CBD Oil for Dogs: Anxiety and Pain Relief or Pure Hype?

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CBD oil for dogs is a hot topic of debate among pet owners. Are the benefits really amazing or exaggerated for profit by snake oil salesmen? Why doesn’t your veterinarian even want to talk about the possibilities? Is it FDA-approved?

The first step in forming an opinion on the product is to learn more about it. So, this article gives you an overview of CBD and some of the best-recommended options on the market. As you read and learn, it’s common to approach the topic with skepticism and cautious optimism. 

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil, short for cannabidiol oil, is from the cannabis plant. Unlike its well-known counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. The oil for CBD is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, which contains minimal THC. 

Due to its non-psychoactive nature and potential health benefits, CBD oil has gained significant popularity in recent years. It’s believed to interact with the human and animal body’s endocannabinoid systems, which regulate and control critical bodily functions including physiological processes, pain sensation, and immune response. As a result, CBD oil is often used as a natural supplement to address conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and insomnia. 

As part of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp plants were removed from the Schedule 1 controlled substances list. Hemp is a botanical class of cannabis with less than .3% THC. Now that it and its products (including hemp-derived CBD) are legal, more research is underway to get FDA approval and human- and animal-safe regulations in place. Until then, no CBD oil is FDA-approved.

CBD Oil for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs? 

CBD oil is potentially safe for dogs. As the research into CBD continues to evolve, it has the potential to offer promising possibilities for alternative treatments for humans and dogs. If you use CBD oil for your dog, be sure to use only high-quality products formulated for pets. Human-grade products may contain ingredients that are harmful to animals. 

While most veterinarians are unlikely to suggest the use of CBD oil, we highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian before administering it to your dog. If your pup is on medications or has chronic or underlying health issues, your vet will be able to give you the most scientific pros and cons of using CBD. 

Why Veterinarians Won’t Recommend CBD Oil For Your Dog

Veterinarians often refrain from recommending CBD oil for dogs for several reasons, but primarily due to three main reasons: it is not FDA approved, the lack of extensive research, and no regulatory oversight. Some states can even revoke veterinary licenses if a veterinarian discusses treatment with CBD.

While some studies suggest that CBD may have potential benefits for dogs, there is a lack of large-scale clinical trials and long-term studies to establish its safety and efficacy. Also, the ideal dosage and potential interactions with other medications commonly prescribed for dogs remain uncertain. 

The current lack of consistent product quality and varying formulations in the CBD market further raise concerns. Since the endocannabinoid system in dogs differs from humans, there’s a need for species-specific research. However, we’re hopeful that with the legalization of hemp and the surge in interest around this product, the research is not far off.

Veterinarians prioritize the health and quality of life of their patients. So, until there’s more substantial scientific evidence and standardized guidelines for CBD use in dogs, most tend to approach the topic with caution. 

Veterinarian Explains - CBD For Dogs

How Can CBD Oil Potentially Help Dogs? 

CBD oil has shown the potential in offering various benefits to dogs. Many people who have experimented with CBD with their dogs have anecdotally shared the benefits they experienced. While further research is needed to solidify its effects, let’s look at four ways it might help dogs.

Pain Management

CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties that could help alleviate pain associated with conditions like arthritis or joint issues in dogs. This could benefit and improve their mobility and overall comfort. The anti-inflammatory properties may also help manage conditions like allergies, skin irritations, or digestive issues.

Cancer

While research is in its early stages, some studies suggest that CBD could have anti-cancer properties, potentially inhibiting the growth of tumors in dogs. The results of the studies indicate that CBD had antitumor effects in the cell lines examined including lymphoma, mammary carcinoma, osteosarcoma, glioma, and transitional cell carcinoma. They also showed that when used in combination with certain chemotherapy, cancer cell death increased. [Source: Animal Cancer Foundation]

Arthritis

CBD has shown promising potential in helping dogs with osteoarthritis by providing relief from inflammation and therefore relief from pain caused by it. Arthritis is common in older dogs, causing joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. So, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help reduce inflammation in the affected joints.

Seizures

CBD oil might help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs suffering from epilepsy or other seizure disorders. This would be helpful because many dogs have side effects from seizure medications. The AKC (American Kennel Club) announced they’ll do a major clinical trial to study CBD as a treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs. It could be a breakthrough for the product in veterinary medicine.

Are There Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs?

Any dog could experience side effects from CBD oil, even though it’s generally considered safe. Common side effects may include drowsiness, lethargy, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. Although it’s known to be rare, in some cases, dogs may become more sensitive or irritable after consuming CBD oil. 

Additionally, CBD can interact with certain medications. For instance, it has been shown to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and may interfere with the metabolism of other medications that use that family of enzymes. This can lead to increased side effects or decreased effectiveness of your dogs’ other medications. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before administering CBD oil if your dog is on a treatment plan for health conditions.

Also, the quality and purity of the CBD product play a significant role in determining its safety. Using high-quality CBD oil specifically formulated for dogs and following recommended dosages can help minimize the risk of side effects. As with any supplement, carefully monitor your dog’s response to the oil.

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?

*DISCLAIMER: HypePets is not an expert in CBD nor are we veterinarians. Determining the amount of CBD oil you give your dog is solely your responsibility.

Determining the right dosage of CBD oil for your dog is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and safety. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The dosage depends on various factors, including your dog’s size, weight, age, overall health condition, and the reason you’re giving CBD. It’ll also depend on whether the strain is a CBD isolate, full spectrum, or broad spectrum product.

A general rule of thumb is to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it as needed. Most CBD oil products for pets come with dosage guidelines on their labels. Unfortunately, there aren’t really any specific dose recommendations out there at this time, as the FDA has not approved it.

What Are the Most Recommended CBD Oils for Dogs? 

Since CBD oil is in the midst of ongoing research, HypePets isn’t officially endorsing any of these products but we have found them to be some of the best recommended brands on the market.

Asher House Wellness

Asher House Wellness CBD oil is an ingestible oil with a broad spectrum of hemp phytocannabinoids. Their products are manufactured in the U.S. and claim to be consumable by humans, dogs, and cats. 

Suggested Reading: Get to know more about Asher House and how they’re saving animals at their sanctuary. 

Penelope’s Bloom

Penelope’s Bloom produces CBD oil and treats for dogs. Their products contain human-grade ingredients combined with CO2-extracted hemp oil. All of their products are third-party lab tested for pet safety, potency, and effectiveness.

CBDfx

CBDfx has organic CBD products for dogs that are all-natural and vegan. Made in the U.S., their products are cruelty-free. Also, their oil has a natural bacon flavor that many pups love. 

Green Roads

Green Roads makes CBD oil for dogs with a blend of hemp-derived cannabinoid extracts and MCT oil. It’s independent lab tested, has no artificial flavors or coloring, and is gluten-free. They sell different dosages depending on the size of your pet.

Joy Organics

Joy Organics sells CBD oil and treats for dogs. Their oil is USDA-certified organic and contains organic olive oil and organic broad-spectrum hemp extract. In addition, the formula has no detectable THC.

Honest Paws

Honest Paws produces CBD products for dogs with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Their formula claims the promotion of immune support, seasonal allergy relief, and cognitive support.

Pro Tip: Learn what supplements and vitamins can help your dog’s nutritional balance.

Considering CBD Oil to Relieve Your Dog’s Anxiety or Pain

Consider if CBD oil might be right for your dog’s pain management or anxiety. Whether or not to use it is a personal choice. Now that you have more information you can choose to take the next step or continue to learn more. 

Have you given your dog CBD oil? Share your experience in the comments below.