CBD oil for dogs: What you need to know

CBD oil is known as a cure-all for conditions from anxiety to seizures—but does it truly work? Here’s what we know about CBD for dogs.

More and more people are turning to CBD oil to ease conditions from seizures to anxiety and chronic pain—and so are owners of pets facing similar conditions. As new evidence emerges, dog parents are increasingly turning to CBD to treat their pets’ symptoms, but the scientific jury is still out on the actual effects of CBD on our canine companions. Here’s what we know so far:

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. It is a non-psychoactive chemical, meaning it won’t get people or animals high like tetrahydrocannabinol, known commonly as THC. CBD does interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, which are involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes from appetite to pain sensation, memory and more. Its ability to interact with the body through these receptions points ever increasingly to CBD’s potential to treat a variety of ailments in our canine companions.

CBD is available in oils or soft chews that can be given to pets orally, but because of lack of formal research into the compound, dosing for pets can be a guessing game. However, there are some preliminary studies with promising results: A Cornell University study published in 2018 found that in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis and multi-joint pain, CBD oil led to significant improvements in observered pain levels and quality of life in more than 80 percent of dogs dosed. The same year, a Colorado State University study found CBD reduced seizures in 89 percent of dogs with epilepsy treated. CBD has also been touted for its ability to treat anxiety, inflammation, nausea and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. Some pet owners use the substance to treat skin conditions, such as dermatitis, while others rely on it for help with gastrointestinal disorders, but more research is needed to establish its effects. CBD oil can be used in conjunction with traditional medications and treatments, as it is not known to interact with other medicines. While too much CBD can cause pets to be lethargic or impact their coordination, risks of an overdose are very low and can be managed at home or with IV fluids. To avoid feeding Fido too many CBD treats, ensure that you keep all CBD products out of his reach. Ensure household guests don’t accidentally overindulge your pet by keeping CBD treats separate from your dog’s regular treats, too.

While research into CBD oil for pets is in its early stages, results look promising for a variety of conditions that impact pets’ quality of life. As with any medication, you should consult your veterinarian before treating your dog with CBD.