Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a compound present in cannabis and hemp.
CBD does not contain THC ( delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), a compound that is responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana.
Most CBD products for dogs are sourced from hemp and not from marijuana.
What Is Dog CBD?
One of the latest and fastest-growing trends in dog supplements these days is CBD oil. It’s also being used in humans for a plethora of conditions– from pain relief to easing anxiety to seizures, and a variety of other issues. Since humans and dogs host a similar endocannabinoid system, it is thought that they will reap the same benefits of CBD oil as well.
CBD is just one of the many chemical compounds that are derived from the cannabis (marijuana) plant. These compounds are collectively called “cannabinoids”.
Unlike the most famous cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not possess psychoactive properties. CBD shares important metabolic pathways with a class of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and Rimadyl (Miller, M.E., 2020).
The positive health effects and benefits of CBD are the results of the oil’s interactions with the endocannabinoid system.
Ways To Use CBD Oil For Dogs
CBD oil is given in dogs to address a wide variety of health and wellness needs. Although there are not a lot of scientific studies done on the effects of CBD oil in dogs, its use has been shown to greatly improve wellness and overall quality of life in dogs.
There are several ways to give CBD oil to dogs. These include the following:
CBD Oil Treats For Dogs
What better way to make sure that your dog gets the desired dose of CBD oil than to add it to his favorite treat.
Give the oil some time to soak in before offering the treat to your pet. This works best for porous treats because the oil can be easily absorbed compared to flat or round dog treats.
Putting CBD oil on dog treats is the best way to give it to small dogs because they only require a small dose. This may not be ideal for dogs that need larger doses. An entire dropper of oil on top of a treat can be really messy.
There are also commercially available CBD-baked dog treats that already have CBD oil mixed in their recipes. Just make sure they’re made by a reputable source who knows the right dose of CBD that should be added to the baked goodies.
You can also make your own dog treats but there are some things that you should keep in mind when adding CBD oil. Baking can cause the evaporation of CBD oil. No-bake treats or baking them at a lower temperature for a long time can keep the CBD oil intact as well as all of its benefits.
Oral Application Of CBD Oil For Dogs
CBD oil can be given to your dog orally using a dropper or dose syringe. If your dog does not have any problem getting his CBD oil this way, this is certainly a good way to give it. Just make sure to be gentle and exercise caution.
Your dog should accept it willingly without you having to force his mouth open or squeeze his mouth tightly so he will swallow it.
Be quick to offer a bite of his favorite treat after so he will know that you’re please with his behavior. This is also a good way to ensure that your dog has thoroughly swallowed every drop of the oil that was placed in his mouth.
Mixing CBD Oil With Pet Food
Ideally, CBD oil should be mixed with wet dog food. If your dog hasn’t been given CBD oil before, it is recommended to start with small doses and slowly build up to the right dose. It’s best to introduce it gradually to prevent digestive upsets and other adverse reactions. This will give time for your dog’s system to get used to the CBD oil.
For some dogs, CBD oil might not be as appealing particularly during the first few times. But with consistency, they will eventually enjoy the taste. It’s a good idea to let the food sit for a while after mixing the CBD oil before serving.
Mixing CBD Oil With Peanut Butter
If your pet loves peanut butter, you can mix the right dose of CBD oil in and give it to your pet. Be sure to check that the peanut butter does not have any xylitol in it. It’s a very common sugar substitute that is very toxic to dogs.
Using CBD Oil for Certain Health Conditions
CBD Oil As Treatment For Dog Seizures
Medications that are usually prescribed for dog seizures such as diazepam, phenobarbital, and other anticonvulsant drugs have a high risk of producing serious side effects.
Also, even with appropriate medication, about 30% of dogs diagnosed with epilepsy continue to have seizures.
The use of CBD Oil in veterinary medicine lacks a relevant scientific foundation. There is, however, plenty of anecdotal evidence of pet owners using CBD oil in pets with epilepsy and seeing positive results.
A study conducted by Dr. Stephanie McGrath of the Colorado State University James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital holds promising and exciting results. The study used CBD oil for seizures in dogs and results showed that 89% of dogs that received CBD during the clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
Top Picks for Easing Anxiety in Dogs
Ease your canine companion’s worries with our top picks for alleviating anxiety in dogs. Our carefully selected products are designed to provide comfort and reassurance, addressing a range of anxiety triggers. From calming pheromone diffusers and stress-relief toys to all-natural calming treats, we’ve compiled a thoughtful list to support your dog’s mental well-being.
Uses pheromone technology that's proven to modify behaviors caused by stress and fear, such as inappropriate marking, chewing, excessive barking, jumping, and destruction.
Releases a pheromone that mimics the one mother dogs produce to calm and soothe puppies, making dogs feel safe and secure.
Helps alleviate problem behaviors caused by stressful situations such as travel, thunderstorms, new pets in the home, new visitors, car rides, and vet visits.
Releases pheromones for 30 days with a pleasant, soothing lavender chamomile fragrance.
Adjusts to fit necks up to 23 inches. Can be used for dogs of all ages and breeds with no long-term side effects.
Pancreatitis can be a life-threatening condition, particularly in senior pets.
It occurs when pancreatic enzymes become activated before they leave the pancreas and reach the lower intestine via the pancreatic duct. The activation of the enzymes can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
Affected dogs suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and discomfort. There are two types of pancreatitis based on the duration of the condition — acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Dogs with pancreatitis require immediate veterinary attention.
CBD oil is an excellent natural option for mild to severe pain and inflammation associated with pancreatitis. Agonist-activated cannabinoid receptors, modulate nociceptive thresholds, inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, and display synergistic effects with other systems that influence analgesia, especially the endogenous opioid system (Manzanares, J. et al, 2006).
CBD Oil As Treatment For Osteoarthritis In Dogs
Osteoarthritis in dogs is an inflammatory condition of the joints. Affected dogs suffer from pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. The pain and discomfort can make dogs lethargic and have distinct behavior changes. They become irritable and won’t be as active as before.
CBD oil possesses anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties which can help dogs suffering from osteoarthritis and improve their quality of life.
The safety and efficacy of CBD-based oil on dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) were assessed using 2 different doses (2 and 8 mg/kg) given every 12 hours. After a four-week treatment, results showed that there was a significant decrease in pain and increase in activity of dogs that were given CBD oil. There were also no side effects reported by the pet owners. The results of the study (done in 2018) suggest that 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with OA.
Another study using different doses and formulations of CBD oil for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis was performed by researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine.
After one month of treatment, dogs that were given higher doses of CBD or used liposomal formulation of CBD were observed to have significant improvement in terms of their mobility and quality of life.
According to Dr. Matthew Halpert, Faculty with the Department of Pathology and Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine and the one who designed the experiment, in dogs that were given higher doses, “almost every dog saw significant improvement in their conditions, in regards to reduced pain and increased ability to move around. And the dogs seemed happier and were able to do more.”
Final Thoughts:
The use of CBD oil for dogs is a fast-growing trend that still lacks adequate scientific and clinical evidence. Most therapeutic and holistic claims are anecdotal and need to be further verified by scientific studies and clinical trials.
CBD oil may, however, help improve your dog’s quality of life when used in conjunction with other therapeutic regimens.
Just make sure to ask for your veterinarian’s approval to ensure that there are no adverse interactions with other medications and your pet’s response can be properly monitored.
The medical, nutritional, or behavioral advice we provide is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our editorial content is not a substitute for formal or personalized medical advice from a veterinary professional. Only board-certified veterinary specialists who have examined your pet should diagnose medical conditions, provide personalized treatment, or prescribe appropriate medication. For questions regarding your pet’s health, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of illness, injury, or distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.
