CBD for Pets – A Vet’s Perspective
For this week’s episode on “It’s A Dog’s Life,” I got the chance to sit down with the amazing Dr. Zac Pilossoph. I met Dr. Zac at a speaking gig, and he shared the final panel with me. This was new and exciting because most cannabis conferences I attend don’t have actual veterinarians speaking, supporting, and simply talking about cannabis.
I’m grateful to have Dr. Zac on the show since he is one of the small group of vets today that support cannabis and natural healing.
Today, vets don’t get to learn about CBD, or even nutrition, in their practice. So when a vet goes over and beyond to learn about natural healing methods – I need to know more.
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A Vet’s Introduction to CBD
At the time, Dr. Zac was taking the generic path to becoming the veterinarian he wanted to be. After attending school, he had to figure out if he wanted to be a primary care veterinarian or a specialist in a chosen field. From there, Dr. Zac realized he wanted to specialize in neurology and neurosurgery.
When Dr. Zac choose his path, there was already a movement on the human side showing how CBD was helping with seizure control and other neurological inflammatory conditions. Because of this movement, vets like Dr. Zac had pet parents coming in asking about CBD for their pets, but unfortunately – most vets like Dr. Zac didn’t know how to help because they were never taught about it.
Although there are limitations of education in medical cannabis in the veterinary space, Dr. Zac took it upon himself to study and learn as much as he could.
When Dr. Zac started his research and education on CBD, it almost became frustrating, he said. It was frustrating because there was already so much proven research done showing the benefits of CBD not only helping humans, but our pets.
So, why aren’t more people aware of this?
The Fear Factor
“There is a lot of tension and frustrations that can be implemented in this situation. But at the same time, tension and frustration never got us anywhere.” – Dr. Zac
Dr. Zac expressed his tiredness of the situation. There is so much fear that is implemented on CBD because of one single compound or molecule that exists in one sub-component of the cannabis plant. So, to put that fear and harsh restriction on every single component and sub-component in the plant, when they don’t have the psychoactive effect that THC has, is a shame. It’s a shame because there are so many components and sub-components in the plant that have amazing health and wellness benefits.
When you have millions of both humans and animals that can really benefit from Cannabis, why can’t our vets and other professionals be educated about it and why can’t the world be told? The fear factor of THC.
But, when used correctly, there are even benefits to the small sub-component in the plant, THC.
Learn more about THC and your pet >>
The Constant Confusion
In today’s world, or even in the CBD industry, it’s very hard for pet parents to understand the right from wrong, and the good from the bad when looking for something to help their pet. CBD is an unregulated industry, so trying to find the right information can be hard and confusing.
When you have huge agencies and trained veterinarians telling you CBD will hurt your dog, and smaller companies doing the proper research, displaying the benefits, science and trying to spread the word – it’s confusing. There is a whole movement going on showing what good CBD can do for both us humans and pets, but then there is this massive agency telling you not to do it. It’s an on-going conflict that might still be here for a long time.
That’s why Dr. Zac went ahead and made sure to educate himself on the global topic of medical cannabis, so he had the right information, prior to giving back to the rest of the world.
On the human side of things, doctors aren’t shoving CBD down anyone’s throat, but, they’re giving the option to self-medicate with CBD.
“How do we find that bridging gap between these great people such as yourself in this group that are doing such amazing work? And the veterinary side which is trained to say this is not an FDA approved drug so it doesn’t exist and I can’t use it. How do we find that bridge?” – Dr. Zac
There needs to be an actual understanding and education on CBD for veterinarians so pet parents have the option to use CBD if it will help their pet. But, there also has to be the guidance to find high-quality and safe products for our pets.
A Success Story
One of our newest rescues on the farm, Potato, came to us with so many health issues. She was overweight and had many tumors around her neck.
I gave her 50 milligrams of full spectrum CBD every day, it’s been 2 months now and her one tumor is completely gone, she’s at a healthy weight, and she is running all over the place like a puppy again.
There are so many stories like this, but since we can’t advertise CBD, it’s hard to get the word out to pet parents around the world.
Broad Spectrum vs. Full Spectrum
The hemp plant has hundreds, if not thousands of molecules in itself. And among these molecules, there is a way they work together to help our pets, like Potato, heal from cancer, seizures and allergies. I can go on and on.
When you start to take away other molecules that might help another one or enhance another component, adverse effects can come from the product.
Long story short, we need to use cannabis the way it was given to us, the full plant.
Learn more about what Full Spectrum means >>
This is the same for other plant medicines. For example, Lavender oil for our pets. Companies are taking this already perfect plant, taking away components, adding components, and messing with the plant that is already ready to help our pets. Then, when someone randomly buys a lavender oil product for their pet that has been messed around with, and it harms their dog, now lavender oil “isn’t safe for our pets.” But, it wasn’t the plant that harmed them, it was the extra component that was added to that product.
If a plant in its natural form is going to help us and our pets, don’t mess with it.
Getting the word out
Unfortunately, because of the FDA and other regulations, the only thing that will get us anywhere is if people like myself and Dr. Zac just keep talking and educating people about CBD. Dr. Zac and I believe in meeting pet parents where they are, giving them the best information possible and guiding them through the process. We understand this may be new to many pet parents and it is our goal to make them feel comfortable and informed.
We’re also very happy to announce Dr. Zac is now our vet and on the board of directors for my rescue farm, Fire Flake Farm.
To book a consultation, book a speaker, or simply get in contact with Dr. Zac – click here.
To book a consultation, book a speaker, or simply get in contact with Angela Ardolino – click here.
About Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert who has been caring for animals for over 20 years, and operates a rescue farm, Fire Flake Farm, in Florida. She is also the owner of Beautify the Beast, a natural pet salon and shop. After getting her certificate in Medical Cannabis Biology and Therapeutic use from the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she founded CBD Dog Health to provide high quality, all-natural medical cannabis products designed specifically for pets. Angela has seven dogs, Odie a 12-year-old mini-schnauzer, Nina an 8-year-old Doberman. Jolene a 7-year-old mutt, Maza a 7-year-old mutt, Rhemi an 8-year-old poodle, Potato a 15-year-old shih-tzu, and Miss Daisie a 15-year-old black lab, plus 4-10 more at any time she is fostering or boarding. She uses Full Spectrum Hemp Extract on all her pets at her rescue farm every day, and has since 2016. She is a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, the Veterinary Cannabis Association and has trained hundreds medical doctors and veterinarians about the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis on animals. Visit www.angelaardolino.com for more information.
About Dr. Zac Pilossoph
Dr. Zac Pilossoph, a Long Island, NY born, nationally recognized veterinary medical professional, a top graduate of Tufts University Veterinary School of Medicine with post-graduate focused training in E/CC and Neurology/Neurosurgery at two of the most recognized programs in the country, and a young multidimensional serial entrepreneur, has rapidly and collaboratively helped promote a new wave of global evolution and individual empowerment in more ways than one. In addition to developing and launching several novel platforms in the veterinary and mental health fields, he is now quickly joining some of the most reputable leaders in the cannabis education and innovation space. Dr. Pilossoph is determined to synergize with colleagues, allowing evidence-based information to fuel a rapidly expanding industry. As one of the world’s most proactive cannabis-focused experts in his respective industry, Dr. Pilossoph provides tremendous value by delivering non-bias, harm reduction education, via both large-scale speaking engagements and individualized consultations, to the global cannabis pet and vet industry. Further, he is a Certified CBD Professional Educator through the CBD Training Academy and has started a nationally influential multi-tiered cannabis brokerage firm titled Excelsior Honour Associates. Lastly, he acts as a consultant for the CBD product space in order to impart as much quality, control, and consistency across the industry as much as possible.