Pets have become increasingly important as family members in Denmark. When Danish researchers asked 2,000 dog owners if they give their dogs cannabis-like preparations, 38 percent answered yes.
In many cases, the reason was pain relief. And an increase can also be seen in Sweden.
– It’s about wanting to do the best for your animal and help them feel better, says professor and veterinarian Henrik Rönnberg to TT.
“Very dangerous”
But according to him, the preparations can pose a direct danger to life.
– It can have life-threatening consequences, he says.
Instead of trying to treat their dog on their own, Henrik Rönnberg urges all dog owners to see a veterinarian. If, after all, the dog received any preparation before the visit, it is important to tell the vet – even if it can feel difficult.
– We need to know that because the cannabis preparations can affect other treatment that we give. For example, if a dog needs to be put to sleep and if it has received cannabis preparations, it can be very dangerous, he says.
– There may be a fear of being lectured by the vet, but the most important thing is to be honest. Then we can have a discussion about what problems the dog has and how we can treat it.
Calls for more research
The study was done by Danish researchers and published in the journal Plos One. There, more research was called for on the effects of cannabis preparations on dogs. Henrik Rönnberg agrees that it is necessary.
– More studies and products that are approved and meet certain requirements would be needed. It is not at all certain that the products contain what is promised, he says.