New dog treats on the market that claim to help hyperactivity and joint pain in animals is sparking controversy. The treats are infused with cannabidiol, also known as CBD.
For pet owners like Julie, keeping her animals happy and healthy is crucial, not just for them, but for her, too. She has epilepsy and her two dogs are her service animals.
Foxy is 19 years old and Daisy is 14.
"She has saved my life and has woken me up when I have had a seizure,” Julie says. “And she is underneath me, licking my face and both have woken me up."
She credits their good health to CBD oil and infused dog treats.
"They are not going to get high,” Julie says. “What they are going to do is get beautiful shiny coats. Be more playful and feel better."
CBD is said to be an anti-inflammatory to help aid in pain or anxiety. Julie says she gives a small amount of CBD to her dogs daily.
But veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein says that’s the challenge: regulating how much CBD is needed for a 6 pound dog like Julie’s versus an 80 pound dog in order to feel the effects.
“At this time, there really isn't any scientific data to support the use or misuse of CBD in animals," Dr. Klein says.
However, there is one study grabbing attention.
Dr. Stephanie McGrath, a neurologist at Colorado State University, found that 89 percent of dogs who received CBD in a clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
While some say the hype of CBD is out pacing studies, Travis Lippert wishes he knew about CBD for pets sooner.
Lippert lost his Corgi, Zeus, from multiple sclerosis
"When he was about 10, he would start dragging his leg and overtime became more and more paralyzed with his back toes forward," Lippert recalls.
Lippert felt he learned a lesson the hard way.
Now, Lippert has a new Corgi, and he believes his new dog’s physicality and mobility is great because he takes CBD every day.
Both Julie and Lippert swear by the effects CBD has on their pets. While Dr. Klein is not ruling out the positive effects of CBD, he says more studies need to be done.
“Because we want something to be true, wish it to be true, doesn't necessarily make it true," Dr. Klein says.
