Maybe, maybe not. It depends!
There is some resistance to nutraceuticals as the research and promotion efforts are heavily funded by the same companies that serve to benefit from the sale of common veterinary drugs and vaccines.
On the other hand, the emerging research for the many benefits of CBD over the last 20 years has convinced many in the medical community that there is something very important going on in the ECS and that the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol does have verified health benefits and a very strong safety profile.
In addition, as the laws continue to progress towards a lessening of cannabis prohibition both for medical and recreational uses, the public perception of cannabis as something to be ashamed about is starting to fade away.
The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill marked another landmark in the legalization of hemp across the U.S., including products made from it such as CBD oil.
More and more vets are becoming aware of their obligation to the health of their pets, including the use of cannabis-based medicine where appropriate. In fact, veterinarians in California recently worked together to attempt to pass a new law to protect veterinarians who prescribe cannabis-based medicine for their animal patients.
If you are met with a knee-jerk negative reaction from your veterinarian about the use of CBD oil for your dog, you may want to consider consulting with a holistic veterinarian in your area.
These specially trained veterinarians have all the same med school training as your traditional vet, plus additional training and ongoing education in the use of nutraceuticals, healing herbs, and in some cases, alternative therapies such as massage and acupuncture.
They tend to be more aware of the evolving research on CBD as well as more open to prescribing it in many cases.
But no matter your situation, we recommend checking with your veterinarian and letting them know you are interested in using CBD or any other new product for your pet.
While your vet may not be able to prescribe cannabis or CBD products, it will still be good for them to be aware of your planned usage.
