CBD for Dogs
CBD has become increasingly popular to help alleviate certain symptoms in a more natural way. It is key to use high quality products and to discuss with your vet what would work best for your dog.
CBD for pets can be a helpful tool for dogs dealing with issues like anxiety, pain, mobility challenges, arthritis, nausea, and age-related stiffness. While it’s not a magic pill that cures all, I’ve seen great improvements in my patients in terms of stress, pain control, and overall comfort. I often view CBD as one piece of a more integrative approach to care, supporting the nervous system, helping calm inflammation pathways, and improving quality of life with little to no side effects.
As with any supplement, quality matters, dosing matters, and it’s important to choose products that are 3rd party tested, transparent, and made specifically for pets.
What is CBD?
With all the information and misinformation out there, lets get the facts straight about CBD! Your veterinarian is the best person to discuss the use of CBD, and if it would be appropriate for your dog, so schedule a visit with them to discuss.
Cornell University has done some great research on CBD for companions animals, and they lay out the definition below:
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is an oil extracted from hemp plants. Hemp does not contain a significant amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component in marijuana. Hemp itself usually has no more than 0.3% THC. (Cannabis, which is the marijuana plant, contains 12% THC).
Dogs do not metabolize THC like humans, so that is why they don’t do well when they get into their human’s stash 😉 CBD has <0.3% of THC in it, so that is the preferred product for dogs.
Benefits of CBD
What does CBD actually help with?
Inflammation: arthritis, post-surgery, joint issues, soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament) pain
Anxiety: generalized anxiety, fireworks, car rides, trips to the vet & groomer, situational stress
Cancer Side Affects: appetite, pain, inflammation, nausea
Allery Symptoms: study showed decrease itching in 65% of dogs using CBD
Older Dogs: dementia, mobility, anxiety, pain
Seizures: decrease frequency and duration of seizures
When clients come to see me, CBD is usually one of the supplements I advise patients to get started on, depending on their needs. I love to get them on a consistent routine, especially if they are stiff, in pain, have a history of seizures, or are anxious. Many dogs in my practice are older, and anxiety and cognitive changes can come up as they age. CBD helps them relax, so they can rest and heal their body as needed.
It can be a great alternative to NSAIDs for pain control, with less side effects and less taxing on their system long term.
What to Look for in Dog CBD Brands
Organic - Pesticides can get absorbed into the plant easily, so make sure the product is organic so you’re not adding in harmful substances to your dog’s body!
CoA - Certificate of Analysis. This shows the actual amount of CBD in the product and it should match what the label states. You’d be surprised at the number of products that don’t have the actual CBD amount that is written on the package! The CoA also shows any contaminants such as yeast, mold, heavy metals, or pesticides in the extract (these should not be present!)
Dosing - The product should have clear dosing instructions for your pet’s weight.
It helps to have a NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) Seal of Approval - this ensures they have quality control measures in place for a safe product.
Brands I Currently Recommend
There are a lot of great brands out there, so this is not an exhaustive list, just the ones I have used and are most familiar with.
ElleVet Sciences - This is my favorite! They have done extensive research with Cornell University.
CBD is a great natural way to support your companion in various stages of life, or with certain conditions. Be sure to know your dog’s exact weight for appropriate dosing. Side effects can be lethargy, or wobbliness.
Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of CBD, and potential contraindications for your pet, before you introduce it into your pet’s routine.
XOXO,
Dr. Tori
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