As Medical Marijuana gains legal traction (USA) Vets are turning to cannabis for canines
FORT SMITH Medical marijuana has been a big
topic for people, but what about pets? Some are
finding relief for their canine companions with
legal forms of cannabis.
Dr. Remer has been a veterinarian in Fort Smith
for more than 30 years and said there's a new way
to treat animals; hemp pills and oils.
"I have used it for arthritic dogs," Remer said. "I
have used it with dogs who are anxious during
storms or someone new being in the house or
dogs that were so nervous that they were
vomiting. Not only does the oil relieve the
anxiety, it blocks them from vomiting and that's
a God-send for a lot of owners."
The pills and oils are not marijuana and they
won't get the dog high. Instead, they contain
olive oil and hemp, which is legal across the
country.
"There aren’t any toxins," Remer said. "The
THC is the compound that causes the euphoria,
the feel-good stuff. This doesn't have that. So, if
we can use this compound free of the toxins, then
we're going to get the beneficial effects without
the side effects of the intoxication."
From anxiety to broken bones, vets said the
hemp products are helping dogs in a different
way than traditional medication.
"[This is] a compound that will not affect the
kidneys, will not affect the liver, and doesn't
cause the gastrointestinal problems like the anti-
inflammatories," Remer said. "But, it will stop
pain, it will stop anxiety. I've tried it and patients
have responded marvellously." Dr. Remer said
locals are becoming more open to helping their
pets.
"As long as it's safe, I could see it being helpful,"
dog owner, Josh Morgan said. "We have our
Yorkie and when we moved into our house, had
really bad anxiety. He was actually tearing the
dry wall. His anxiety was so bad, he would just
sit there and tear up the wall every time we left."
Dr. Remer said this could be the start of
something new.
"It's opening up a whole new door for us on what
we're able to use and help the animals with
without resorting to pharmaceutical means,"
Remer said.
The dosage of pills and oil vary depending on the
weight of the dog.
http://wqad.com/2017/03/28/as-medical-
marijuana-gains-legal-
traction-vets-are-
turning-to-cannabis-
for-canines/