Compare the Best CBD for Dogs with Arthritis in 2022

How CBD Helps Dogs With Arthritis 

A study from the Frontiers in Veterinary Science hypothesized that CBD may help with canine osteoarthritis (OA)⁽¹⁾. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis common in canines⁽²⁾. 

Cannabidiol or CBD is a compound found in hemp and cannabis⁽³⁾. It has combined anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions⁽⁴⁾. Thus, it may be promising for chronic pain such as dog’s arthritis. 

CBD has structural similarities to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Nonetheless, CBD is non-psychoactive. Thus, it does not cause euphoria, unlike THC⁽⁵⁾. 

Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is pervasive in mammalian species and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis⁽⁶⁾. 

Homeostasis is a process that living things use to sustain a stable condition while adjusting to changing external environments⁽⁷⁾. 

The process is done through a negative feedback loop that releases the endocannabinoids as they target the cannabinoid (CBD) receptors⁽⁸⁾. 

These cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, are found on cells throughout the body⁽⁹⁾.

 CB2 receptors function primarily to modulate a healthy response to inflammation by regulating multiple anti-inflammatory pathways⁽¹⁰⁾.  

An animal study posted in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America examined cannabidiol’s effect on murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).  

The animal study results showed that cannabidiol, combined with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions, may have a potent anti-arthritic effect on CIA⁽¹¹⁾. 

Meanwhile, Cornell University examined CBD’s effect on dogs with osteoarthritis. The study involved a small number of canines with OA that received 2mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight⁽¹²⁾.  

The result showed that the dogs administered with CBD were perceived to be more comfortable and active than those given a placebo.  

Thus, the researchers hypothesized that cannabidiol may improve the level of comfort and morbidity of osteoarthritic dogs⁽¹³⁾.   

The short-term effects of CBD appear to be positive in this particular study. Still, further long-term research with a larger population is necessary to determine CBD’s therapeutic effect on canine arthritis.  

Benefits of Using CBD on Dogs With Arthritis 

A 2019 animal study published in Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) determined that an oral CBD-rich hemp supplement may not be detrimental to dogs⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Thus, you may administer CBD to your canine companion. 

Another research from the Pain Management in Veterinary Clinical Practice featured dogs administered with oral transmucosal cannabidiol with an anti-inflammatory substance. The animal subjects exhibited an improved canine BPI or canine brief pain inventory score⁽¹⁵⁾.  

Canine BPI allows pet parents to measure their dog’s pain⁽¹⁶⁾. 

When your dog develops osteoarthritis, the treatment usually focuses on controlling pain, reducing inflammation, and improving your dog’s quality of life⁽¹⁷⁾.

According to Jerry Klein, the chief veterinary officer at American Kennel Club (AKC), cannabidiol is used in dogs due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, anti-anxiety impact, and appetite stimulation⁽¹⁸⁾.   

A study published in 2021 provided the first evidence of the immunomodulatory effect of cannabidiol in stimulated whole dog blood⁽¹⁹⁾.

The result of the study demonstrated that CBD may reduce the inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). 

LPS is a glycolipid produced by most Gram-negative bacteria that can stimulate the immune system. 

LPS creates a permeability barrier at the cell surface. Furthermore, it is the main contributor to the innate resistance that Gram-negative bacteria exhibit against numerous antimicrobials⁽²⁰⁾. 

The researchers of the 2021 study hypothesized that CBD may modulate cytokine production stimulated by LPS. 

Cytokines are the small glycoproteins essential in the inflammatory process.

Thus, cannabidiol may reduce the inflammatory response of dogs, as seen in the group administered with 50 and 100ml of CBD⁽²¹⁾. 

However, due to the lack of information and research on the use of cannabidiol in canines, the researchers suggested further studies to fully comprehend the possible therapeutic role of CBD in veterinary medicine⁽²²⁾. 

Osteoarthritis is common among senior dogs and large breeds⁽²³⁾. 

When your dog has OA, its cartilage cushion that allows joints to move smoothly begins to break down. It may be due to certain factors, such as age, repetitive stress, or injury. 

The deterioration of this protective cushion usually results in pain and inflammation⁽²⁴⁾. 

CBD has purported anti-inflammatory properties⁽²⁵⁾. Therefore, the compound may have a good effect on dogs with osteoarthritis. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to alleviate chronic pain triggered by OA. However, these substances have significant side effects with continued use⁽²⁶⁾.  

On the other hand, a study from the American Journal of Veterinary Research noted that CBD administration was well tolerated by canines⁽²⁷⁾.  

Still, for your dog’s safety, make sure to speak with your veterinarian first. Generally, veterinarians in the U.S. are not allowed to prescribe CBD to their patients⁽²⁸⁾. 

However, if you are from Nevada, licensed veterinarians can assist you in knowing the right amount of CBD appropriate for your arthritic dog.

Nevada is the first state to recognize cannabinoids, such as CBD, as a veterinary treatment⁽²⁹⁾.  

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Dogs With Arthritis?

The simplest way to administer CBD to your dog with arthritis is by adding CBD oil to its food or drinks⁽³⁰⁾.

Most CBD oil tincture products come with calibrated droppers. You may use them to dispense the oil or tincture on your dog’s food. 

Generally, the onset of CBD takes about 30 minutes. Your dog should feel the effects of CBD between four and six hours⁽³¹⁾.    

On the contrary, CBD dog treats, such as biscuits and soft chews, have an average onset time of 30 to 90 minutes after consumption⁽³²⁾.   

If you own a larger dog, you may need to administer higher doses of cannabidiol for the compound to take effect⁽³³⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help Dogs With Arthritis?  

No study has determined how long cannabidiol takes to help dogs with arthritis.

Nevertheless, reports indicated that CBD has low bioavailability when administered orally to dogs and humans alike. This phenomenon is due to the high first-pass effect through the liver⁽³⁴⁾. 

Bioavailability is the extent to which a substance becomes entirely available to one’s system⁽³⁵⁾. In this case, CBD’s intended biological destination is a dog’s body. 

A study from the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research demonstrated that a CBD-infused oil formulation had the highest systemic exposures and half-life after administering 75mg and 150mg doses to healthy dogs⁽³⁶⁾. 

The other delivery methods involved in the study include ​​the administration of oral microencapsulated oil beads and CBD-infused transdermal cream.

Half-life is the length of time required for a drug concentration to decrease by 50% of its starting dosage in the body⁽³⁷⁾.   

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD on Dogs With Arthritis

According to American Kennel Club, CBD may cause some side effects on dogs, such as⁽³⁸⁾:

1. Dry mouth: cannabidiol may decrease saliva production. Thus, dogs may become thirstier.
2. Drowsiness: CBD’s calming effects may cause your dog to be slightly drowsy, especially when you administer high doses.

1. Lowered blood pressure: High doses of cannabidiol may cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, resulting in light-headedness. 

Ways to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Dogs With Arthritis

Most CBD companies advertise the best CBD products to their customers. Some even offer a money-back guarantee if their products do not deliver as promised.

On the other hand, other CBD brands promote CBD as a product for pain relief and even claim that it can improve joint health.  

If you are eager in finding the best CBD oils for dogs with arthritis, below are some pertinent information to help you select the appropriate CBD hemp oil product:

1. If you know veterinarians experienced in cannabis use, make sure to consult them regarding CBD administration. Talking with an expert is necessary, especially if you consider giving your dog CBD for the first time. 

However, remember that most veterinarians in the U.S. cannot administer CBD to their patients under the current federal law. Still, you should be comfortable bringing it up⁽³⁹⁾. 

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

Most CBD companies grow hemp plants from their farms. Grown hemp must not contain more than 0.3% of THC⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Visit their website to verify if there is any information about their farming and CBD extraction methods. 

1. Go for high-quality CBD oil products that utilize the CO2 extraction method. This process uses compressed carbon dioxide as the extraction solvent, avoiding flammable and toxic chemicals⁽⁴¹⁾.   
2. Make sure a third-party lab tests the brand’s CBD products. They should include the report on their website as well as the certificates of analysis (CoAs). 

Note that testing of CBD products is vital to ensure that they do not contain preservatives, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, residual solvents, and other harmful contaminants.

1. Compare the CoA with the brand’s claims. Make sure that the amount of CBD in the product is accurate. 

Dogs have more endocannabinoid receptors in their cerebellum and brainstem than humans. These parts of the brain control heart and respiratory rates and coordination. 

Aside from having numerous endocannabinoid receptors, dogs are notably smaller than humans. Thus, they are more susceptible to toxicity from excessive THC consumption⁽⁴²⁾.  

For these reasons, go for THC-free CBD products if you think of giving CBD to your arthritic dog. 

1. Make sure to understand different state laws regarding cannabis use. This way, you can avoid legal repercussions. 
2. Know the different hemp extracts and decide which one suits your dog’s needs. The American Kennel Club suggested opting for broad-spectrum CBD oil over full-spectrum CBD oil for your pet⁽⁴³⁾. 

The reason why you should avoid full-spectrum hemp extract for your dog is due to its THC content. 

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum products contain terpenes and cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. However, they do not have THC⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

Some brands may also offer CBD isolate, a pure form of cannabidiol. 

How Dogs With Arthritis Can Take CBD Oil 

Most CBD brands, such as Honest Paws and Holistapet, offer various dog products in different CBD extracts. These items include:

• CBD tinctures
• CBD dog treats
• CBD topicals
• CBD peanut butter
• CBD soft chews
• CBD capsules 
• CBD pet oil  

CBD dog treats are orally ingested. However, if you want the most control in dosing, you may go for tinctures or oils instead. You can easily add tinctures and oils to your dog’s food or drink⁽⁴⁵⁾.  

You can also administer CBD tinctures and oil topically and sublingually (under your dog’s tongue). CBD topicals are available in salves and creams. 

Most CBD products may contain additives like carrier oils that contribute to its possible therapeutic effects. MCT oil and coconut oil are common carriers⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

Remember that CBD oil is different from hempseed oil. Hempseed oil does not contain cannabinoids. Still, it is rich in nutrients and fatty acids⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

CBD Dosage for Dogs With Arthritis

A 2018 study from the Frontiers in Veterinary Science examined the safety and pain-relieving effect of cannabidiol in dogs with osteoarthritis (joint pain).  

Researchers hypothesized that if dogs with osteoarthritis take 2mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight twice a day, they may have increased activity and comfort⁽⁴⁸⁾.  

However, the Food and Drug Administration or FDA in the USA has not approved cannabidiol as a medical treatment⁽⁴⁹⁾. Hence, there is no available dosage of CBD for dogs with arthritis. 

The only cannabis-derived medication recognized by the FDA is Epidiolex. It is used to manage seizures related to childhood epilepsy⁽⁵⁰⁾.

Epilepsy is occasionally seen in dogs. The seizures usually begin when the dog is still young, around two or three years old⁽⁵¹⁾.  

However, you may start administering CBD oil to your dog at low doses and then slowly adjust the dosage until you see your desired results.  

Note that the amount of CBD your dog needs depends on its size. Generally, large dogs may require higher doses of CBD for the compound to take effect⁽⁵²⁾. 

Legality of CBD 

Federal law may limit how veterinarians can discuss the use of CBD oil with dog owners. However, you should be comfortable initiating a discussion⁽⁵³⁾. 

In Colorado, the local government expanded its state law on cannabis in 2012. The Centennial state legalized the adult use of recreational marijuana⁽⁵⁴⁾. 

Adult Coloradans are also allowed to grow marijuana in their homes⁽⁵⁵⁾. However, it is not clear whether Colorado allows the use of CBD in dogs. 

On the other hand, licensed veterinarians in Nevada can recommend hemp and CBD products to their patients, provided that the THC level is not more than 0.3%⁽⁵⁶⁾. 

If you are from South Dakota, the local government does not allow the possession of CBD products. Hemp and CBD oil are still illegal in Mount Rushmore state⁽⁵⁷⁾. Therefore, owning CBD pet products is deemed a violation of state law.