Pet Project

Canines and Cannabis

By Amy Orozco The popularity of CBD for animals is evident by its presence in the pet food aisle of grocery stores and special sections in dispensaries. Dogs with chronic pain conditions, anxiety, or seizures seem to enjoy the benefits of CBD oil. However, as with humans, proper studies and research on the effectiveness of CBD has not been done, thanks to the illegal status of cannabis for so long.

There is anecdotal evidence, though. Veterinarians and dog owners report arthritic dogs seem more comfortable and pain-free when using CBD, which typically would have trace amounts, if any, of THC, the psychoactive compound that gives the “high.” It would be cruel to give a dog THC.

Where the CBD is sourced is probably the most important thing to consider when purchasing. Just because Whole Foods or your local health food store sells it, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Best to buy a pet-specific product at a licensed cannabis dispensary. Hemp, from which CBD comes, is a bio-accumulator used for ground cleaning, things like toxic waste sites and oil spills. You wouldn’t want to give your fur baby CBD made from tainted hemp. Be sure you are giving your pet a clean and safe product.

For dosing recommendations, the best case scenario is a conversation with a cannabis-friendly veterinarian. If that isn’t possible, you can research online.

A good starting point is

Medical Marijuana &

Your Pet by Dr. Richard Silva, DVM. Check it out at wellpetdispensary.com. C S

Q: How can 1 person save 100 homeless animals?

A: It’s easy. Just spay one.

Visit www.WhenToSpay.org today!

Clarification on Working Cats on Cannabis Farms

In last issue’s story Working Cats on Cannabis Farms, we reported that a mother cat and her kittens were homed on a cannabis farm. The cats were not placed there but rescued.

Volunteers helped trap the mom and removed her kittens to be fostered and fixed and adopted out as regular tame cats. Mom was the only one returned.

Additionally, the story’s artwork featured kittens, perhaps implying that kittens are placed as working cats. They are not. “Kittens are just prey if they are placed in ‘outdoor’ settings like a ranch or barn. The hawks can just swoop in and take them away,” according to Belinda Burns, volunteer for ASAP’s Working Cats Program. Before kittens are adopted out, they are altered, have a medical check-up and vaccinated, and are socialized with humans.

Here is something new we learned: nonprofit animal advocacy organizations such as the ASAP Working Cats Program like having the nurseries and greenhouses to place really light-colored cats that in another regular relocation site would stick out in the outside world. They would not survive long not being able to blend into the local vegetation. In a closed environment, they can survive for a long time and do a good job hunting.

Lastly, we apologize for not giving proper photo credit to Belinda Burns for photos in the story.

For information on ASAP’s Working Cats Program, contact Mary Scott at (805) 699-5739 or workingcats@asapcats.org. C S