Americans spend over $70 Billion per year on their pets, and just like the rest of the world, this trend is rapidly rising here in the United States. Our pets will reap the rewards of the emerging markets of CBD infused pet treats, tinctures, and topical treatments. Just like for humans, CBD is beneficial for pain management, seizures, and anxiety in animals. However, most of the evidence claiming CBD benefits for pets is anecdotal.
What Does Dr. Andrea Holmes Say about Using CBD for Pets?
Dr. Holmes personally believes in administering CBD for pets that are senior and suffer from pain and disabilities. As a scientist, she backs her beliefs by experimental evidence. In 2018, an original research article published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science reported the clinical efficacy of cannabidiol in osteoarthritic dogs. This clinical study suggested that 2mg/kg of CBD, administered twice a day, relieved pain and promoted increased activity in dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The therapeutic effects of cannabinoid treatment of other animal species, such as ferrets, cats, dogs, and monkeys have been reported in the scientific literature.
What do Veterinarians Think about CBD Treatment for Pets?
A 2019 study of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) demonstrated that 61.5% felt comfortable discussing the use of CBD within their professional network, but 45% did not feel comfortable discussing potential CBD therapy with their clients. These statistics suggest that the current unregulated CBD pet market and the shortage of scientific studies still represents a challenge to support the legitimacy of CBD therapy, even after the FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD derived medicine for the difficult to treat childhood epilepsy.
Where Do the Dots Connect Between CBD Processors and the CBD Industry for Pets?
In the United States, the pet food industry is highly regulated and must meet the Food and Drug Administration requirements. This stipulation applies to treats and chews, as well as their ingredients. CBD processors must produce the highest quality, fully traceable, cGMP compliant ingredients. Scientists and employees at these processing facilities must adhere to strict quality control practices and maintain a clean manufacturing facility that is inspected regularly by Departments of Public Health and Environment. The starting material, the hemp biomass, should be tested to assure that no molds, yeast, or pesticides are present. Only food-grade extraction solvents of the highest purity should be used and the products should not have any residual solvents in the CBD oil. Thus, pet owners can be assured that the best and cleanest CBD oil for their pet's food and treats is provided.
The Outlook of CBD Infused Pet Products
The CBD market for cats and dogs is gaining impressive momentum and is predicted to be a billion-dollar market within five years. That is why Dr. Andrea Holmes urges veterinarians to encourage pet owners to administer precisely dosed nutraceutical supplements for pain management, anxiety, and other ailments. The increasing legalization across the United States sets the states for federal and private funding for clinical trials of canine and feline CBD studies for epilepsy and pain management.
About Dr. Andrea Holmes, Chief Growth Officer at PPM:
At Precision Plant Molecules, Dr. Holmes infuses her passion for animals with her professional ambition to push the forefront of both the CBD industry as well as cannabinoid science. Serving as CGO, Dr. Holmes drives the commercial development process with customers focused on the introduction of novel formulations and ingredients involving both major and emerging cannabinoids, as well as product lines containing a full spectrum or specific cannabinoid ratios that are 100% THC free.
Dr. Holmes received her Ph.D. in organic chemistry at New York University and was a National Institutes of Health post-doctoral Fellow at Columbia University in the Department of Chemistry and Columbia Medical College, College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. She is a Professor of Chemistry at Doane University in Nebraska and holds appointments at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Dr. Holmes is also an animal advocate and has served as a volunteer at Hearts United for Animals in Auburn, Nebraska, and Pug Partners of Omaha. She is passionate about rescuing animals that are seniors, have disabilities, and are puppy mill survivors. She has rescued and adopted over 80 dogs, cats, horses, and other critters in her home in Nebraska and Denver, Colorado. In Denver, Dr. Holmes advocates for animal shelters like the National Mill Dog Rescue, works with Centers for Animal Pain Management, and she endorses companies that provide veterinarians with CBD products that are designed with formulation technology for precise dosing of CBD products for pets.
