CBD Dilution for Dog’s Pain - April 2024

What Is CBD Oil for Dogs?

CBD products for dogs is a hemp extract that has been specifically formulated for dogs and contains a high concentration of cannabidiol and less than 0.3 percent THC.

Cannabidiol is an organic compound in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD oil is devoid of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana⁽³⁾.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved the medical use of CBD oil for pets. State laws restrict veterinarians from promoting the use of CBD in dogs on a federal level⁽⁴⁾.

Benefits of CBD Oil for Dog’s Pain

CBD for dogs may potentially be utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular advantages, anti-nausea benefits, hunger stimulation, anti-anxiety effects, and possibly anti-cancer benefits⁽⁵⁾. 

CBD may have beneficial effects in managing pain among dogs, specifically on the following:

• Acute Pain

Acute pain occurs as a result of illness, injury, or surgery. Acute pain in dogs can be caused by arthritis, cancer, infection, broken bones, or inflammation. CBD for acute pain in dogs may be helpful for pain management⁽⁶⁾.  

• Chronic Pain

Chronic pain causes persistent discomfort that impairs one’s dog’s overall health. CBD may alleviate chronic pain when subjects fail to respond to standard treatments⁽⁷⁾.

• Joint Pain

Common joint pain among dogs is caused by Osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a condition that dogs frequently suffer from for the rest of their lives⁽⁸⁾.

CBD for Dogs and the Endocannabinoid System

CBD helps the endocannabinoid system in dogs (ECS). The ECS is in charge of various bodily activities, including emotion, memory, cognition, metabolism, appetite, sleep, immunity, inflammation, and pain⁽⁹⁾. 

CBD substitutes for the body’s natural endocannabinoids and binds to their receptors found in the central and peripheral nervous systems to maintain balance or homeostasis⁽¹⁰⁾. 

How to Administer CBD Oil to a Dog

CBD oil for dogs is available in various forms administered and methods.

• Sublingual CBD Administration

CBD oils are most frequently applied sublingually or beneath the tongue. This technique provides the highest rate of absorption and potency⁽¹¹⁾.

CBD begins to work after 20-60 minutes when applied directly to the dog’s mouth or gums.

• Ingestion of Edibles

Ingesting edibles like soft chews, bites, and other dog treats is enticing for dogs. The absorption time is much longer compared to CBD oils.

The effect usually sets in 45-90 minutes after consuming the edibles⁽¹²⁾.

• Topical Application

CBD products like cream, lotion, sprays, or balms are topically applied to the dog’s skin. Dogs with skin problems may benefit from this CBD.

How Long Does It Take for CBD to Work on Dogs?

CBD administration route, potency, and the dog’s body weight may influence the effectiveness of CBD. 

Larger breed of dogs may require larger amounts of CBD to feel the effects of the compound, while smaller dogs may need smaller amounts⁽¹³⁾.

Once CBD sets in, the positive effects from a single dose are likely to last anywhere between 4 and 8 hours. Remember, different dogs will have slightly different body functions⁽¹⁴⁾.

CBD Dosage for Dogs

Begin with the lowest effective dose and monitor the pet’s reaction⁽¹⁵⁾.

In case of recognizable improvement, maintain this dose⁽¹⁶⁾. If improvement is not observed after a week at the low-end dose, or if the progress at the low-end dose diminishes after a few days, increase to the mid-range dose. Observe for another week.

• Dosage at the Low End: 0.05mg/pound, twice daily
• Dosage in the Middle: 0.125mg/pound, twice daily
• Dosage at the upper end: 0.25mg/pound, twice daily

Reduce the risk of harmful side effects begin with lower doses and gradually increase the small amounts of CBD as the dog becomes accustomed to the new supplement^(I7). 

Safeness

The World Health Organization issued a report on cannabidiol stating that “CBD is generally well tolerated and has a favorable safety profile⁽¹⁸⁾.

Consider potential side effects associated with CBD for dogs, including dry mouth, low blood pressure, and increased sleepiness⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Risks and Side Effects

The Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America has not approved CBD and has not issued a dosing chart. As a result, there is no concrete understanding of what dosage would be toxic for an animal⁽²⁰⁾. 

Each medication or dietary supplement carries a risk of adverse reaction. Hence, it is always advisable, to begin with, small doses, closely monitor the effects, and consult a veterinarian for medical advice.

Types of CBD for Dogs

CBD oil for dogs is available in various forms and can be administered in a variety of ways⁽²¹⁾.

• CBD Tinctures or CBD Oils

Usually given through droppers, or it can also be mixed in dog foods or drinks.CBD oil is administered sublingually by drawing it into a dropper and squirting it directly into a dog’s mouth. 

• CBD-Infused Treats 

These treats come in various forms, including soft chews, bites, and peanut butter.

• Home Made CBD Dog Treats 

Edibles are made at home by baking them with a high-quality CBD tincture and a few dog-friendly natural ingredients.

• Topical CBD Applications 

These CBD products come in balms or creams that can be applied directly to the dog’s skin for relief ⁽²²⁾. 

Comparison Between Pet CBD Oil and Human CBD Oil

Cannabidiol compounds interact in the same pattern with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

This action is similar in both animals and humans, where the CB1 and CB2 receptors use the therapeutic benefits of CBD ⁽²³⁾. 

1. The Subtleties and Seriousness of Chronic Pain in Dogs https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-subtleties-and-seriousness-of-chronic-pain-in-dogs/
2. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
   https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
3. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
4. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
5. ibid
6. The Subtleties and Seriousness of Chronic Pain in Dogs https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-subtleties-and-seriousness-of-chronic-pain-in-dogs/
7. ibid
8. ibid
9. The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
10. CBD For Dogs: Complete Guide and 5 Reviews
    https://www.veterinarians.org/cbd-for-dogs/#Understanding_Dog_CBD_Oil_Potency
11. Effects of CBD on Dogs: How Long It Stays In The System https://topdogtips.com/effects-of-cbd-on-dogs-how-long-to-work-and-stay-in-their-system/
12. ibid
13. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
14. ibid
15. Healing with CBD page 180 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
16. Healing with CBD page 180 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
17. ibid
18. World Health Organization Reports CBD Oil Is Generally Safe https://www.rtor.org/2019/07/05/who-report-on-cbd-oil/#
19. CBD For Dogs: Complete Guide and 5 Reviews
    https://www.veterinarians.org/cbd-for-dogs/#How_does_CBD_Oil_Affect_Dogs
20. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
21. Healing with CBD Page 181 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
22. ibid
23. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/