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CBD oil has become a popular dog supplement due to its potential therapeutic properties. Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD oil offers a natural and safe alternative for managing various canine health conditions. In this blog post, I will delve into the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and…
- explain what to look for on a certificate of analysis
- explore the differences between full-spectrum, isolate, and broad-spectrum CBD
- discuss dosage amounts
- review CBD dog treats
- clarify the distinction between CBD oil and hemp seed oil
- share my favorite CBD oil brands
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant. It is one of over a hundred identified cannabinoids, active chemical compounds in cannabis. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce psychoactive effects or the feeling of being “high.” The medicinal benefits of CBD are commonly reached through various forms, including oils, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and more.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) present in dogs. The ECS regulates various bodily functions, such as mood, appetite, sleep, immune response, and pain sensation. CBD influences the ECS by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, potentially managing health conditions and promoting balance and overall well-being.
Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD oil can provide numerous benefits for dogs, including:
- Alleviating anxiety and stress
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Boosting appetite and aiding in digestion
- Promoting calmness and better sleep patterns
- Supporting joint health and mobility
- Enhancing overall well-being and immune function
CBD Oil and Canine Cancer
Research has uncovered promising evidence suggesting that CBD holds great potential in treating various aspects of cancer, such as its symptoms and the signs related to its treatment. Furthermore, preclinical studies have revealed that CBD might effectively target the various pathways responsible for cancer development.
- The effect of cannabidiol on canine neoplastic cell proliferation and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation during autophagy and apoptosis
- Cannabis for Pets with Cancer, Animal Cancer Foundation
Understanding the Certificate of Analysis (COA)
When purchasing CBD oil for your dog, it's crucial to review the certificate of analysis. A COA is an independent laboratory document confirming the product's safety and composition. It typically includes information on CBD potency, THC levels, the presence of contaminants, and terpene profiles. Look for a COA that demonstrates the product's quality and verifies that it is free from harmful substances.
If a CBD oil brand's website doesn't link to the COA, contact them to request a current document.
- How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA), CBD Dog Health
- What’s in My CBD Oil? How to Read a CBD Certificate of Analysis (COA), CBD Oil Review
Full Spectrum, Isolate, and Broad Spectrum CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) comes in different forms, such as full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate, to cater to varying consumer preferences and desired effects. These distinctions are based on the composition and extraction process of CBD products.
Full Spectrum CBD (Recommended)
Full-spectrum CBD products contain CBD and all other naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including other cannabinoids (such as THC, but in very low amounts), terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. This combination of compounds is believed to create an “entourage effect,” where the different components work synergistically to enhance the overall therapeutic benefits of CBD. Full spectrum CBD products may have trace amounts of THC, but generally not enough to induce intoxicating effects.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain CBD along with a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the cannabis plant. However, unlike full-spectrum CBD, they undergo additional processing to remove or eliminate THC. This makes broad-spectrum CBD a suitable choice for individuals who want to avoid THC altogether while benefiting from the other compounds in the plant.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD available. It undergoes a refining process to remove all other compounds in the cannabis plant, leaving behind only CBD in its isolated form. This means that CBD isolate products do not contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids. CBD isolate is often chosen by those who prefer a product without any potential presence of THC or other compounds or for individuals who may be sensitive to certain plant compounds.
I believe full-spectrum CBD oil is the best for my dogs because it contains the benefits of the full plant; each compound works together to make full-spectrum CBD oil more effective.
CBD Oil Dosage Amounts for Dogs
Determining the right CBD dosage for your dog is essential. Factors such as weight, age, and health conditions should be considered. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until the desired effects are achieved.
The CBD oil product you choose will have dosage guidelines.
A 2019 study showed that CBD exposure vastly increases when CBD is taken with high-fatty foods, increasing the amount of CBD in the body by 4x, with the maximum amount recorded being 14x.
My CBD Oil Dosage Guidelines
I give my dogs CBD oil daily. I start them off as soon as they join our family, with our youngest dog starting at four months. I give my adult dogs (55 lbs to 80 lbs) one full dropper once a day. Puppies get half a dropper once daily. When a dog shows signs of aging, including arthritis and decreased mobility, or is diagnosed with a serious illness, I increase the dosage to one dropper twice daily.
- 1/2 dropper = 0.5 ml
- 1 full dropper = 1.0 ml
For EASE for Horses (by CBD Dog Health), 0.25 ml daily is sufficient for my dogs.
Best Way to Give CBD Oil to Dogs
I apply CBD oil to my dogs' gums, along their cheek (inside their mouths), or in their mouths (on the tongue). I don't add CBD oil to their food because it loses potency as it traverses the digestive system.
Why I Give CBD Oil to My Dogs Daily
For years, I wasn't convinced CBD oil worked. I'd try a brand that would work at first but stop after a few weeks. I've found improved success when I give my dogs CBD oil daily, ensuring it's always in their system. This practice has helped keep anxiety at bay, helping my fearful dog through fireworks and thunderstorms.
Do Dogs Overdose on CBD Oil
I'm not worried about the potential for overdose. Dogs cannot OD on too much CBD oil but may experience digestive issues, including loose stool and diarrhea, if given too much CBD oil. My dogs have never experienced these side effects.
What About CBD Dog Treats?
While CBD dog treats are an option, especially for dogs that refuse the oil, my biggest concerns are:
- How does baking impact CBD oil? Is it as potent?
- What are the other ingredients in the treat? Are they safe? Healthy?
- After the CBD treat has traversed the digestive system, how much CBD oil is available to support other health benefits?
I've learned that buying from a quality brand is half the battle for CBD treats. I only buy pet CBD treats from Earth Buddy Pet and Well Pet Dispensary.
I stock up on CBD treats when Canna-Pet holds a BOGO (buy one, get one free) sale. You may find this sale over Black Friday weekend and one or two other times during the year.
CBD Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil
CBD oil and hemp seed oil are distinct products with different compositions:
CBD Oil: Extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, CBD oil contains cannabidiol (CBD) and other beneficial compounds. It is known for its potential restorative effects.
Hemp Seed Oil: Derived from hemp seeds, hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It does not contain CBD or other cannabinoids but offers health benefits such as:
- supports skin and coat health
- supports joint health
- power anti-inflammatory
- supports cognitive health
3 Misconceptions About CBD Oil for Dogs
There are a few misconceptions about CBD oil; I'll cover three here.
1 – Studies Supporting Benefits of CBD Oil
The following are industries studies that support the benefits of CBD oil for dogs include:
- Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine: A Critical Review, Scientific Review (pdf)
- Cannabidiol Induces Apoptosis and Perturbs Mitochondrial Function in both Human and Canine Glioma Cells, The FASEB Journal
- [E]ffect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs
- CBD Oil Effects on Pain Relief and Quality of Life Improvement in Dogs Affected by Spontaneous Osteoarthritis
- Cannabidiol as a potential anti-epileptic dietary supplement in dogs with suspected epilepsy
- Perspective on comparative cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid pharmacokinetics and biotransformation in humans and domestic animals
2 – CBD Oil Will Not Get a Dog High
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are two compounds derived from the cannabis plant, but they have distinct properties and effects. CBD and THC have the same chemical formula, but their atoms are arranged differently, resulting in different effects on the body.
THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. It binds to specific receptors in the brain, producing a “high” feeling. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a euphoric sensation.
THC can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, dry mouth, impaired coordination, and memory impairment. CBD, on the other hand, tends to have fewer and milder side effects.
3 – CBD Oil is Not Addictive
There is currently no evidence to suggest that CBD oil is addictive to dogs. CBD (cannabidiol) is generally considered safe for dogs and is even being explored as a potential treatment for various health conditions in veterinary medicine. Unlike THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that can be addictive, CBD does not produce the same addictive effects, and dogs do not experience withdrawal symptoms when we stop giving them CBD oil or change to another CBD product.
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD oil holds tremendous potential as a natural remedy for various health conditions in dogs. When exploring CBD options for your dog, do your homework. Whenever a supplement becomes popular, some brands cut corners to make it more affordable and sell more units. If the price of a CBD oil product is too good to be true, look at their certificate of analysis to help determine if it's a quality product that will benefit your dog.
That being said, for CBD oil, I currently alternate between two respected brands that are transparent and known for their sourcing, processing, and quality control. I get my treats from a third brand:
- Earth Buddy Pet – Senior Support (aka Balance), Mobility
- Well Pet Dispensary
- CBD Dog Health – EASE (I use the ‘dog' formula for daily use and the ‘horse' formula for treatment)
Every dog is unique, and a brand that works for one dog may not work for another. This is why I like to alternate CBD oil brands, going back and forth between two brands that have consistently worked for my dogs. Giving my dogs CBD oil only when the need arises (i.e., before a thunderstorm or when I notice a limp) doesn't garner the benefits the product is known for; this is why I give it to my dogs daily. I'll increase the dosage (starting with the recommendation on the bottle) when my dogs need more support.
There are many quality CBD products on the market. It's up to every dog owner to do their research to find the product that's the best fit for their dogs. The products I recommend above are a good start (and the best, based on my experience).
