With the growing popularity of CBD oil, many people are interested in its potential benefits for their dogs. More and more people give their dogs CBD oil to curb anxiety, reduce seizures, or improve inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Read on to find out which of these uses are backed by science, how to calculate the dosage, and what side effects to look out for.<\/p>\n
CBD oil is a therapeutic oil with a non-psychoactive compound of cannabis<\/a>: cannabidiol or CBD.<\/p>\n CBD has grown in popularity for a number of health conditions in humans. Its recent legalization<\/a> in many countries sparked a keen interest in dog owners. They normally seek an alternative remedy for their dog\u2019s [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Although the research on its effects on dogs is scarce, several CBD oil products have been formulated specifically for dogs (mainly liquid tinctures, tablets, chews, and treats). In fact, over 50% of vets recommend and prescribe them based on experience [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n CBD reduced seizures caused by electric shocks and drugs in old studies in mice and is even approved for some types of epilepsy in humans [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In the only clinical trial in epileptic dogs, infused CBD oil reduced seizure frequency slightly better than the placebo. The therapy was most effective when blood CBD reached high levels. Thus, we\u2019re in need of a method that can accurately measure CBD blood levels to allow dosage adjustment [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n On the other hand, CBD oil safely reduces seizures in people with some types of epilepsy. It helps both children and adults who don’t respond to anti-seizure drugs. CBD oil might work in a similar way for dogs with seizures, and anecdotal reports back this up [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, more trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and establish its therapeutic use. Consult your vet if you plan to give your dog CBD oil for seizures.<\/p>\n CBD oil is often given to dogs with painful and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and terminal cancer. CBD probably improves these conditions by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-a<\/a>, IFN<\/a>, and IL-1<\/a>) and increasing those with anti-inflammatory effects (such as IL-10<\/a> and IL-12<\/a>) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In the only clinical trial in dogs, oral CBD oil reduced arthritic pain but had no effect on limb mobility or weight-bearing capacity. CBD also slowed arthritis progression in mice [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although there are no studies in dogs for these conditions, rat and mice studies revealed that CBD reduced:<\/p>\n Again, the evidence supporting its use in arthritis or any other inflammatory and painful conditions is very limited. Discuss with your vet how CBD oil may help in the case of your dog.<\/p>\n The main causes of anxiety in dogs include [R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n Although it hasn\u2019t been investigated in dogs, some owners give their dogs CBD oil to reduce their anxiety in all these situations. Indeed, CBD reduced anxiety in 4 small trials on almost 100 people and several studies in mice and rats. It was more effective at moderate doses and given for short periods [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although proponents of CBD oil claim it improves heart health, the results of 2 old studies in anesthetized dogs were contradictory. Injected CBD increased heart rate<\/a> and pumping in one study. A synthetic CBD derivative lowered blood pressure and heart rate in the other one. No studies were performed on conscious dogs, making it hard to draw any conclusions [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A systematic review of 25 studies in animals and humans concluded that CBD reduces blood pressure and heart rate in<\/b> stressful<\/b><\/a> conditions but has no effect in normal circumstances.<\/b> It also improves brain blood flow in animals who suffered a stroke [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It\u2019s possible that many dog-owners are confusing CBD oil with hemp oil<\/b>. These two products are not the same! Although both are made from hemp, the procedures and parts of the plant used are completely different.<\/p>\n Hemp oil is made by pressing hemp seeds<\/a>. It is much lower in CBD but abounds in essential nutrients and heart-healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids. As such, it\u2019s more likely to support your dog\u2019s heart health.<\/p>\n On the other hand, CBD oil is usually made by extracting CBD from the flowers and leaves of hemp and dissolving it in a food-grade oil (such as coconut oil). It\u2019s high in CBD but lacks the healthy fatty acids found in the seed. Thus, it\u2019s more likely to help by reducing your dog’s anxiety-provoked fast heartbeat in stressful situations.<\/p>\n CBD oil is frequently recommended to dog owners to reduce nausea and lack of appetite caused by diseases, surgical procedures, and drugs.<\/p>\n Although studies in dogs are lacking, CBD reduced nausea and vomiting – and further enhanced the action of drugs used for this purpose – in multiple studies in mice and rats [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Because CBD oil is not approved to treat any conditions in dogs, there is no official dose. Consult your vet about the best dose and delivery method for your dog\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n Most manufacturers recommend a CBD oil dose of 0.5 mg\/kg (0.5 mg\/2.2 lbs) and up to 1 mg\/kg per day. Based on this, the doses for small (below 10 kg), medium-sized (10-30 kg), or big (over 30 kg) dogs are:<\/p>\n Keep in mind that CBD oil is an insufficiently researched supplement with a relatively unknown safety profile. The list of side effects below is, therefore, not a definite one. You should consult your vet about other potential side effects based on your dog\u2019s health condition and possible drug interactions.<\/p>\n CBD oil is generally well tolerated and the most common adverse effect is increased drowsiness. Other effects reported by over 2k vets who completed an online survey included [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Two clinical trials using higher doses (2-2.5 mg\/kg 2x\/day) reported lack of coordination (ataxia) and possible liver damage (increased blood alkaline phosphatase<\/a>) in some dogs [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Other components of CBD oil preparations such as carrier oils and alcohols may also cause upset digestion and other health issues [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n There are no studies on injected CBD megadoses in dogs, but their effects in monkeys were severe (tremors, breathing difficulties, heart attacks). These should not happen with normal, oral CBD oil dosing in dogs [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n Don\u2019t give your dog CBD oil for unproven uses only because it\u2019s natural<\/i>. Talk to your vet about the best therapies and doses first and report any toxicity signs immediately.<\/p>\n CBD blocks a liver enzyme that breaks down many drugs (CYP2C19<\/a>). In contrast, the oil might increase the effects of certain medications given to dogs, although there are no studies in these animals. Talk to a vet if your dog is on medication before giving them CBD oil [R<\/a>, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n After you and your vet have agreed to give your dog CBD oil, it\u2019s important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable source. Do your research and make sure that the oil:<\/p>\n\n
Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n
Insufficient Evidence for:<\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Seizures<\/span><\/h3>\n
2) Pain and Inflammation<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Lack of Evidence (Studies in Humans and Other Animals)<\/span><\/h3>\n
Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Heart Health<\/span><\/h3>\n
Nausea<\/span><\/h3>\n
CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n
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CBD Oil Safety & Side Effects in Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n
Side Effects<\/h4>\n
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Drug Interactions<\/h4>\n
How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Your Dog<\/span><\/h2>\n
Tips<\/span><\/h3>\n