Compare the Best CBD Dog Treats for Joint Pain 2022

How CBD Dog Treats Help With Dog’s Joint Pain 

There are no direct studies on how CBD dog treats help with a dog’s joint pain. However, a Frontiers in Veterinary Science study showed that cannabidiol (CBD) may help with canine osteoarthritis⁽¹⁾.  

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease that causes pain and discomfort⁽²⁾. 

CBD is an active compound found in hemp and cannabis⁽³⁾. It has combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁴⁾. Thus, it may be promising for a dog’s joint pain. 

CBD has structural similarities to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive. Hence, CBD does not cause a euphoric high, unlike THC⁽⁵⁾. 

Moreover, cannabidiol acts on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of both humans and dogs. ECS is a unique communication system in the body and brain that affects many essential functions, including how your dog feels, reacts, and moves⁽⁶⁾. 

When cannabidiol is extracted and used in oils, treats, soft chews, and other CBD pet products, the non-psychoactive compound may provide various health benefits, such as joint pain relief ⁽⁷⁾. 

Benefits of Using CBD Dog Treats on Dog’s Joint Pain 

There has been a growing interest in CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit a dog with joint pain⁽⁸⁾. 

An ex vivo (outside of the living body) study published on September 4, 2021, provided the first evidence of the immunomodulatory effect of CBD in stimulated whole dog blood⁽⁹⁾. 

Immunomodulatory drugs can modify the immune system’s response by increasing or decreasing the production of serum antibodies⁽¹⁰⁾. 

The 2021 study showed that CBD may reduce the inflammatory response of canines induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS)⁽¹¹⁾. 

LPS is a glycolipid that can stimulate the immune system and create a permeability barrier at the cell surface. In addition, LPS can contribute to the innate resistance that Gram-negative bacteria exhibit against antimicrobials⁽¹²⁾. 

The researchers observed that CBD may modulate cytokine production⁽¹³⁾. Cytokine is a small glycoprotein that plays a role in the inflammatory process. 

The study authors hypothesized that CBD may reduce the inflammatory response of canines, as seen in dogs administered with 50ml and 100ml of CBD⁽¹⁴⁾. 

However, due to the lack of scientific information and research data on the use of cannabidiol in dogs, the researchers stated that the results in the ex vivo canine model are inconclusive. 

The authors encourage longitudinal studies to comprehend the purported therapeutic role of CBD in veterinary medicine⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Another study from the Pain Management in Veterinary Clinical Practice featured dogs administered with oral transmucosal CBD and an anti-inflammatory drug. The animal subjects showed an improved canine brief pain inventory (BPI) score⁽¹⁶⁾.  

Canine BPI score allows dog owners to measure their pet’s pain⁽¹⁷⁾. 

When an older dog develops osteoarthritis, the treatment typically focuses on controlling pain, reducing inflammation, and improving a canine’s quality of life⁽¹⁸⁾. 

How Long Do CBD Dog Treats Take to Help With Dog’s Joint Pain? 

There is no direct research regarding the effects of CBD dog treats to help with joint pain. 

However, in a 2019 study, researchers tested how dogs would react in a 12-week course of CBD soft chews given twice per day. They hypothesized that hemp-based CBD may be relatively safe for healthy dogs⁽¹⁹⁾.   

Furthermore, dogs appear to absorb CBD better than cats. However, the use of CBD-rich hemp products requires monitoring of liver enzyme values⁽²⁰⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Dog Treats Help With Dog’s Joint Pain? 

No study has determined how long CBD dog treats take to help dogs with joint pain. 

However, research indicated that cannabidiol has low bioavailability when administered orally to dogs and humans. This phenomenon is on account of the high first-pass effect through the liver⁽²¹⁾. 

Bioavailability is the extent to which a drug becomes entirely available to one’s system⁽²²⁾.  

A study from the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research indicated that a CBD-infused oil formulation had the highest systematic exposures and half-life⁽²³⁾. 

The researchers made the hypothesis after giving 75mg or 150mg CBD doses to healthy canines every 12 hours for six weeks.  

The other delivery methods included in the study were oral microencapsulated oil beads and CBD-infused transdermal cream. 

Half-life is the time required for a substance to decrease by 50% of its starting dosage in the body⁽²⁴⁾.  

On the other hand, the transdermal application is a delivery method wherein active ingredients are delivered into the skin⁽²⁵⁾. 

CBD Dosage for Dogs With Joint Pain 

There is no available dosage of CBD for dogs with joint pain. Generally, standard doses that have been shown to be effective for pain and inflammation are the mid-range doses, between 10mg to 100mg of CBD dose per day⁽²⁶⁾. 

Osteoarthritis causes chronic joint pain. This condition is also common among senior dogs and large breeds⁽²⁷⁾. 

In 2018, a study from the Frontiers in Veterinary Science examined the pain-relieving effect of CBD in canines with osteoarthritis⁽²⁸⁾.  

The researchers hypothesized that if osteoarthritic dogs take 2 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight twice daily, they may have increased comfort and activity. However, the study is inconclusive. 

Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration or FDA has not approved cannabidiol as a medical treatment⁽²⁹⁾. 

Hence, CBD oil administration should start at low doses. You may use a calibrated dropper to dispense the CBD content on your dog’s food, gradually increasing the dosage if you are not satisfied with the result. 

Remember that the amount of cannabidiol your dog needs depends on its size. A larger dog may require higher doses of CBD (8mg per kilogram) for the compound to take effect⁽³⁰⁾. 

Be careful not to confuse CBD oil with hempseed oil. They are different from each other. 

Hempseed oil does not contain cannabinoids. However, your dog may still benefit from it because it is rich in nutrients and fatty acids⁽³¹⁾.  

How Dogs With Joint Pain Can Take CBD Dog Treats 

CBD treats are an excellent method to get cannabidiol extract into your dog, especially if it enjoys treats. 

CBD extracts in dog treats are made similarly to CBD oils. However, the final oil product is infused into a chew or treat⁽³²⁾. 

Compared to regular CBD oil for dogs, CBD treats are easier to administer because most pets enjoy them. 

However, the downside of this ingestion method is that you cannot incrementally adjust the dose. CBD treats do not provide as much dosing control as the oil tincture⁽³³⁾. 

Choosing the Best CBD Dog Treats for Joint Pain

Most CBD brands claim to have the best and high-quality CBD products for their customers. Some companies even offer a money-back guarantee if their products fail to deliver.

When every CBD company promises the same thing, it can be challenging to determine which CBD product has the highest quality.  

To help you find the best CBD dog treats for joint pain, below are some pertinent information to consider:

1. Opt for products that are derived from organic hemp. If possible, go for non-GMO, gluten-free products or those that contain natural ingredients.

Most CBD brands grow hemp plants from their farms. The THC level of grown hemp must not exceed 0.3%⁽³⁴⁾.

2. Make sure that the CBD brand you are eyeing uses the CO2 extraction method. This process utilizes compressed carbon dioxide as the extraction solvent, avoiding toxic and flammable chemicals⁽³⁵⁾.

3. Ensure that the CBD brand you choose enlists the help of a third-party lab to test all their products. The lab report and the certificate of analysis (CoA) must be easily accessible on the company’s website.

Remember that testing CBD products, like CBD treats and soft chews, are necessary to ensure that they do not contain pesticides, preservatives, and residual solvents that can be detrimental to your dog’s health.

4. Compare the CoA with the CBD brand’s claims to determine whether the amount of CBD in their product is accurate.

Note that dogs have the highest endocannabinoid receptors in the brain compared to other species.

Aside from having multiple endocannabinoid receptors, canines are notably smaller than humans. Thus, they are more susceptible to toxicity from excessive THC consumption⁽³⁶⁾.

For these reasons, it would be best to go for THC-free CBD products if you are eager to give CBD to your dog for its joint pain.

5. Familiarize yourself with the different hemp extracts and decide which one suits your dog best.

The American Kennel Club suggests broad-spectrum CBD pet products over full-spectrum CBD oil for your pet⁽³⁷⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD pet products contain compounds naturally found in hemp, including flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, except for THC⁽³⁸⁾.

Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties⁽³⁹⁾. Terpenes are essential oils that provide distinct odor and taste to plants.

CBD isolates, meanwhile, are pure CBD⁽⁴⁰⁾.
A study showed that it may be more beneficial to use full-spectrum hemp oil or broad-spectrum product over isolates due to the benefits of the entourage effect⁽⁴¹⁾.

The entourage effect is a proposition that all the chemical constituents in cannabis work better when taken together than when taken separately⁽⁴²⁾.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs With Joint Pain? 

There have been limited studies examining the safety of cannabidiol when used by dogs with joint pain. Nevertheless, CBD is relatively safe to use⁽⁴³⁾.  

Note that CBD does not contain intoxicating properties. Hence, your dog will not get high⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

A 2018 survey also showed that pet owners endorsed hemp and CBD treats for dogs due to perceived improvement in multiple health issues, including pain and anxiety, with no detrimental side effects⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

The survey results suggest that pet owners believe CBD may alleviate joint pain and help with a dog’s separation anxiety. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD Dog Treats on Dog’s Joint Pain  

Like other medication and supplements, CBD products, such as dog treats containing CBD, also carry the risks of a reaction. 

The most common side effects of cannabidiol in dogs include⁽⁴⁶⁾: 

1. Dry mouth
2. Drowsiness 
3. Lowered blood pressure  

Other Alternative Treatments for Canine Joint Pain 

Most dogs may suffer from joint pain as they age. Apart from using the best CBD oil and other pet CBD products for your canine companion, you may also want to consider the following treatments:

1. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that may help reduce the symptoms of joint damage. Glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplements are commonly prescribed to arthritic dogs⁽⁴⁷⁾. 
2. Chondroitin is a dietary supplement that plays an essential role in water retention and elasticity in the cartilage^(48).  
3. Turmeric (turmeric root) is a flowering plant that may help with inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis⁽⁴⁹⁾. 
4. Chamomile is a herbal supplement that has been used as a mild sedative to alleviate anxiety, manage hysteria, and calm nerves. Chamomile may be used as a muscle relaxant with anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁵⁰⁾.
5. Superfoods or nutrient-rich foods such as coconut oil may help improve your dog’s overall health and wellness⁽⁵¹⁾. Flaxseed may also help your dog achieve a more beautiful hair coat and healthier skin⁽⁵²⁾. 
6. Boswellia resin is a plant-based supplement known for its anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic properties. Boswellia may provide symptomatic support in canine osteoarthritis⁽⁵³⁾. 

Legality of CBD 

The current federal law may limit how most veterinarians in the U.S. can discuss the use of cannabidiol products with pet parents. Still, it should not stop you from initiating a discussion about it⁽⁵⁴⁾. 

In addition, reading various state laws regarding CBD use is necessary to avoid legal repercussions. 

For instance, Colorado expanded its regulations regarding cannabis in 2012 by legalizing the adult use of recreational marijuana⁽⁵⁵⁾. 

Adults Coloradans can also grow marijuana in their homes for personal use. They can grow up to six marijuana or cannabis plants, with three plants flowering at a time⁽⁵⁶⁾.  

Despite these developments, it is not clear whether the Centennial state allows CBD in dogs. 

Meanwhile, licensed veterinarians in Nevada can prescribe hemp and CBD products to their patients, provided that the THC content is less than 0.3%⁽⁵⁷⁾.  

If you live in South Dakota, the local government does not permit any CBD products. CBD or hemp oil is illegal in Mount Rushmore state⁽⁵⁸⁾, making possession of CBD oil and related products a violation of state law.