The decision to investigate the potential use of cannabis as a treatment option for your pet is a personal one. However, as in any situation where your pet’s health is concerned, it is prudent to have an open line of communication with your pet’s health care team.
Therefore, I believe the first step in the practical use of cannabis for any pet should be the conversation with your veterinarian. This important step is one of the hardest for the average pet owner to accomplish. While questions regarding other aspects of veterinary care are routine and easy, the discussion surrounding cannabis seems to be intimidating for pet parents. Whether due to the stigma involved, the risk of rejection or simple embarrassment, the fear is real. There are many pet parents who feel that their veterinary team will not support or agree with their decision, and this can lead to frustration and irritation. In some cases, past negative experiences may force pet owners to seek information elsewhere, sometimes from unreliable sources.
Therefore, open discussion and collaboration with your pet’s veterinary medical team is crucial. However, if you want to consider using cannabis in your pet, you will most likely have to initiate the conversation. This can be empowering as well as daunting.
In order to avoid any of the above scenarios, it helps to be prepared. Consider these steps when deciding to raise the issue in the clinic.
–Let your intentions be known as early as possible. When making the appointment or when checking in to the clinic, mention that you are interested in discussing cannabis as it relates to your pet’s condition. This may give the clinic the ability to collect information for you, print handouts or ensure that the appointment is made with the most appropriate practitioner.
–Ask if there is a ‘cannabis-friendly’ veterinarian or paraprofessional that may be best suited to your needs. To ensure the best possible outcome from the most knowledgeable team member.
–Have information with you to support your position. Ideally, information about general use and safety, or as it relates to your pet’s specific condition. This can be in the form of research or journal articles, downloadable information from a science-based website, news stories, etc. Use information that originates from a respectable, unbiased, educational source, NOT from a product company.
–Have goals in mind. What do you hope to attain using cannabis? Are you looking for a natural alternative, do you want to discontinue other medications, or is your current therapy not working and you wish to add an adjunct to improve your results? Having reasonable expectations and making your desires clear can help you and your pet’s health care team develop a reasonable plan.
–Be flexible. It’s important to understand that this is an initial first step in exploring the potential for your pet’s individual needs. There may be more discussion, research, lab testing, etc. necessary before determining if cannabis is appropriate for your pet. Continuing the information gathering takes cooperation on both sides.
–If you have already started using a product, please bring it with you to the appointment. Also bring any packaging and paperwork, including the COA. If you have been keeping track of your progress, bring your notes or journal. Any information that gives specifics about the product formulation, safety and concentration is necessary from a medical perspective. Progress notes are helpful for the veterinary team to watch for trends, whether they are positive or negative.
–Be respectful. Remember that this is a learning process on BOTH sides of the exam table.
From the doctor’s perspective, it may help pet owners to know that veterinarians truly want to help your pet, regardless of their stance on the use of cannabis. However, in many cases, the reluctance to embrace cannabis as a potential medicinal aid may stem, not from a negative attitude or a disbelief, but uncertainty and a desire to “do no harm.”
In many cases, the veterinarian may be new to this information as well. Remember that there is an incredible amount of variation in the attitude, comfort level and knowledge base within the veterinary community. In some cases, depending on the state in which they practice, there are legal and regulatory challenges that may prevent them from having the discussion or appearing to recommend some of these products. Most practitioners are, understandably, unwilling to put their license to practice at risk. In addition, until recently, the only experience many veterinarians may have had with cannabis may have been negative. This usually stems from having to treat pets that have suffered accidental overdoses of THC products and are suffering from toxicity.
I believe that as this industry continues to grow and we learn more, the overall acceptance and willingness to explore the possibility of cannabis as a therapeutic will grow and this conversation will get easier. It is also likely, that regulatory barriers will slowly dissolve. Until then, proceed slowly, with an open mind, and with respect.
Unfortunately, there are cases where, despite the above steps, the conversation may not necessarily go as planned. If this is the case, it is important to determine why your veterinarian is not willing or able to discuss or engage in pursuing this course of action. Is it because of concerns regarding liability, regulatory or legal issues? Is the doctor simply not comfortable or knowledgeable enough to feel confident guiding you through this process? Or does your veterinarian truly have concerns over whether your pet may not be the best candidate from a safety standpoint.
As the pet owner, you have the right to make choices in what you give to your pet. Many opt to proceed with cannabis, even if their veterinarian cannot assist them. If you find yourself in this situation, please be sure to take into consideration any real safety concerns your pet’s doctor may have. It’s never a bad idea to get a second opinion if you desire, but in the end, as the pet owner, you must take responsibility for the choices you make.
If you decide to pursue this course of action, use the most reliable, up-to-date information available to help guide you. To give you the best chance of success, proceed slowly and carefully. Also remember that whether your vet is actively taking part in the process or not, he or she is still taking responsibility for oversight of your pet’s health. This includes regular exams and monitoring, as well as being informed of any and all medications, vitamins and supplements you are giving, including any cannabis products.
