only cannabidiol (CBD) but also a variety of other compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant, including minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The combination of these compounds works together in what’s known as the ‘entourage effect’. This theory suggests that the various compounds in cannabis interact synergistically to enhance the therapeutic benefits of CBD, making full spectrum products potentially more effective than CBD isolates, which contain only CBD.
Benefits of full spectrum CBD oil for Pets in palliative care
Full spectrum CBD oil can be a valuable tool as part of a pet’s end-of-life care plan as it provides the following benefits:
Pain relief: CBD has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Full spectrum CBD oil can further amplify these pain-relieving effects through the entourage effect. For pets dealing with chronic pain from conditions like osteoarthritis or cancer, this enhanced relief can provide significant comfort, and it may reduce reliance on stronger medications that may have undesirable side effects.
Reduced anxiety: Pets in palliative care may experience stress or anxiety whether due to their illness or changes in their routine. The terpenes in full spectrum CBD, combined with cannabinoids, can help provide a calming effect and improve the pet’s mood.
Improved sleep: Restlessness and sleep disturbance are common in pets dealing with advanced age and illness. Full spectrum CBD oil may promote better sleep quality.
Appetite stimulation: In many cases, pets in palliative care have reduced appetites which can lead to weight loss, low energy and weakness. THC, even in very small amounts, is known to stimulate appetite. Full-spectrum CBD oil may help your pet to eat more, leading to improved nourishment and increased energy levels.
Support for nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common in pets undergoing palliative care, whether due to their illness or medications. Full spectrum CBD oil can help reduce these symptoms, making the pet more comfortable.
Minimal side effects: When an appropriate dose has been prescribed by a vet, full spectrum CBD oil is generally safe and well tolerated by pets. Common side effects, if any, tend to be mild and may include temporary lethargy or gastrointestinal upset.
Considerations for vets and pet owners
While CBD oil holds great promise in palliative care, it’s important to understand that it is not a cure, and its use should be considered within the broader context of the pet’s overall care plan.
Vet supervision is key: CBD oil should always be prescribed by a vet for safety and legal reasons. Dosing must be tailored to each pet’s specific needs, and potential interactions with other medications should be carefully managed. Bloods should be taken before and during treatment so your vet can track any changes that may occur.
Product quality matters: Not all CBD oils are created equal. Pet owners should avoid unregulated black market products and should instead use prescribed, high quality CBD products that are lab tested for purity and consistency. This ensures that the product contains the correct amount of CBD and THC, and is free from harmful contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides. At Kindred, our products meet these exacting standards - quality is our top priority. When you choose Kindred CBD, you are choosing a product you can trust to safely and effectively support your pet’s health and wellness. Read about the legalities of CBD in Australia and the dangers of black market products.
CBD is not first line treatment: For many pets, traditional medications are usually the first line of treatment for most conditions. CBD oil may be used as a complementary or alternative therapy, especially when conventional treatments fail to provide sufficient relief or cause unwanted side effects.
Understand the limitations of CBD: While CBD oil can offer significant relief for some, it’s important to understand that it may not work for every pet or every condition. CBD is usually used as part of a comprehensive multimodal approach, as opposed to a standalone treatment. CBD can be easily added into the majority of medication regimens as it interacts with so few pharmaceuticals.
THC sensitivity: Pets, especially dogs, are far more sensitive to THC than humans. This is why full spectrum CBD oils formulated for pets contain only trace amounts of THC. However, it is essential to monitor your pet closely when starting any new treatment to ensure they respond well and avoid potential side effects.
Conclusion
For pets nearing the end of life, comfort is the highest priority. Full spectrum CBD oil provides a compassionate, non-invasive option to help ease the physical and emotional challenges pets face in palliative care. When used under the supervision of a vet, it may enhance an animal’s quality of life and offer relief from symptoms of chronic illness and terminal conditions. However, CBD is not a cure-all, and its effects vary between individual animals.
For pet parents seeking comfort for their companions in their final stages, consulting with a vet about CBD oil as part of a comprehensive care plan may provide a gentle path to peace.
At Kindred, we believe that every animal deserves to live pain-free and with ease, especially before they go to ‘The Rainbow Bridge’.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how CBD oil may help your pet.
