• Clinical researchers are looking at CBDs potential in alleviating pain caused by medical illnesses, such as osteoarthritis(1). CBD may also help with epilepsy in dogs(2), although pain is rare in this condition.
  • The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is found in dogs, including humans, and the ECS regulates pain and inflammation(3).
  • Although U. S. veterinarians cannot prescribe or suggest CBD products to their clients, dog owners may still discuss it with their veterinarians(4).

Can Dog Owners Give Their Dog CBD Oil for Pain?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a component of the cannabis plant that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. CBD is a non-psychoactive plant-based cannabinoid(5).

Cannabinoids are one of the main components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is present in all animals, including humans. It functions similarly in managing pain and inflammation(6). 

The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of cannabidiol (CBD) are created by activating the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in a dog’s endocannabinoid system(7).

Scientists believe that the ECS is responsible for maintaining internal equilibrium (homeostasis) in the body, producing hormones, and generating reactions to modify how organs respond to external stimuli(8). 

The ECS is well-known for controlling pain signals and initiating inflammation(9).

Thus, CBD may change how the ECS initiates pain and inflammatory responses by acting on the CB receptors, allowing dogs to feel less pain and swelling(10).

Meanwhile, according to a study, dogs have a large number of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in their brains, making them more sensitive to psychoactive substances(11).

However, CBD may help lessen the effects of THC when administered at the same time(12).

Benefits of CBD Oil to Dogs

There is no conclusive evidence to support CBD’s supposed ability to help with pain in dogs. However, clinical studies have examined CBD in controlling pain in conditions including osteoarthritis(13) and epilepsy(14).

In 2018, researchers looked at the benefits of CBD oil on dogs suffering from osteoarthritis(15). This research employed a strain-specific extract of different cannabinoids present in industrial hemp, a plant with high levels of cannabidiol (CBD)(16). 

Results showed that CBD may be beneficial in improving the condition of the dogs by increasing their energy and pain comfort levels(17).

In another study conducted on dogs with epilepsy, data showed that CBD may reduce the frequency of seizures(18).

Despite the given clinical studies, there is a lack of data to support CBD’s usefulness in treating chronic pain in dogs associated with osteoarthritis and seizures from epilepsy. 

How to Administer CBD Oil for Pain to a Dog

CBD oil for dogs comes in different forms and may be administered in various ways. Here are some basic ways to deliver CBD oil for pain in dogs(19). 

  • CBD sublingual: Dog owners may draw CBD oil into a dropper and give it to their dogs(20).
  • CBD-infused dog treats: The treats made with CBD come in soft chews, bits, and peanut butter(21).
  • Topical CBD: A dog’s skin may be treated with CBD topicals for localized pain relief from joint discomfort, sunburn, and itching(22).

CBD Dosage for Pain in Dogs 

The FDA has not approved a standard CBD dose for treating or managing pain in dogs.

However, an American Journal of Veterinary Research published in 2021 looked into CBD fed orally to healthy canines(23).

The researchers found that giving 20 adult beagles 1mg to 12 mg/kg of cannabidiol once the dogs can tolerate the dosage for 28 days(24).

Risks and Side Effects of CBD for Pain in Dogs

Dog owners should avoid using high doses of CBD to treat their pets. CBD may cause sleep problems, dry mouth, and low blood pressure(25).

In addition, CBD oil containing THC should be administered with care to dogs since this psychoactive ingredient may be hazardous to dogs at specific concentrations(26).

Safety Precautions

Dog owners should call the veterinarian right away if they think their dog is experiencing discomfort due to joint pain. Dog owners may discuss the dog’s symptoms and prevention(27).

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil products contain concentrated amounts of cannabinoids extracted from the hemp plant(28). 

The terms CBD tincture and CBD oil are frequently used interchangeably. However, they are not exactly the same.

Typically, tinctures include alcohol, although consumers may find CBD oils advertised as tinctures(29). Unlike tinctures, CBD oils are administered orally.

THC vs. CBD for Dogs

​CBD is one of the many chemical compounds derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it is not psychoactive(30).

Even though CBD is not considered a psychoactive chemical, dog owners may use it as an alternative treatment for their pets in discomfort, with the advice of CBD specialists or using their discretion. 

Pet CBD Oil vs. Human CBD Oil: What’s The Difference?

The benefits of using CBD for humans are how cannabinoids interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system, helping to maintain homeostasis or balance(31).

All animals have an ECS in them, which means that CBD has the same effects on them as it does on humans(32). 

Suppose pet owners consider adding CBD oil to their pets’ diet and managing their dog’s pain. In that case, CBD oil may have the same potential health benefits in humans(33) and canines(34).

Signs A Dog Might Be in Pain

According to veterinary specialists, the following are the typical signs of pain in dogs(35):

  • Dog behavior: aggressiveness, panting, biting, shaking, flattened ears, and scratching
  • On touch or inspection: crying, panting, increasing respiratory rate, lip licking, head-turning, and swelling of the painful area

Can Veterinarians Prescribe CBD for Dogs?

According to federal law, U.S. veterinarians cannot prescribe or administer CBD, nor can they advise customers to buy CBD products(36).

To be safe, dog owners should discuss CBD oil with their doctors and check the state’s rules before giving dogs CBD oil for pain.

However, in Nevada, veterinarians may prescribe dog owners CBD oil for canine pain management as long as the CBD products have less than 0.3% THC concentration(37).

Alternatives to CBD for Dogs in Pain

If dog owners want an alternative therapy for their dogs in pain, they may talk to their vet about possible options. 

Analgesics help many dogs feel better and live longer(38). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat arthritis and other conditions in dogs(39).

Before providing NSAIDs or any other medicine to the dogs, consult a veterinarian for safety purposes. 

  1. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
  2. Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067185/
  3. CBD for dogs with arthritis: What does the science actually say?
    https://caninearthritis.org/cbd-for-dogs-with-arthritis-claims/
  4. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  5. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345916/
  6. CBD for dogs with arthritis: What does the science actually say?
    https://caninearthritis.org/cbd-for-dogs-with-arthritis-claims/
  7. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  8. CBD for dogs with arthritis: What does the science actually say?
    https://caninearthritis.org/cbd-for-dogs-with-arthritis-claims/
  9. Ibid.
  10. Ibid.
  11. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  12. ​​CBD for dogs with arthritis: What does the science actually say?
    https://caninearthritis.org/cbd-for-dogs-with-arthritis-claims/
  13. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
  14. Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067185/
  15. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
  16. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
  17. Ibid.
  18. Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067185/
  19. Page 182 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  20. Ibid.
  21. Ibid.
  22. Ibid.
  23. Randomized, placebo-controlled, 28-day safety and pharmacokinetics evaluation of repeated oral cannabidiol administration in healthy dogs
    https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/full/10.2460/ajvr.82.5.405
  24. Ibid.
  25. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
  26. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
  27. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  28. Page 201 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  29. Ibid.
  30. ​​Cannabidiol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
  31. The Therapeutic Aspects of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) for Cancer and their Development: From Nature to Laboratory
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5412000/
  32. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  33. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
  34. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
  35. How to recognise signs of pain in your pet
    https://vetspecialists.co.uk/blog-post/recognising-signs-of-pain-in-your-pet/
  36. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  37. Nevada veterinarians can treat patients with certain cannabis products
    https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-10-01/nevada-veterinarians-can-treat-patients-certain-cannabis-products
  38. Treating Pain in Your Dog
    https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/treating-pain-your-dog
  39. Ibid.
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Written by 

Fay Smith

Fay Smith worked in communications for five years before settling down with her husband. Now a mother of two young children, she also takes care of three lovable Pomeranians. When one of her dogs was suffering from anxiety, she had...

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