Does CBD Work For Dogs?

A recent survey found 50% of those surveyed had given CBD to their dog or cat, and 67% reported that their pet had shown some improvement. But does CBD work for dogs? Is it safe? And why are so many pet parents giving their dogs this natural supplement?

We’ll explain how CBD works for a dog, possible benefits, and reasons pet parents are choosing CBD oils and treats for their dogs. Depending on your dog, CBD may be a great all-natural supplement to help their immune system.

How CBD Works: The Basics for Pet Owners to Note

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound extracted from cannabis or hemp. Unlike marijuana, CBD does not contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes psychoactive effects. CBD is considered safe for dogs to ingest without getting them high.

The CBD affects your dog’s endocannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system and may help regulate your dog’s ability to handle pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Pet parents should be mindful that the FDA has not approved or regulated CBD products for pets, and you should do your research before buying any CBD products.

How Does CBD Affect Your Dog?

While more conclusive research is still needed about the effectiveness of CBD for dogs, some studies show promise. CBD has been shown in some laboratory settings to:

Boost the Immune System
Relieve Pain
Prevent Vomiting and Nausea
Regenerate the Nervous System
Reduce Anxiety
Reduce Tumor Formation
Reduce Inflammation
Prevent Seizures

But how your dog will react to CBD may differ depending on several factors. Researchers currently believe each cannabinoid may affect a different part of a dog’s body.

It’s essential to talk to your vet and research in-depth the CBD products you purchase for your dog before starting them on a CBD treatment. It’s important to find products that provide testing and transparency about their CBD potency and sourcing.

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Why Do Some Pet Owners Give Their Dog CBD?

While the FDA does not currently approve CBD, many pet owners are turning to CBD oil as a natural supplement that may relieve the symptoms of the following conditions:

1. Allergies

Cannabinoids (CBD) works by affecting your dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to prevent exaggerated responses from the immune system. This relieves allergy symptoms by modulating the immune system.

A 2018 study by Colorado State University found thatdogscould tolerate CBD oil with few adverse side effects. CBD oil may have skin-boosting properties that reduce the itchy reaction to the skin. Another study found that CBD may have natural anti-inflammatory properties capable of reducing irritation and pain from an allergic reaction.

2. Anxiety and Stress

One of the more popular reasons pet parents turn to CBD as a natural supplement for their dog is to help manage anxiety and stress. A few recent studies have shown that CBD may be able to reduce anxiety caused by noise and calm aggressive behavior. But while these studies show promise, a more extensive study is needed to be more conclusive.

3. Arthritis

A study has shown promise of relieving pain and inflammation for dogs with osteoarthritis. In the study, 80% of the dogs with doses between 2 to 8 milligrams per day per kilogram of body weight showed improvement. But this isn’t definitive.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) sites that CBD may hold therapeutic promise for reducing pain and inflammation, but more conclusive studies are needed for approval. As more research is completed, The AVMA hopes the FDA will approve and regulate the current CBD market’s efficacy and safety.

4. Joint Problems and Mobility Issues

Many veterinarians prescribe NSAIDs to treat joint and mobility problems for dogs. But NSAIDs can have lasting long-term side effects like potentially damaging your dog’s liver and kidney. Many pet parents look to CBD as a possible natural anti-inflammatory supplement that doesn’t have the same risk for long-term side effects.

Common problems people give CBD to their dogs to possibly help with joint pain and inflammation include:

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Torn ligaments
Sprains

5. Seizures and Epilepsy

Seizures and epilepsy are challenging to watch your dog suffer through and manage. Some studies have found that CBD might reduce seizures by 33% when given over a twelve-week program. But this didn’t work for every dog. More research will help determine if CBD is a viable natural deterrent for seizures and epilepsy in dogs.

6. Cancer

Cancer is a common health issue that affects about 50% of adult dogs. Treating cancer can often cause pain and nausea for your dog. Studies have found that CBD may reduce nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. And in some cases, CBD may reduce cancer cell proliferation.

If your dog is suffering from cancer, you may want to consider CBD oil to help manage your dog’s symptoms and potentially slow the growth of cancer cells. You should talk to your veterinarian to determine if CBD is a viable option for your dog.

Final Thoughts to Consider

While more research is needed, many pet parents are turning to CBD oil as a natural supplement to treat their dog’s various health issues. CBD has low side effects and no THC, making it relatively safe for your dog to take.

Before buying CBD for your dog, you should talk to your vet about dosage and do your own research to validate any claims and talk to your vet about proper dosage.

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Have more questions about CBD? Read our frequently asked questions about CBD and hemp.