We are witnessing a growing interest in the use of cannabis in animal species, mainly due to its therapeutic and positive effects in humans. As in humans, dogs and cats, as well as other vertebrates / mammals, have an endocannabinoid system in their body that plays a major role in achieving balance. homeostasis. Homeostasis is a physiological process that allows the processes in the body, despite major changes in our environment, not to change significantly. Factors of the external environment constantly affect our organism, and our body reacts as a system and also responds to these changes. The endocannabinoid system in our bodies is responsible for achieving balance, the same goes for dogs, cats and other mammals.

The field of research has covered a large number of users in recent years, in 2019 a book was published in English entitled "Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine: Cannabinoid Therapies for Animals", which describes the research conducted in past period (source).

In a study from 2018 by Bartner and colleagues the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol (CBD) in healthy dogs are reported. Thirty dogs in the study were given several different cannabinoid formulations at doses of 75 mg and 150 mg every 12 hours for 6 weeks and measured plasma levels. All “volunteers” completed the study. They showed that the availability or. the bioavailability of cannabinoids from the tested formulations is best in the case of oral administration of cannabinoids (in addition to capsules and ointments).

A 2020 study by Wallace and colleagues found the motivation and expectations for using cannabis products to treat pain in humans and dogs. The results showed that the condition improved significantly in most users. Feelings of pain were significantly reduced, sleep was improved and the feeling of relaxation was increased. Functionality and overall well-being have improved in most cases. The results of the study showed qualitatively that cannabis products offer a return to normal. People choose cannabis products because they are natural and are a possible solution to manage chronic pain in cases where conventional medications have not been effective enough in both humans and dogs. The table below describes the reasons for using cannabis products to treat chronic pain in humans and dogs (summarized from the study, source)

In study from 2020, Verrico and colleagues determined the effect of cannabidiol on the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, cannabidiol was shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Dogs affected by osteoarthritis who participated in the study had significantly improved mobility.

Veterinarians throughout the world are increasingly resorting to cannabis preparations to relieve pain in domestic animals.

In the February issue of the journal Nature (2021), Corsetti and colleagues published a study of the effects of cannabidiol intake on dog behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CBD affects the stressful behavior of dogs in a shelter. The sample consisted of 24 dogs divided into two groups, which were created by alternating assignment of dogs: 12 dogs were assigned to the treatment and 12 to the control group. Treated dogs showed reduced aggressive behavior toward humans after treatment.

Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6038832/
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-020-00045-
https://journals.lww.com/pain/Citation/2020/09000/A_randomized,_double_blind,_placebo_controlled.24.aspx