CBD for dogs: A Beginner’s Guide in pain management

In the last 2 years, the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) has exploded in popularity for dog owners seeking to manage pain & anxiety. CBD is often touted by some as a miracle drug, capable of curing nearly any ailment.

The truth, however, is much more nuanced and while the industry is plagued by unrealistic promises for using CBD, actual research backed science is emerging that shows great promise for this hemp based compound.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll introduce you to canine pain management using CBD. We’ll cover topics on the safety and legality of CBD, what scientific studies have shown, the success rates of using CBD on dogs, and choosing a quality product.

We’ll conclude with a list of resources where you can learn more about CBD.

How CBD works in your dog’s body to modulate pain

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an interconnected chain of receptors found in your dog’s brain, their nervous system, glands, and organs. Scientists don’t fully understand the ECS yet (it was only first discovered in 1992) but its believed to help maintain balance within the body.

All mammals – humans, dogs, and cats included – rely the ECS system to regulate immune response. CBD oil interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your dog’s body and acts as a natural neuro-protective agent with multiple health benefits.

The cannabinoids in the oil open up two-way communication between endocannabinoid receptors to allow the body to either increase or decrease the immune response as needed. CBD oil is the natural way of regulating the system to maintain the perfect balance.

The reason CBD seems to help modulate pain is that many dog’s bodies are deficient in cannabinoids. Supplementing with CBD increasing cannabinoids in the body and restores balance to the ECS system.

Is it safe to use CBD to manage pain for dogs?

In 2016, Colorado State University completed a pharmacokinetic and safety study of CBD on healthy dogs. This was the first clinical trial to demonstrate that the cannabidiol compound was absorbed by the dogs and measurable in the blood. The study suggests that CBD usage in dogs is safe enough to warrant more studies.

For the study, 30 healthy dogs were given 2 different dosages CBD in 3 different methods of delivery: capsules, an oil tincture, and a cream applied on the skin. The results showed that CBD given orally as a tincture was best absorbed and bioavailable to the body. (This is why we recommend buying CBD in a tincture as your first choice).

What scientific studies or clinical trials have been done on CBD for Pain Management for dogs?

In addition to the safety and absorption study mentioned above, 3 clinical trials have recently concluded with promising results. It’s important to note that the we’re still in the early stages of understanding how CBD interacts with the body, and much more research needs to be done:

1. Cornell University: Osteoarthritis Pain Reduction in Dogs: Cornell University researchers found CBD increased comfort and the activity of dogs suffering from arthritis, according to a study published in July of 2018. This clinical study suggests that 2 mg/kg of CBD given twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.

2. Liberty Leaf: CBD Research Study on Canine Pain Management: In August of 2018, results from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that dogs with diagnosed osteoarthritis receiving a daily dose of only 0.3 mg per kg of a CBD-infused oil formulation for 4 weeks showed reduced pain and improved functional performance.

3. Colorado State University: Reduction in Seizures for Dogs with Epilepsy: For 24 weeks, dogs that experience at least two seizures a month received either CBD oil treatment or a placebo. Preliminary results released in July of 2018 showed that a 89% of the dogs studied showed a drop in regular seizures.

How successful is CBD at managing canine pain?

iHeartDogs commissioned a survey that was completed by 455 people who gave CBD to their dogs. The result was 50.91% Very effective, 30.00% Somewhat effective, 17.27 Not sure and 1.82% Not effective at all.

What real dog owners say after using CBD for their dog’s pain

We asked members the iHeartSeniorDogs Facebook community for their experience with using CBD to alleviate their dog’s pain:

CBD has done wonders for our 11 year old Roti. You have to be very careful not to give them too much THC so choose your CBD carefully – Ken Tress

A lifesaver! I truly believe I would’ve already had to put her to sleep if not for it. – Suzanne Stanfield

The best thing I have ever done for my 200 pound Old English Mastiff was CBD oil she is 7 and we rescued her at 3 yrs old she was kept in a crate for 22 hours a day so she has terrible arthritis… so I medicate her 2 times a week and she runs and plays with my 2 puppers!! – Janell Michelle Cody

It’s been two weeks for our 13 year old pug and his hips are shot. His energy is back now, not jumping from pain when I pet him and is happy again. If I hadn’t tried this CBD oil I wouldn’t have believed it. Been a God send for my ole guy. I highly recommend it. Beats giving him pain meds which takes his spirit away. – Susan Johnson-Smith

Some dog owners use CBD, but in addition to other supplements or prescription medications:

My dog is on Gabapentin along with CBD. No problems. – Mary Mueller

Which oil does iheartdogs recommend?

Currently the only CBD oil reviewed and approved by iHeartDogs is the Cannanine brand. The formula is 3rd party tested per batch and 100% THC free, which is relatively rare but very important for animal use.

Additional resources: where can i learn more about CBD & pain management?

• The Ultimate Guide to CBD Oil for Dogs (Cannanine)
• Consumers’ Perceptions of Hemp Products for Animals (AHVMA)
• Rimadyl: Is there a natural alternative for my dog? what are the dangers & side effects? (Cannanine)
• 4. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs (NIH)

 (Article source: I Heart Dogs)