CBD Oil for Dogs: Benefits, Dosage & More

Written by: Hunter Podell, Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder
Published: March 15, 2024; Last updated: April 6, 2024

Are you exploring CBD oil for your dog’s health and well-being? Understanding the proper usage and potential benefits is crucial with its growing popularity. This article offers clear, evidence-based guidance on how CBD oil for dogs can help your dog, steps to find high-quality products, and tips to administer it safely—without the jargon or sales pitch.

Key Takeaways

• CBD oil interacts with the canine endocannabinoid system, offering potential health benefits such as pain and anxiety relief. However, research on its effectiveness and safety is still emerging and requires veterinary consultation.

• High-quality, full-spectrum CBD oil is recommended for dogs as it contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes that provide the ‘entourage effect,’ third-party lab testing is essential for ensuring product safety and efficacy.

• Correct dosing of CBD oil is critical for safety, starting with a low dose and adjusting as needed while monitoring for side effects, with veterinary guidance strongly advised for determining the appropriate dosage and regimen.

Exploring the Potential of CBD Oil in Canine Health

CBD oil holds significant potential to enhance canine health. CBD oil, also known as dog CBD, may offer various benefits by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in dogs. This interaction can provide relief for numerous conditions, including nerve pain, arthritis, and anxiety. Furthermore, high-quality CBD oil derived from hemp plants offers similar pain-relieving and immune-supporting benefits as marijuana but without the psychoactive effects, thanks to its low THC content. Hence, dog owners can explore the potential benefits of the best CBD oil for their pets without concerns about any psychoactive effects.

However, remember that the evidence backing the use of CBD oil for dogs is still evolving. Much of the current support comes from anecdotal accounts, with relatively sparse formal studies. Institutions like Colorado State University are actively researching to understand more about the effectiveness and safety of CBD oil for dogs.

Understanding How CBD Works in Dogs

CBD works in dogs by influencing the activity of their endocannabinoid system’s messengers and stimulating the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. The endocannabinoid system in dogs is a complex messenger system that plays a role in regulating functions like:

• sleep

• appetite

• pain

• the immune system

Consequently, CBD oil could play an optimistic role in veterinary medicine, notably when the product used is of superior quality.

However, the American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes that the current research on the use of CBD in dogs is insufficient to conclusively determine if CBD oil safe for dogs. Therefore, despite the potential array of benefits that CBD oil may offer dogs, it’s paramount to consult a veterinarian and utilize high-quality CBD oils for the treatment’s safety and effectiveness.

Identifying Conditions That May Benefit From CBD

The potential benefits of CBD oil extend to various health conditions in dogs. CBD oils can provide relief for:

• Joint problems

• Cancer

• Seizures

• Anxiety

• Pain

• Allergies

For instance, a study found that over 80% of dogs with osteoarthritis experienced a decrease in their joint pain as a result of using CBD oil. Moreover, more than 80% of dogs experienced a reduction in seizures while being administered CBD, indicating its potential to decrease seizure frequency with minimal adverse effects compared to traditional seizure medications.

However, it’s important to note that CBD oil for dogs is still under research, and more comprehensive studies are needed to understand its effectiveness and safety fully. Hence, consulting with a veterinarian and using high-quality CBD oil is essential when pondering this treatment alternative for your pet.

Choosing High-Quality CBD Products for Your Pet

In considering CBD oil for your pet, it’s paramount to ascertain that your chosen product is of superior quality. Full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains not only CBD but also other significant cannabinoids and terpenes found naturally in the hemp plant, is often recommended. These compounds collaborate to produce what is known as the ‘entourage effect,’ enhancing the oil’s medicinal properties.

Furthermore, when verifying the quality of a CBD product for your dog, keep a close eye on the following:

• THC content: It should be less than 0.3% to prevent psychoactive effects and ensure compliance with legal benchmarks.

• National Animal Supplement Counsel (NASC) Seal of Quality Assurance: Look for this seal to ensure the product meets quality standards.

• Third-party certificate of analysis: Review this certificate, which should include potency, list all ingredients, and disclose the presence of heavy metals, mycotoxins, or pesticides.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a high-quality CBD product for your dog.

The Importance of Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Full-spectrum CBD oil provides a more holistic approach to canine health. This type of CBD oil contains all the beneficial compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Moreover, CBD and THC, the most extensively researched phytocannabinoids, are found in full-spectrum CBD oil, typically in trace amounts of less than 0.3% THC.

These compounds in full-spectrum CBD oil interact in what is known as the ‘entourage effect,’ where the combined interaction of various compounds in the cannabis plant enhances their effects and leads to maximum benefits. Consequently, full-spectrum CBD products are often favored to guarantee that dogs obtain the optimum benefits from CBD oil, with the compounds synergistically enhancing each other’s effects.

Deciphering Labels: Hemp Extract vs. CBD Isolate

When choosing a CBD product for your dog, understanding the difference between hemp extract and CBD isolate is crucial. Hemp extract encompasses a full spectrum of compounds from the cannabis plant, whereas CBD isolate represents the pure form of CBD. Hemp extract contains a diverse array of phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds naturally present in hemp. On the other hand, CBD isolate is produced through the extraction of all compounds and substances from the cannabis plant, resulting in pure CBD in crystal form.

While CBD isolate for dogs may support a normal inflammatory response ², help with occasional stiffness and soreness, and manage pain and inflammation, it lacks other essential cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to the absence of the entourage effect. Hence, when selecting a CBD product for your dog, it’s vital to ponder these differences and opt for a product that will yield the maximum benefits.

Seeking Out Third-Party Lab Results

A critical step in choosing a CBD product for your pet is to seek out third-party lab results. A certificate of analysis (COA) is a document that displays the quantity and variety of cannabinoids present in the CBD product, assuring its safety and quality. To locate the COA for a specific CBD product, check the product’s website or contact the manufacturer. The COA provides detailed information about the cannabinoid contents, including the amount of THC, as well as any potential contaminants.

Thorough testing is crucial to guarantee the quality and safety of the CBD product, which helps prevent the use of substandard or potentially harmful products for your dog. Certificates of analysis are instrumental in protecting your dog’s well-being by providing a reliable means to assess the quality and safety of CBD products.

Administering CBD Oil to Your Dog: Dosage & Safety

Regarding administering CBD oil to your pet, correct dosage and vigilance for side effects are paramount. While the current research on the use of CBD in dogs is insufficient to determine its safety conclusively, some potential side effects have been noted, including dry mouth, low blood pressure, or drowsiness. Therefore, it’s essential to start with a low dosage and adjust as necessary to avoid any adverse effects.

Additionally, it’s vital to consult a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate dosage for your pet. This dosage can depend on factors such as:

• your pet’s age

• size

• weight

• the specific condition being addressed

• the type of CBD product being used.

A dosage of about 0.1 to 0.2 mg per kilogram of the dog’s weight, administered orally twice daily, can be considered.

Starting With the Right Dosage

Initiating the correct CBD oil dosage is vital to guarantee your pet’s safety and the efficacy of the treatment. It’s essential to start with a primary dose of 2mg per 10 lbs and adjust as necessary to assess how your dog reacts to the CBD. The dog’s age, size, weight, and specific health conditions should be considered when determining the appropriate amount of CBD oil. For example, conditions requiring higher doses may also affect blood pressure and saliva production in dogs.

Before starting your dog on CBD oil, it’s advisable to adhere to the dosing recommendations provided by the holistic vet, as they are tailored to address your dog’s specific health requirements. Always seek advice from a veterinarian before introducing CBD oil into your pet’s healthcare regimen, as they can provide guidance on the suitable dosage and observe any adverse reactions.

Recognizing and Managing Side Effects

CBD oil, like any treatment, may have potential side effects in dogs. Monitoring your pet’s reaction when introducing new products is essential. These side effects include dry mouth, reduced blood pressure, or drowsiness. If your pet exhibits side effects from CBD oil, consider lowering the dosage or dividing it into smaller, more frequent doses. It’s important to constantly adjust the CBD oil dosage based on your dog’s size, weight, and particular health needs.

If your pet has severe or prolonged side effects from CBD oil or if you harbor concerns about its reactions, it’s imperative to consult your veterinarian immediately. Your vet can provide valuable insights into managing any side effects and adjusting the dosage as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.

Integrating CBD Oil with Other Treatments

CBD oil can be effectively integrated with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness. Studies suggest that combining CBD oil with conventional pain management in dogs can provide relief from pain, reduce chronic inflammation, and improve treatment outcomes. Additionally, CBD oil has the potential to affect liver enzymes involved in medication metabolism, which can lead to adverse effects when combined.

However, merging CBD with NSAIDs is generally deemed safe and can amplify the pain-relieving effects of traditional pain medications.

CBD Oil and Conventional Pain Management

Combining CBD oil with traditional pain medications can provide additional relief for your dog. CBD oil does not have a drug-drug interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are commonly prescribed for pain relief in dogs. However, it’s important to note that CBD oil may interfere with the efficacy of medications such as:

• antibiotics

• antipsychotics

• antidepressants

• blood thinners

Hence, it’s always advisable to consult a veterinarian before co-administering CBD oil with any other medications.

Enhancing Cancer Therapy with CBD

CBD oil can potentially enhance cancer treatments in dogs. Studies suggest that CBD oil has shown antitumor effects in various types of cancer cells found in dogs, including lymphoma, mammary carcinoma, and osteosarcoma. Furthermore, CBD oil helps alleviate nausea and pain in dogs undergoing cancer treatment by easing general discomfort, inflammation, and anxiety ¹ and by controlling seizures.

It also has the potential to stimulate appetite and provide relief from nausea and vomiting, which is particularly important for maintaining nutritional intake during cancer therapy. This evidence suggests that CBD oil can potentially enhance cancer therapy by slowing tumor growth and managing side effects like nausea and pain.

Legal Considerations & Veterinary Insights

Understanding the legal considerations and veterinary insights is crucial when considering CBD oil for your pet. While veterinarians can discuss CBD oil with pet owners in all states, they are not legally allowed to prescribe CBD oil for dogs. Furthermore, the 2018 Farm Bill impacts the legality of CBD for pets by legalizing the cultivation, sale, and refining of hemp, which is the source of CBD.

Hence, comprehending the legal landscape becomes crucial when contemplating CBD oil for your pet.

Navigating the Legality of CBD for Pets

Navigating the legality of CBD for pets can be complex. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation, sale, and refining of hemp, which is the source of CBD.

• However, state laws regarding the use of CBD for pets can vary.

• Pet owners should be aware of the regulations in their state.

Consulting with Veterinarians About CBD

Consulting with veterinarians about CBD is crucial for pet owners considering this treatment option. Veterinarians can provide valuable insights into CBD oil’s potential benefits and risks, as well as guidance on dosage and possible interactions with other medications.

While veterinarians can discuss CBD oil with pet owners in all states, they are not legally allowed to prescribe CBD oil for dogs. Hence, discussing CBD oil with your veterinarian is essential to guarantee the safety and welfare of your pet.

Holistic Health: Beyond CBD Oil

While CBD oil might provide various benefits for dogs, it’s also essential to consider other facets of holistic health. Some additional considerations for maintaining your dog’s overall health include:

• A balanced diet and proper nutrition

• Regular exercise

• Mental stimulation

• Adequate rest and sleep

• Regular veterinary check-ups

• Complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage

Taking a holistic approach to your dog’s health will ensure that they are happy and thriving physically and as your loyal dog’s body.

For instance, studies have shown that dietary MCT can boost learning, memory, and executive function in elderly dogs.

Diet and Nutrition: The Foundation of Canine Health

A balanced diet and appropriate nutrition form the bedrock of canine health. Necessary nutrients for a dog’s health include:

• Water

• Proteins

• Fats

• Carbohydrates

• Minerals

• Vitamins

A balanced diet ensures the provision of these essential nutrients, which are crucial for overall well-being, vitality, cell maintenance, growth, and disease prevention.

Common dietary deficiencies in dogs can lead to ³:

• obesity

• poor skin and coat condition

• vitamin deficiencies

• increased risk of diseases

• emaciation

• rickets

• allergies

• fur loss

Complementary Therapies for Dogs

Complementary therapies, too, have a significant part in fostering the physical and mental wellness of dogs. These therapies include:

• acupuncture

• physiotherapy

• hydrotherapy

• osteopathy

• chiropractic treatment

• homeopathy

For instance, hydrotherapy benefits dogs by alleviating pressure from the joints, enhancing their range of motion, and boosting blood circulation. Therefore, considering such therapies alongside CBD oil can offer a holistic approach to enhancing your dog’s well-being.

Summary

In conclusion, CBD oil has the potential to offer various health benefits for dogs, from managing pain and anxiety to enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. However, pet owners must understand the subject thoroughly, from understanding how CBD works in dogs and choosing high-quality CBD products to administering the correct dosage. It’s also important to consider legal considerations and veterinary insights when using CBD oil for pets. Lastly, a holistic approach to canine health, including a balanced diet and complementary therapies, can further support your dog’s overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it good to give CBD oil to dogs?

Yes, CBD oil derived from the hemp variety of the cannabis plant is safe for dogs, but products from the marijuana variety can be toxic (source: CBD oil for dogs).

How long can I give CBD oil to my dog?

You can give CBD oil to your dog daily, if needed, as it is entirely safe and may help regulate their endocannabinoid system. This can further enable all of CBD’s homeostatic properties to have a positive effect.

What are the benefits of CBD oil?

CBD oil can provide relief from pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, offering potential health benefits despite limited clinical data on dosages and forms. It’s essential to exercise caution when purchasing over-the-counter CBD products due to the lack of regulation.

Can CBD oil cause elevated liver enzymes in dogs?

It’s important to acknowledge that the long-term effects of CBD oil on liver enzymes in dogs are still being researched, so there has yet to be a conclusive answer. Regular and long-term consumption of CBD may impact liver enzymes in dogs.

Can I give my pet human CBD oil?

Yes, you can give your pet CBD oil as long as it’s derived from the hemp variety of the cannabis plant. Avoid products derived from the marijuana variety as they can be toxic to animals.

References

Hunt, A. B. G., Flint, H. E., Logan, D. W., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1112604. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604

Gugliandolo, E., Licata, P., Peritore, A. F., Siracusa, R., D’Amico, R., Cordaro, M., Fusco, R., Impellizzeri, D., Di Paola, R., Cuzzocrea, S., Crupi, R., & Interlandi, C. D. (2021). Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood. Veterinary sciences, 8(9), 185. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090185

WebMD. (n.d.-e). CBD Oil for dogs: What to know. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/cbd-oil-for-dogs-what-to-know

CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2024, January 19). https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy

Written by Hunter Podell - Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder

Hunter has 8+ years of experience as a content writer and digital marketer. Earning his chops marketing in the healthcare space for over 5 years, Hunter is extremely familiar with the rules and regulations required to deliver high quality content that answers the user's needs while adhering to strict guidelines.