CBD for Dogs
With a rapidly growing cannabis industry, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for pets has become a hot topic among pet parents, veterinarians and manufacturers. There are countless products available on the market for your dog containing CBD and/or hemp.
We know how important taking care of your dog is to you. When a dog is facing problems such as anxiety, poor appetite, having seizures, or is facing serious health problems, it’s only natural for an owner to want to try every possible means to help a beloved companion and improve quality of life.
The Sparky’s Spots team has spent many hours spent doing our own investigation for our readers to understand what CBD is, why you might want to give it to your dog, and most importantly, what research exists on CBD and dogs. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and concerns about CBD and dogs.
- What is CBD Oil? Can It Get My Dog High?
- How Can CBD Help My Dog’s Health?
- Is CBD Oil Safe For Dogs?
- How Does CBD Affect Dogs?
- Is CBD Oil Legal?
- Hemp vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
- Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dogs: Not the Same Thing
- What Are Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs?
- What Research Exists on Effects of CBD in Dogs?
- Full Spectrum vs. Isolate CBD for Dogs
- CBD Dosage For Dogs
- CBD for Dogs: How to Choose
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Just looking for the best CBD for dogs? We’re also pleased to offer our reviews of top-selling CBD for dogs.
What is CBD Oil? Will It Get My Dog High?
CBD is one of the phytocannabinoid molecules produced by the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis plants produce lots of molecules and compounds, including cannabinoids. The use of CBD for health conditions such as seizures, pain, and anxiety has been advocated for many years and has continued to grow in popularity.
CBD differs from THC, the molecule that has euphoric/psychotropic properties. THC is better known for its reputation with those using it for recreational purposes. Because the cannabis family includes both marijuana and hemp plants, CBD is frequently confused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is another compound produced by cannabis plants cultivated as marijuana.
CBD is non-psychotropic, meaning it does not affect the receptors in the brain the same way that THC does. CBD oil is derived from hemp, which is not the same type of plant as its more famous and controversial relative, marijuana.
Use of CBD will not get your pet high. While it may affect the mind, it is not intoxicating. Because most CBD oils for pets are derived from hemp plants, not marijuana plants, the risk of your pet ingesting THC from a CBD oil derived from hemp is relatively low.
How Can CBD Help My Dog’s Health?
In recent years, CBD has become popular among humans for its therapeutic properties. Cannabinoids interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Be aware that at this time, potential health benefits CBD has for dogs is anecdotal. It is believed to help provide relief from the effects of anxiety, pain, arthritis, and other health problems.
Common issues dog owners using CBD are concerned about include:
Anxiety |
Allergies |
Pain & Stiffness |
Other Concerns |
Vet visits, travel and car rides |
Excessive itching |
Recovery from surgery |
Seizures |
Separation anxiety |
Licking and “hot spots” |
Age-related, i.e. arthritis |
Appetite concerns |
Loud noises |
Skin issues |
Inflammation |
Aggressive behavior |
Grooming & nail trimming |
Digestive issues |
Injuries |
Cancer |
If you walk into just about any store or dispensary selling CBD, the staff (who probably do not have a veterinary degree) will more than likely tell you about all sorts of medical benefits for your dog. We want to help our dogs too, but we believe consumers should be informed. Do not believe everything a manufacturer or salesperson tells you. They do not know your dog or his medical conditions.
We encourage our readers to be cognizant of misleading and unproven claims. CBD oil should never replace timely medical care for your dog. The FDA recognizes potential possibilities in the use of CBD, but has not approved it for use in animals. Many claim that CBD oil can cure cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimers. While it is known that CBD oil can help manage anxiety, insomnia and pain in humans, and the research for dogs looks promising, the research to understand what the side effects are is still in very early stages. There is even less research for long-term effects on dogs.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
Much of what we know so far about CBD’s effectiveness on dogs is based on anecdotal evidence, consumer experiences and experimentation. In 2019, nearly 11% of dog owners had used CBD products of some sort for their pet.
However, a recent study on single-dose pharmacokinetics and the safety of CBD in dogs and cats indicated that CBD appears to be safe in healthy adult dogs, but further study is needed to understand how cats absorb and metabolize CBD oil. Pharmacokinetics relates to how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and ultimately excreted by a living organism.
Colorado State University’s 2016 study on pharmacokinetics of CBD in dogs was conducted to help with determining safe dosages to be used in further research. The initial study determined that CBD was well-tolerated in healthy dogs, with oil formulations or tinctures showing the best bioavailability.
Common side effects of CBD in dogs include diarrhea, drowsiness, and elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a liver enzyme, with chronic usage. It is important to understand that with any potential drug interaction, CBD may change the effectiveness of other drugs or medication your dog may be on. This can occur by changing the concentration of those substances in your dog’s bloodstream or affecting how these are absorbed by him.
The research is moving forward, but so are the concerns about unproven medical claims, interactivity with other drugs, and unknown quality and ingredients in products sold as CBD. Many CBD manufacturers have been issued warnings for publishing false claims or for inaccurate representation of what’s in their products.
In 2020, the FDA tested 56 CBD oil tinctures and found that 25 of them had more than 120% of the CBD indicated on the level.
Pet poison hotlines indicate that dogs who show signs of marijuana toxicity after taking CBD have more than likely been exposed to THC. This can happen with CBD that was contaminated from THC, or worse, synthetic cannabinoids.
Many CBD manufacturers have been investigated for their claims, including some of the most popular sellers on the market today.
How Does CBD Affect Dogs?
All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, which is a cell-signaling system in the body with receptors throughout the body, including brain, nervous system, major organs, and even our gastrointestinal tract. The endocannabinoid system is involved in processes including pain, mood, memory, appetite, sleep, and many more. Endocannabinoids help transmit nerve impulses to the brain to trigger effects on the body. Endocannabinoid receptors can also be affected by foreign substances that act like a endocannabinoid. Cannabinoids can be found in the different species of cannabis plant, but also in ginseng, black pepper, cloves, broccoli, cacao, kava and many more plants.
The cannabinoids from CBD resemble the body’s natural endocannabinoids, so they are able to act on functions within the body. The science is still very much in its infancy as to how exactly it works and what long-term consequences are, if any.
Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in the brain than humans do, and are more susceptible to toxic effects of THC and synthetic cannabinoids.
Is CBD Legal?
Provided your CBD oil is derived from hemp, it is legal in all 50 states. Some CBD oils are derived from marijuana plants and is therefore considered a marijuana-derived product. These CBD oils are illegal in states where marijuana is not legalized. Any oil containing over 0.3% THC is considered marijuana. CBD oils must not contain THC levels higher than that amount. Some companies sell pure hemp oil (that does not contain CBD) claiming it has the same benefits as CBD. Next we explain how that differs from CBD.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dogs: Not the Same Thing
Hemp oil is derived from the seeds of hemp plants and does not contain cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is used as a base in many cannabis tinctures, including CBD oil. Most hemp oil is processed from industrially grown hemp plants.
CBD oil is sourced from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant. Hemp-derived CBD is considered safe for pets and legal in all 50 states. CBD that is derived from marijuana plants is illegal and should not be given to dogs.
Neither hemp nor CBD oil should contain more than 0.3% THC or it is considered marijuana.
You can read more about the differences between hemp and CBD oil here.
Hemp vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
Cannabis is a genus within the plant family Cannabaceae. Within the Cannabis genus are three species of plants: Cannibis sativa, Cannibis indica, and Cannibis ruderalis.
Cannabis grown as hemp
Cannabis grown as marijuana
- Cultivated primarily for fibers and seeds used for derivative and industrial products
- Taller plants grown in bulk outdoors, optimized for fast growth and higher stalk yield
- Lower concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Hemp/Hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% THC were legalized under Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018
- CBD sourced from hemp requires more of the plant to produce as hemp plants have less resin
- Cultivated (usually indoors) for recreational, medicinal, and therapeutic use
- Smaller plants cultivated indoor under controlled conditions to maximize budding flowers
- Higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Controlled substance, still illegal in most states, remains illegal under Federal law (Controlled Substance Act)
- Marijuana plants have more resin and therefore require less of the plant to produce CBD
- CBD oil sourced from marijuana may have enough THC to cause intoxicating effects
What Are Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs?
CBD is not a regulated drug so there is no established recommended dosage for dogs. Documented side effects include:
- Diarrhea, drowsiness, decrease in saliva production
- Increase in certain liver enzymes with long-term use
It is not known how CBD might interact with any other medications or supplements your dog is taking, but it could certainly change the rate of metabolism for these substances.
What Research Exists on Effects of CBD in Dogs?
While trials in humans and in dogs continue, the research is still very much in its infancy. It is not still known exactly how CBD treats seizures or other conditions. Many of the tests done on laboratory animals don’t yield findings that explain how humans or dogs will respond. The articles touted by many cannabis advocates that make claims about how a lab rat’s tumor responded to CBD may not necessarily be a good indicator that CBD will cure every ailment your dog has.
Until science can confirm and validate the claims made by its proponents, it’s best to consider the possibilities of CBD relieving symptoms of issues and illnesses like cancer, rather than expecting it to cure them. A study completed in 2018 showed that CBD did cause a significant decrease in pain and increased activity among dogs in the study. This research is promising but still in very early stages.
One of the most well-known trials is part of the research being conducted at Colorado State University. Presently, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is conducting ongoing research about the use of cannabidiol to treat dogs with epilepsy. The results of these trials indicate so far (as of February 2020) that CBD is well-tolerated in healthy dogs, has a half-life of 2-4 hours within their systems, and has the most bioavailability when given in an oil tincture. Colorado State has also completed clinical trials on the efficacy of CBD for treating epilepsy and what the correct dosages should be for dogs.
Full Spectrum vs. Isolate CBD for Dogs
Among CBD products on the market today, there are three major categories. These are:
- Full Spectrum CBD
- Isolate CBD
- Broad Spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD is extracted in a way that preserves most of the other cannabinoids and beneficial compounds in the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum might include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but a CBD oil sold for dogs should only have trace amounts of it.
Isolate CBD is a product distilled to isolate only CBD/cannabidiol. This product is completely isolated from any other compounds and comes in a crystal-like powder that can then be mixed into carrier oils or incorporated into powders.
Broad spectrum is created by formulating a product that has CBD isolate added in with only specific compounds from the cannabis plant or by an extraction method that removes THC and quite a few other compounds completely.
You can read more about the differences between these products and how quickly they are absorbed by your dog here.
CBD Dosage For Dogs
Remember that CBD is not a regulated veterinary drug, and there are no established dosage amounts for dogs. Dosage for dogs will vary.
The true effective therapeutic dose of CBD oil for any condition is still not known. It’s still illegal for many veterinarians to prescribe or outright recommend CBD oil as a treatment for your dog, but you should still inform them that you are planning to give your dog CDB so they can assess whether or not it will affect or counteract any medications your dog is already taking.
We’ve done more in-depth research on this topic. Read more about it here.
How To Choose CBD For Your Dog:
Due to the unregulated market, there are a lot of inferior products out there. You want a high-quality product for your dog and you want to know exactly what’s in it. Here are some guidelines:
- Choose a product that is specifically made for dogs because some CBD products have ingredients that are poisonous to dogs, such as theobromine, xylitol sweetener or carrier oils like grapeseed
- Make sure you are getting actual CBD oil, not hemp oil with clever packaging.
- The most popular and safe form of CBD is in an oil tincture. This has also been proven to be the most effective way for it to absorb, and for pets, the easiest way to ensure a precise dose.
- CBD for dogs should not contain levels of THC above 0.3%, otherwise, it is considered marijuana, possibly illegal, and definitely unsafe for your dog.
- High-quality CBD oil can be pricey. Don’t choose CBD for your dog based on price.
- The manufacturer should have a current Certificate of Analysis (COA) readily available. This should reflect an analysis of their product and its content, conducted by an independent third-party laboratory. Reputable manufacturers will issue a COA for every batch of CBD oil they sell.
- Avoid a company that does not prominently display a recent COA for their CBD products.
- Due to how industrial hemp is grown and processed, organic is best.
- Tinctures are best for therapeutic purposes.
CBD treats are often processed, heated and it may be difficult to judge potency over time by administering CBD only in chews or treats. While these can be a good way to give your dog CBD as part of a wellness routine, if you are concerned about potency and dosage, use an oil tincture.
We’ve chosen a few popular manufacturers of CBD oil for dogs to review. You can read more about them here:
What is a COA or Certificate of Analysis?
The COA is a certificate indicating that a laboratory independent of the manufacturer tested the CBD oil to make sure the percentages are correct and it’s free from foreign and toxic byproducts.
If the product you are looking at does not have a current (within the last year) COA readily available, move on. If you are buying a bottle of CBD in a store, many of them have a code you can scan on the bottle that will link you to the certificate online if you scan with your phone.
Choose a CBD manufacturer who can provide a current (within the past year) Certificate of Analysis (COA) that shows they have commissioned independent third-party testing. A COA will show information such as the percentage of CBD and THC, along with any contaminants. Some oils have far more THC in them than listed on the label.
Ensure the party who carried out the analysis is an accredited laboratory, not another manufacturer or cannabis company. Many of the third-party testing “companies” are part of the cannabis industry and you have no way of knowing if there is a conflict of interest.
The certificate should include:
- A certificate ID
- Indication showing date of the test, who completed it, and the party that requested it.
- Cannabinoids with the total mg per unit showing how much THC and CBD
- Terpenes
- Microbials, Foreign Matter, Heavy metals, Pesticides
Reputable manufacturers will issue a COA for every batch of CBD oil they sell.
What is the efficacy of cbd oil for a dog
ABSC Organics believes in our product and in the power of CBD to improve your pet’s wellness and quality of life. But we know there’s a difference between belief and proof—between anecdotal stories and clinical evidence. We care about that difference, and we care about pets. As a veterinary CBD company, we have sponsored three, major clinical trials at the nation’s leading veterinary research institution. Want to learn more? We’ve got the ultimate guide to veterinary CBD oil research right here.
CBD Research for Pets —What does the Research Say?
Currently, ABSC has sponsored 3 clinical trials at major veterinary research institutions:
- Phase 1 Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Toxicity Trial at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Showed that CBD is most efficiently delivered in the form of oral oil, and that CBD is safe and well tolerated in dogs. 1
- Phase 2 Epilepsy Trial at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Showed that dogs with idiopathic epilepsy who receive treatment with CBD oil have an 89% reduction in seizure frequency. 2
- Phase 2 Osteoarthritis Trial at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Results are pending and await publication. 3
CBD Research for Pets —What do I need to know about clinical trials?
Phase 1 CBD clinical trial—IS IT SAFE?
When it comes to clinical research, Phase 1 is the beginning of the clinical trial process. A Phase 1 trial attempts to determine if a treatment is safe. This is the first step before moving on to determine if the treatment works for a given condition or illness.
ABSC Organics sponsored the first Phase 1 Trial for veterinary CBD use in 2016.
With ABSC sponsorship, Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences took the lead in veterinary CBD research in 2016. Using our product, Dr. Stephanie McGrath and her team at CSU investigated the safety of specified combinations and delivery methods of our hemp-hybrid oil extract in dogs. The results confirmed that dogs tolerated clinical doses of the compound found in ABSC Pure Organic CBD Oil™ without adverse effects. 1 These results were presented at the Institute of Cannabis Research Conference at CSU-Pueblo on April 29, 2017, and were published in the Fall 2018 issue of the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
Phase 1 Study Also Shows that CBD Oil is the most effective delivery method.
In addition to proving that dogs could tolerate large doses of CBD with minimal side effects, another part of that Phase 1 study looked at delivery methods. The researchers tested three methods: oral micro-encapsulated oil beads, oral CBD-infused oil, and CBD-infused transdermal cream. 6
According to results published the July 2018 issue of the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, “higher systemic exposures were observed with the oral CBD-infused oil formulation….and the oral CBD-infused oil provides the most favorable pharmacokinetic profile.” 7 The CBD-infused oil used in the study was the same oil in every bottle of ABSC Pure Organic CBD Oil™. 8
Phase 2 CBD Clinical Trial—Pilot Epilepsy Study
Once a Phase 1 trial has determined that a treatment is safe, researchers can begin with Phase 2 trials to look at efficacy. In other words, a Phase 2 trial seeks to answer the question: Does this treatment work? After the successful conclusion of the Phase 1 safety trial, Dr. McGrath and her colleagues at CSU launched a Phase 2 trial to study the use of CBD oil in dogs with epilepsy.
For this pilot epilepsy study, researchers initially enrolled twenty six dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. After exclusions, sixteen dogs completed the 12-week double-blind trial. Dogs were randomly assigned to a CBD group or placebo group, with the CBD group receiving ABSC’s CBD-infused oil twice daily for 12 weeks while continuing their existing anti-epileptic treatments. The placebo group received oil without CBD, and also continued their existing medications. All other parameters were consistent for both groups.
Dr. McGrath and her colleagues at CSU compared seizure activity, adverse effects, and plasma CBD concentrations over the course of the twelve weeks, and found that 89% of the dogs in the CBD group saw a reduction in seizure frequency. Researchers also found a strong correlation between plasma (blood) CBD concentration and reduced seizure frequency. 2 Results from this study were published in the June 1, 2019 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Association. 2
Based on the exciting results from the pilot study at CSU, the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation has sponsored a larger study with Dr. McGrath to further study the effects of Cannabidiol on canine epilepsy. 11
Phase 2 CBD Clinical Trials—Osteoarthritis
Researchers at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences are working on a Phase 2 osteoarthritis trial—results from that trial are pending and should be published soon. 13
CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats—Clinical Trial FAQs
It seems like everyone is pushing CBD oil these days. Why haven’t more clinical trials been completed?
CBD shows great promise in treating humans and animals for a diverse array of conditions. And yet, research is limited due to regulatory confusion and questions of legality. Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences took an early position that the 2014 Farm Bill legalized CBD as a product of industrial hemp, and began research soon after. Subsequent legislation in 2018 solidified this position, although regulations differ from state to state.
The CBD oil trials look very promising—I want to try CBD with my pet. Can I assume that any CBD oil I buy will give similar results to those seen in the studies?
You absolutely CANNOT assume that all CBD oils on the market will deliver similar results. Some may be full spectrum (includes all components of the cannabis plant, including THC), others may be broad spectrum (includes a broad array of terpenes and cannabinoids, but excludes THC), while still others may be CBD isolate (includes only cannabidiol). In addition, lack of FDA regulation means that unscrupulous operators may be selling product that doesn’t contain the CBD concentration they are advertising. It’s important to choose your brand wisely, look for a Certificate of Analysis, and trust the brand that researchers have trusted for their studies.
The study summaries show that no major or concerning side effects were noted. Did the dogs who participated in the studies experience any side effects?
Like any treatment, CBD can give mild side effects, depending on the pet and the dose. Some dogs in the clinical trials showed minor diarrhea, while others showed slightly elevated alkaline phosphate levels that could be related to treatment. None of these effects were classified as severe or worrisome by the researchers.
Ultimate Guide to CBD Research for Pets —Notes, Sources and Citations
- McGrath, S., & Bartner, L.R., & Rao, S., & Kogan, L.R., & Hellyer, P.W. (2018) A Report of Adverse Effects Associated With the Administration of Cannabidiol in Healthy Dogs. Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Fall 2018, 34-38.
- McGrath, S., & Bartner, L.R., & Rao, S., & Packer, R.A., & Gustafson, D.L. (2018) Randomized Blinded Controlled Clinical Trial to Assess the Effect of Oral Cannabidiol Administration in Addition to Conventional Antiepileptic Treatment on Seizure Frequency in Dogs with Intractable Idiopathic Epilepsy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(11), 1301-1308.
- Learn more at http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/veterinarians/clinical-trials/Pages/efficacy-of-cannabidiol-for-the-treatment-of-osteoarthritis-in-dogs.aspx
- Learn more at https://research.vetmed.ufl.edu/clinical-trials/small-animal/a-pilot-study-to-determine-the-safety-and-efficacy-of-cbd-oil-use-during-chemotherapy-in-dogs-with-lymphoma/
- Bartner, L.R., & McGrath, S., & Rao, S., & Hyatt, L.K., & Wittenburg, L.A. (2018) Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol Administered by 3 Delivery Methods at 2 Different Dosages to Healthy Dogs. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 2018(82),178–183.
- Bartner, L.R., & McGrath, S., & Rao, S., & Hyatt, L.K., & Wittenburg, L.A. (2018) Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol Administered by 3 Delivery Methods at 2 Different Dosages to Healthy Dogs. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 2018(82),178–183.
- ABSC Organics was previously known as Applied Basic Science Corp. ABSC Pure Organic CBD Oil™ was previously known as C.H.O. Pet Tincture.
- Learn more at https://research.vetmed.ufl.edu/clinical-trials/small-animal/a-pilot-study-to-determine-the-safety-and-efficacy-of-cbd-oil-use-during-chemotherapy-in-dogs-with-lymphoma/
- McGrath, S., & Bartner, L.R., & Rao, S., & Packer, R.A., & Gustafson, D.L. (2018) Randomized Blinded Controlled Clinical Trial to Assess the Effect of Oral Cannabidiol Administration in Addition to Conventional Antiepileptic Treatment on Seizure Frequency in Dogs with Intractable Idiopathic Epilepsy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(11), 1301-1308.
- Learn more at http://www.akcchf.org/research/participate-in-research/Efficacy-of-cannabidiol-for-the-treatment-of-canine-epilepsy.html
- Learn more at http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/veterinarians/clinical-trials/Pages/efficacy-of-cannabidiol-for-the-treatment-of-osteoarthritis-in-dogs.aspx
Read about the studies conducted at Colorado State University as part of our focus to sponsor CBD research for pets.
5 Benefits of CBD For Dogs
Cannabidiol, CBD, is the non-psychoactive component found in cannabis and hemp plants. It provides all the medicinal benefits of cannabis – pain relief, anxiety relief, and sleep enhancement – without the user experiencing a “high” or paranoia.
While individuals around the globe are turning to CBD from reputed online dispensary, Canada as a safe and natural treatment option for chronic health conditions, more pet owners are turning to CBD oil for dogs as a treatment option for their pets, as well.
Research on the safety and efficiency of CBD treatment for dogs is still in its infancy. However, studies so far show promising results for using CBD oil to manage pain, anxiety, and seizures in dogs. It can promote general wellness in dogs, too.
Like us, dogs have CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout their bodies that allow them to benefit from CBD for many of the same reasons people use it. Hemp-derived CBD is also legal and widely accessible in many territories, making it easy to get your paws on for your pup.
Before using CBD oil for your dog – or making any changes to your pup’s pre-existing treatment plan – speak to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to oversee your dog’s health and may be able to guide you on which products to use, too.
Benefits of CBD For Dogs
CBD Can Alleviate Chronic Pain and Inflammation in Dogs
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on the quality of your dog’s life. One study found chronic pain affects about 20 percent of all dogs, with a particular prevalence in older, heavier dogs.
Inflammatory pain can target your dog’s joints, affecting their ability to roam around the backyard or enjoy a game of fetch. This is most commonly associated with osteoarthritis, which affects one in five dogs.
A 2018 Frontiers in Veterinary Science study found CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties effectively reduced osteoarthritic pain expressed by dogs. The dogs displayed reduced pain and inflammation upon veterinary examination, as well.
The CBD oil was well-tolerated in the study, too. NSAIDs that are typically prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in dogs and humans can adversely affect the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. But there were no observable side effects during the dogs’ CBD treatment.
CBD Can Help Doggy Digestion
It’s not uncommon for your dog to suffer from an upset stomach every once in a while. But Chronic digestive issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are a common occurrence that severely affects your dog’s health and happiness.
CBD can target inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce digestive distress. You and your dog won’t have to withstand frequent bouts of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
CBD Can Reduce Seizures in Dogs
In humans, medicinal cannabis has long-since been utilized as a safe and effective treatment option for epilepsy due to CBD’s anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties.
Additionally, epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in dogs worldwide, according to a research article in Science Daily. Their study found 89 percent of dogs experienced a reduction in seizures following CBD treatment.
This is a profound discovery in the veterinary industry and sets the tone for future studies. However, many pet owners had already turned to CBD to treat their dog’s epilepsy before this study, further supporting the effectiveness of treating canine epilepsy with CBD oil.
CBD Can Reduce Anxiety in Dogs
Anxiety can present itself in many forms in dogs, including:
- Excessive barking
- Digestive upset
- Decreased appetite
- Shivering or tremoring
- Running away and hiding in dark corners of the house
- Destroying furniture
- Frequent urination
- Panting and pacing
- Self-harming (biting or excessively licking itself)
Although these signs may be subtle, anxiety has a significant impact on your dog’s ability to socialize and enjoy quality time with you.
CBD has anxiolytic properties that can ease your dog into a sense of calm. This is a great treatment option for day to day anxiety experienced by dogs. It can also help your pup relax during loud events, like nearby fireworks, or while you have company visiting.
CBD Promotes General Wellness in Dogs
All of CBD’s medicinal properties come together to promote general wellness and healthy life for your dog. While CBD oil has shown efficacy at treating many common ailments in dogs, your canine doesn’t need a serious health condition to benefit from the cannabinoid.
For example, CBD oil or a CBD dog treat can help your dog unwind and rest up after a long day of playing outside. It can help them handle the stress of moving to a new home or being surrounded by unfamiliar faces during a party.
In Conclusion
Although a study on the long-term effects of using CBD for your dog has yet to be done, empirical reports and clinical evidence thus far support the safety of CBD use – especially in contrast to traditional treatment options, like NSAIDs.
Overall, CBD oil is a natural alternative that can promote good health and wellbeing in your dog. This plant-based medicine has profound and diverse effects of sustaining a long, happy life with your furry friend.