Compare the best CBD for condition in 2021

How CBD May Help With Pain in Dogs

Cannabidiol, more commonly referred to as CBD, is a component of cannabis plants (marijuana) and hemp plants that may contain analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁾. 

CBD is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid (plant-based cannabinoid), unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes a euphoric high⁽²⁾.

CBD’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties are induced by activating the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) of a dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). These receptors are responsible for pain and anxiety processes⁽³⁾.

The ECS, found in humans and animals, is responsible for the body’s homeostatis or balance. The ECS maintains this balance by regulating pain signals that also activate inflammation⁽⁴⁾.  

Meanwhile, a study indicated that dogs have a large number of cannabinoid receptors in their brain, making these animals more sensitive to cannabinoids and more prone to THC toxicity⁽⁵⁾.

However, CBD may help in counteracting THC’s harmful effects when the two compounds are administered simultaneously⁽⁶⁾.

Benefits of Using CBD for Pain in Dogs

A study in 2018 investigated the effects of CBD oil in dogs with osteoarthritis⁽⁷⁾. 

The study hypothesized that hemp-based CBD dog treats may have therapeutic properties that may reduce joint pain, inflammation, digestive system issues, and itching in dogs⁽⁸⁾.

However, there is a lack of evidence regarding CBD’s efficacy against chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis⁽⁹⁾. 

Meanwhile, research done on rats and mice indicated that CBD and THC may be effective in managing difficult-to-treat pain⁽¹⁰⁾. 

Additionally, a 2018 study on kidney transplant patients who were given 50 to 150 mg of CBD for pain management indicated that the compound may reduce pain from kidney surgery⁽¹¹⁾. 

Due to the research findings on both human and animal subjects, CBD’s purported benefits may be a possible subject for future research on dogs. 

How to Give Dogs CBD Oil for Pain

There are various forms of dog CBD oil you can give your furry friend⁽¹²⁾:

• CBD tinctures 
• Edibles
• Topicals

CBD oil tinctures are available in flavored or unflavored variants. They can be administered under your pet’s tongue or mixed into your dog’s food. 

Tinctures come with a dropper for a measured CBD dosage administration.

Meanwhile, edibles such as dog treats, CBD-infused peanut butter, and chews are a convenient way to give your furry friends CBD, especially if they are picky eaters or do not like the compound’s natural flavor⁽¹³⁾.

Lastly, CBD topicals like creams, salves, and balms are applied on your dog’s skin for localized pain relief from joint pains, sunburn, and itching⁽¹⁴⁾.

CBD Dosage for Pain in Dogs

Currently, there is no standard CBD dosage authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and manage pain in canines. 

However, a study published in 2021 in the American Journal of Veterinary Research investigated the effectiveness of CBD administered orally to healthy dogs⁽¹⁵⁾.

The researchers noted that 1 to 12 mg/kg, or milligrams of cannabidiol per kilogram of the dog’s body weight, given to twenty adult beagles once a day for 28 days, were well tolerated by the canine subjects. 

Additionally, a 2019 research noted that a 2mg/kg dose of CBD may have no damaging side effects in healthy dogs and cats⁽¹⁶⁾.

Still, dog owners should be cautious when giving higher doses of CBD to their pet dogs. A high CBD dosage may induce side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure⁽¹⁷⁾.

In addition, caution should be exercised when administering CBD oil containing THC to your dogs, as this psychoactive compound may be toxic to dogs at certain doses⁽¹⁸⁾.  

The weight and size of your pet may also influence the CBD dosage. For example, large dogs may need higher doses than small dogs.

If your pet is in pain, such as joint pain, it is essential to inform your veterinarian immediately. Speak to the veterinarian about your dog’s condition so they can give the proper diagnosis and available treatment options.

Should you decide that CBD may be a plausible alternative for your pet, research the current federal and state laws. Most state regulations prevent veterinarians from suggesting, prescribing, or administering cannabis products on animals⁽¹⁹⁾. 

It is highly recommended that you research more information on which brand offers the best CBD for dogs before using it on your pet. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Pain in Dogs?

CBD may have different onset times depending on the compound’s dosage and administration method.

CBD tinctures, usually administered via sublingual administration or applying CBD oil under the pet’s tongue, allow the compound to bypass the gastrointestinal tract and directly enter the bloodstream. 

This method may lead to a faster onset time compared to other methods.

Meanwhile, orally-administered CBD such as edibles and capsules allows CBD oil to pass through the digestive tract before being absorbed by the liver. Thus, the oral administration method may have a slower onset time than sublingual application. 

Lastly, topical CBD products like creams, lotions, and salves may take effect depending on the thickness of the dog’s skin, as topicals do not get absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Additionally, aside from the route of administration and CBD dosage, the compound’s onset time may also vary depending on the canine’s weight, size, and metabolism⁽²⁰⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Pain in Dogs?

No clinical research has shown how long CBD oil takes to help with pain in dogs. 

However, studies have discussed that cannabidiol, when administered orally to dogs and humans, has low bioavailability due to the high first-pass effect through the liver⁽²¹⁾. 

Bioavailability refers to the duration when a medication becomes wholly available in one’s system⁽²²⁾.  

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Pain in Dogs

It can be challenging to decide which CBD product has the highest quality due to many CBD companies marketing the same products. 

To help consumers find the best CBD oil for dogs, here is some crucial information to remember: 

Type of CBD

Full-spectrum CBD oil (also called full-spectrum hemp oil) has all the cannabinoids and cannabis-derived compounds, like flavonoids, terpenes, and a less than 0.3% THC concentration. 

Flavonoids may contain antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, whereas terpenes are responsible for the cannabis plants’ distinct fragrance and taste⁽²³⁾.  

It is important to note that when pets ingest high amounts of THC, they may experience vomiting, tremors, and lethargy, indicating THC toxicity⁽²⁴⁾. For this reason, pet owners usually opt for broad-spectrum CBD oil pet products⁽²⁵⁾. 

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is THC-free while still containing all other cannabinoids and compounds of the cannabis plant⁽²⁶⁾.

Lastly, CBD isolates are pure cannabidiol. 

Hemp Source

It is essential to identify the hemp source of your CBD products before purchasing them. 

Some CBD products may contain substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can be harmful to consumers’ health. 

It is best to choose CBD products produced by trusted companies that provide cruelty-free, non-GMO CBD extracts made from organic hemp. 

Extraction Methods

There are various extraction methods for obtaining hemp extracts, such as steam distillation and ethanol, natural solvent, and carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction.

The most utilized extraction technique is the CO2 extraction method, wherein compressed CO2 is used as the extraction solvent⁽²⁷⁾.

Overall Quality

Reputable CBD brands that produce high-quality CBD oil may use non-GMO hemp oil and organic hemp. 

 Many CBD brands offer CBD dog treats made from gluten-free, non-GMO, and human-grade ingredients.

Ingredients

It is essential to go over the ingredients list of CBD pet products as they may contain potential allergens that can trigger allergic reactions on your dog. 

Choosing organic CBD products with the highest quality and made from non-GMO and natural ingredients is recommended. 

Third-Party Lab Testing

Ensure that the CBD brand uses third-party lab testing for its products. The lab reports and certificates of analysis (COA) should be posted on the company’s website. 

COAs are third-party lab results that show the CBD product’s actual content and disclose the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and preservatives that can be harmful to your dog’s health.

The labels on the CBD products should match the details in the COA.

Carrier Oil

Cannabidiol is usually infused with a carrier oil like coconut oil, MCT oil, or hempseed oil.  

“Hempseed oil” is different from “hemp oil.” Hemp oil, also known as CBD oil, is an essential oil from the leaves and flowers of hemp plants, while hempseed oil is made from pressed seeds of hemp. 

Hempseed oil contains fatty acids and nutrients but does not have CBD⁽²⁸⁾. 

Website and Customer Service

CBD brands often offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for their customers’ satisfaction.

Honest Paws, HolistaPet, CBDfx, Medterra, and Colorado Healing Acres are a few examples of CBD companies that aim to provide high-quality pet CBD oil products.

Is CBD Safe for My Dog to Take?

Studies investigating the effectiveness and safety of cannabidiol when used for pain in dogs are limited. Nonetheless, CBD is relatively safe to use on healthy dogs⁽²⁹⁾.  

It is important to note that CBD does not have any intoxicating properties. Thus, the compound will not make your dog high⁽³⁰⁾. 

A survey conducted in 2018 showed that pet owners supported hemp and CBD-infused treats for dogs due to the perceived improvement of their pets’ multiple health issues, such as anxiety and pain, without any significant side effects⁽³¹⁾. 

The results of the survey also suggest that pet owners believe CBD may relieve joint pain and help manage dogs’ separation anxiety. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Pain in Dogs

Some possible side effects of CBD in dogs may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Additionally, CBD may cause ataxia when taken in large doses. This condition affects the canine’s coordination and balance⁽³²⁾.

Other side effects of CBD in canines are low blood pressure, dry mouth, and drowsiness⁽³³⁾. 

Meanwhile, a study published in 2020 investigated the safety of giving higher CBD doses in healthy dogs. The researchers hypothesized that canines may tolerate up to 640.5mg or around 64.7mg/kg of CBD⁽³⁴⁾.

The study also suggested that CBD oil formulations that consist of higher CBD content are well tolerated and safer than formulations with higher THC content.

If your dog is prescribed other medications, it is important to note that CBD may inhibit the effects of those drugs. 

CBD is an inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, which plays a role in metabolizing drugs. The inhibition of this enzyme may lead to medication remaining unmetabolized in the system.  

The American Kennel Club advised that whenever pet owners give their dogs a new supplement, it is preferable to start with small amounts and closely monitor its effects⁽³⁵⁾.

It is also vital to seek professional advice from your veterinarian regarding your dog’s medical condition and medication before giving CBD products to your pet.

Legality of CBD

Federal laws and some state laws restrict veterinarians from recommending, prescribing, administering, or dispensing cannabis or any cannabis-derived products to their clients⁽³⁶⁾.

Despite this, pet owners should be comfortable initiating a conversation about CBD oil with their veterinarians. 

It is highly recommended that before giving your dog CBD oil for pain, make sure to verify individual state laws regarding cannabidiol use to avoid legal repercussions. 

Remember that different states may set various laws and regulations about the use of CBD products. 

In 2021, Assembly Bill 101 was signed by Governor Steve Sisolak, which made Nevada the first state in the USA to authorize cannabinoids as veterinary treatment. 

Thus, licensed veterinarians in Nevada can give patients cannabis products as long as the THC level is less than 0.3%⁽³⁷⁾. 

Note that when your dog consumes excessive amounts of cannabis with THC, THC intoxication may result, affecting your dog’s muscle coordination, leading to balancing issues⁽³⁸⁾.