You’ve probably heard about CBD and its health benefits for humans, but did you know it may also help support your furry friend’s wellness? As a dog owner, you want the very best for your pup. Considering adding CBD to their routine could provide relief for certain issues they face as they age. Keep reading to learn all about the potential benefits of CBD for dogs.
CBD 101: The Basics
First, let’s cover the basics. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 compounds called cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Unlike the famous cannabinoid THC, CBD doesn’t cause a “high.” While cannabis has been used medicinally for ages, CBD was first isolated in the 1940s and research into its potential therapeutic effects is still in early stages.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC at the federal level. You can now find CBD products for pets, from oils to treats and more, both online and in some stores. However, the FDA has yet to approve CBD itself for any specific use in animals. Rules and regulations around CBD vary by state too. So be sure to check your own state’s laws if considering CBD for your pup.
CBD Mechanisms and Metabolism in Dogs
To understand how CBD may help dogs, it’s important to first look at how it interacts with the body. Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) made up of receptors and compounds that help regulate various physiological processes like pain, mood, appetite, and more. CBD can supplement the body’s naturally-produced endocannabinoids by binding to these receptors, which is thought to stimulate the ECS and produce balancing effects.
However, CBD is metabolized differently in dogs compared to humans. One study found the half-life of CBD in dogs after oral administration was only 4 hours, indicating faster metabolism compared to a half-life of 18-32 hours reported in humans. This means more frequent CBD dosing may be needed for dogs to maintain therapeutic levels.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Dogs
Pain Management and Inflammation
Just like their human counterparts, dogs can suffer from chronic pain and inflammation.
You may notice them slowing down or struggling to get comfortable. CBD could offer them some relief by reducing overall discomfort.
Arthritis and Joint Issues
If your dog is getting older, they may develop arthritis or other joint problems. Their joints get inflamed and painful, making everyday activities difficult. CBD has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can ease this discomfort so they can move with less pain.
Several studies have shown CBD to effectively reduce inflammation and stiffness in arthritic dogs. It also seemed to improve their overall mobility. By reducing swelling around joint tissue, CBD allows them to get around and play much easier.
Injury Recovery
Has your active pup injured themselves lately? Sprains, strains, and even fractures can be incredibly painful. While rest is critical, CBD could accelerate their healing by controlling inflammation.
Its pain-relieving effects may also let them rest more comfortably until they recover. Some research indicates CBD activates receptors in the brain that block pain signals. So adding it to their routine after an injury could bring significant relief.
Chronic Pain
For dogs suffering from long-term pain unrelated to injury or arthritis, CBD may also help manage their discomfort. Chronic issues like nerve, cancer, or debilitating genetic conditions can greatly impact quality of life. The soothing properties of CBD could give them back some comfort and mobility.
Anxiety and Stress Relief
Dogs get anxious or stressed by certain triggers like loud noises, unfamiliar places, or separation from their owner. You may notice panting, shaking, barking, or destructive behaviors. CBD can mellow these reactions so they feel more at ease.
Separation Anxiety
Does your dog panic when you head out the door? Separation anxiety is a common and challenging issue for both dogs and owners. But CBD’s calming effects may take the edge off and help them relax when left alone.
One study saw anxious dogs given CBD before separation engage in less vocalization and pacing. The CBD seemed to significantly lower their stress levels. So if being alone upsets your pup, consider trying CBD to put them more at ease.
Situational Anxiety
Anxiety can also be triggered by specific situations like car rides, vet visits, or meeting new people. Their heart races, they pant excessively, and may even get sick. CBD can inhibit these anxious reactions so new experiences seem less intimidating.
Research shows CBD activating brain receptors responsible for mood and emotions. So by influencing key receptors, CBD may minimize your dog’s fearful or nervous behaviors when faced with anxiety-inducing situations.
Noise Sensitivity
Loud sounds like fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction can be incredibly disturbing for noise-sensitive pups. But CBD’s soothing properties may dampen these reactions so they feel less distressed.
If your dog startles easily, CBD could help take the edge off loud triggers.
Support for Older Dogs
As dogs enter their senior years, CBD may support various aspects of their health and comfort. From cognitive function to mobility, it could contribute to an improved quality of life.
Cognitive Support
You may notice your aging pup seeming confused, forgetting commands, or getting lost in familiar places. As dogs’ brains age, function can decline. But research shows CBD may actually stimulate brain cell growth and activity.
A dog cognition study had older dogs take CBD for just 4 weeks. These dogs showed improved alertness, recognition, and mental clarity. So CBD could sharpen your senior dog’s mind and preserve healthy cognition.
Mobility Support
Stiff joints and muscle loss impacts many geriatric dogs. Getting around and staying active becomes increasingly difficult. But CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties help aging dogs move with less discomfort.
By lubricating joints and dulling pain signals, CBD allows senior dogs to be more mobile. So it may help your stiff, elderly pup get up and move again.
Safety and Dosage Guidelines: How Much and How Often?
When it comes to giving your dog CBD, getting the dose right is key. But with limited research on optimal doses for different sized dogs, how much CBD should you give your pup? And how often? Here are some general dosing guidelines based on existing studies.
For a 30 pound dog:
- Starting dose: 1mg CBD per 10 pounds body weight, given twice daily. So around 3mg total CBD per day.
- Maintenance dose: 1-5mg CBD per 10 pounds body weight per day, split into 2 daily doses. So a total of 3-15mg CBD per day.
For a 70 pound dog:
- Starting dose: Around 7mg CBD total per day, split into 2 doses.
- Maintenance dose: 7-35mg total CBD per day, split into 2 daily doses.
Always start with low doses first and gradually increase every 1-2 weeks if needed, monitoring your dog’s reaction. Maximum studied doses are around 2-8mg CBD per kg body weight (0.9-3.6mg per pound) per day. If your dog experiences any concerning side effects, stop CBD and call your veterinarian.
In studies, dogs took CBD twice daily, around 12 hours apart. Giving CBD with food may increase absorption. Work with your vet to fine-tune an optimal CBD regimen tailored to your pup. More research is still needed to establish definitive dosing guidelines. But the above provides a rough starting point based on existing dog studies.
Safety Guidelines
Some factors veterinarians consider when guiding dosing include:
- Dog’s weight
- Age
- Health condition being treated
- Other medications/supplements
- Previous response to CBD
While research suggests CBD is generally safe for dogs, you’ll still want to exercise caution before using it. Follow these tips to give CBD to your dog responsibly.
Talk to Your Vet First
Before giving your dog any CBD product, discuss it with your veterinarian first. Make sure the ingredients are safe for canine consumption and won’t interact with any medications or health conditions. Your vet can also recommend an appropriate dosage amount.
Buy From Reputable Brands
With CBD’s booming popularity, many questionable products have hit the market. To ensure quality and safety, only buy CBD formulated specifically for pets from brands that provide third party testing. This verifies the CBD is contaminant-free and contains the listed dose. Reputable brands also provide dosing guidelines.
Start Low and Go Slow
When first using CBD, always start with the lowest suggested dose for your dog’s size. Monitor them closely for several hours for side effects like diarrhea or sedation. If all seems well, continue this dose for a week to assess effectiveness. Then, if needed, slowly increase the dose week-by-week under veterinary guidance until you find their optimal amount.
Potential Side Effects
While most dogs tolerate CBD well, possible side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, vomiting, or changes in appetite. Dry mouth is also common. Stay alert for any unusual reactions. Seek veterinary advice if side effects concern you. Usually adjusting the dose resolves issues. But stop giving CBD right away if reactions seem severe.
Research and Studies on CBD for Canines
While existing research on CBD in dogs is promising, experts say longer-term, large-scale studies are still needed. Areas with ongoing major CBD research for dogs include:
CBD Safety and Tolerability
- Multiple studies in healthy and epileptic dogs show CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated at doses up to 20 mg/kg per day, with only mild side effects like elevated liver enzymes or GI upset occasionally reported.
CBD for Arthritis/Osteoarthritis
- Cornell, Baylor, and Colorado State University studies found CBD reduced pain, increased comfort and activity levels in arthritic dogs.
- A veterinary study in Pain found CBD decreased osteoarthritis pain and increased mobility in dogs in a dose-dependent manner.
CBD for Anxiety
- 83% of anxious dogs had reduced stress behaviors after taking CBD in a Cornell study.
- In a Mars/Waltham study, a single dose of CBD significantly reduced multiple measures of stress in dogs.
CBD for Epilepsy/Seizures
- CSU found 33% median reduction in seizure frequency for epileptic dogs on CBD, with 40% considered positive responders.
- In another study, dogs on CBD/CBDA for epilepsy had reduced seizure severity per owner reports.
CBD for Cancer
- Early research shows CBD may enhance cancer treatment effects by reducing cell proliferation.
- It also reduced chemotherapy-induced vomiting in dogs in a study.
In summary, multiple preliminary studies show promising results for CBD helping dogs with arthritis, anxiety, seizures, and other conditions, but more research is still needed on long-term efficacy and optimal dosing.
Should You Give Your Dog CBD?
While existing research is extremely promising, the decision to use CBD with your dog is a personal one. Experts emphasize starting cautiously under veterinary guidance until more definitive dosing and treatment protocols are established. Tracking outcomes closely can help determine if CBD is providing benefits for your individual dog. Many owners report excellent results for a variety of conditions. As research expands and regulations evolve, CBD could become a mainstay treatment to improve dog health and wellness. Discuss with your vet if CBD is right for your pup.
Is CBD Safe? Potential Side Effects and Risks
An important question about any supplement is: is it safe? According to existing research, CBD appears relatively safe for most healthy dogs, especially at lower doses.
However, there are some potential side effects and risks to consider before giving CBD to your pup.
In studies, the most common side effects of CBD for dogs are drowsiness and diarrhea. These effects tend to be mild at lower doses but may increase at higher doses. There’s also some evidence CBD could impact liver health in very high doses.
One area needing more research is how CBD interacts with other drugs. In people, CBD can affect how the body metabolizes some medications. The same may be true for dogs, but more studies confirming effects are needed. If your dog takes any prescription meds, chat with your vet before trying CBD.
It’s also crucial to buy high-quality CBD products designed specifically for pets. Some CBD products have inaccurate labeling or contain contaminants. Choosing reputable brands that provide third-party testing helps reduce these risks. Consulting your veterinarian about selecting a quality CBD product can give you peace of mind too.
Purchasing High-Quality CBD for Dogs
With so many CBD products out there claiming benefits, how do you choose a quality one for your canine companion? Here are some buying tips:
- Look for organic hemp: Seek CBD extracted from organically grown hemp to avoid pesticides and toxins.
- Check for third-party testing: Reputable companies test for purity, potency, contaminants, and more through independent labs.
- Select CO2 extraction: CO2 extraction yields purer, safer CBD than alternatives like solvent extraction.
- Avoid unnecessary ingredients: Steer clear of CBD with unnecessary additives, flavors, or dyes. Seek simple formulas.
- Consult your vet: Discuss choosing a quality CBD product with your veterinarian for tailored guidance.
Also be sure to check laws in your state, as some restrict CBD sales. With hemp-derived CBD now legal federally, high-quality pet products are easier to access. But do your homework to find trustworthy CBD suitable and safe for furry friends!
Conclusion
CBD holds exciting promise for supporting dogs’ well-being as they age. From easing chronic pain and calming anxious behaviors to sharpening senior brains and lubricating stiff joints, CBD may improve quality of life in tangible ways. While more scientific study is still needed, you can feel reasonably hopeful about CBD’s potential to help your pup. As always, work closely with your vet to decide if a CBD regimen could benefit your faithful companion. With cautious optimism and responsible oversight, CBD may offer your dog relief and keep them healthier as they slowly grow older.
References
CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy
Cannabidiol in canine epilepsy – PubMed
Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases – PubMed
CBD for dogs with arthritis: What does the science actually say? | CARE
New study reveals CBD is effective at reducing canine stress