Best Cbd Oil for Dogs

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a cannabinoid. This means it’s a chemical compound found in cannabis plants. Cannabis plants have dozens of cannabinoids, each of which affect your body in different ways.

CBD can benefit humans and animals alike – and there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that CBD can treat dogs with certain illnesses. Many people are now harnessing the healing benefits of CBD for dogs.

Interested in using CBD for your dog? Read on to find out the benefits and side effects of CBD for dogs, as well as how to use CBD safely.

Benefits & Side effects

There are numerous benefits of CBD for dogs. Some of the more well-known benefits include:

• Reducing pain. A 2018 study on dogs with osteoarthritis showed that CBD oil reduced their pain and increased their activity levels.
• Soothing skin conditions. A 2012 study showed that CBD reduces atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition caused by allergies, in dogs. This is partly because CBD reduces inflammation.
• CBD oil can reduce anxiety in dogs. A 2018 survey amongst US-based vets shows that many vets prescribe CBD for anxiety in dogs – and most of them find it to be effective.
• CBD oil can be used to treat epileptic dogs. A 2017 study looked at dogs with seizure conditions showed that CBD oil safely and effectively treated seizures. It reduced the frequency and intensity of the seizures.

And that’s only the beginning. More and more research is being conducted on the benefits of CBD for dogs. Many veterinarians and pet owners claim that CBD also helps their dogs with appetite problems, allergies, behavioral problems, hyperactivity, and more – and in time, we’ll have scientific evidence showing whether or not it really helps.

In general, CBD is safe for dogs, according to a 2018 study. Studies also show that dogs can tolerate large amounts of CBD. Side effects of CBD for dogs are not common, but they can happen. The side effects include:

• Fatigue or sleepiness
• A change in appetite (either eating more or less)
• Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting

That said, cannabis itself is toxic to dogs, and shouldn’t be administered to your pets unless it’s under the supervision of a knowledgeable veterinarian.

How Can CBD Oil Help

• CBD oil for dogs with arthritis: If your dog has arthritis, you’ll know how heartbreaking it can be to see him in pain. He might even struggle to walk or play. Fortunately, CBD is considered to be an effective treatment for pain, both in humans and dogs.

  A 2016 study involved giving CBD-infused gel to rats with arthritis. It seemed to reduce their pain significantly.

  In one of the only studies on CBD and pain in dogs, researchers looked at the effects of CBD on dogs with osteoarthritis. The research involved giving the dogs CBD for four weeks and testing their pain levels. It found that CBD oil decreased their pain levels and enabled them to be more active and mobile.

  More research is needed when it comes to CBD for dogs with arthritis, but for now, the research is very promising and plenty of people swear by giving CBD to dogs with arthritis.

• CBD oil for dogs with cancer: Since CBD effectively reduces pain, many people give CBD to dogs with cancer. Cancer in dogs is a painful – and surprisingly common – condition.

  There’s a small amount of research that suggests CBD could even stop the growth of certain cancer cells, or kill the cells entirely. However, this research was only ever conducted in cells in a lab or in mice – not in dogs or humans. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) also notes that CBD might be able to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain.

  We need far more research before we can confidently state whether CBD oil can treat cancer. But for now, the current research is providing plenty of hope for those with cancer – and those who love dogs with cancer.

• CBD oil for dog separation anxiety: Separation anxiety is common in dogs, and it can be exhausting for you, your family, and your pet. It can lead to behavioral issues and even health issues. Fortunately, CBD might be able to help.

  CBD seems to reduce anxiety in humans. Some promising research from 2019 found that CBD soothed anxiety, while another 2011 study specifically showed that CBD reduced social anxiety. And it could help dogs too.

  A 2018 survey of US veterinarians showed that many veterinarians prescribe CBD for anxiety – and it seems to work quite well. Unfortunately, though, there isn’t a lot of scientific research to back it up – science-wise, we can’t say that CBD definitely helps dogs with anxiety.

  Why does CBD soothe anxiety? According to a 2014 animal study, CBD changes the way our brain processes serotonin, the “happiness molecule” that keeps anxiety and depression at bay. When someone’s brain struggles to process serotonin, it can cause mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders.

• CBD oil for depression in dogs: Humans aren’t the only creatures who get depressed – dogs do too. Many people don’t realize that dogs can experience sadness and even depression.

  Dogs might become depressed because of:

  • The loss of a loved one, whether a human or fellow pet
  • Sudden life change, like moving house
  • Being abused or abandoned
  • Having too little attention and/or exercise
  • Surgery and/or illness

  Seeing your dog grieving can be heartbreaking – but CBD might be able to help. Some people believe CBD can treat depression as well as anxiety. Like anxiety, depression can be caused by a problem in the way the brain processes serotonin, the “happiness molecule.” This might be why people say that CBD lifts their mood and seems to make their four-legged friends happier.

  While there are no studies that look at the effect of CBD oil for depression in dogs, many people – including experienced veterinarians – give it to dogs after traumatic or grief-filled experiences. So, if you need something to perk up your pet, CBD might be worth a try.

• CBD oil for dogs with diabetes: There’s some evidence that CBD can help those with diabetes. While this hasn’t yet been studied on dogs, some lab and rat studies have been very promising.

   

  Diabetes causes inflammation at a cellular level, and one study found that CBD reduced inflammation in diabetic cells. One study on mice also shows that CBD might be able to prevent diabetes.

  Diabetic dogs need frequent exercise, as exercise can be a great way to manage blood sugar levels. If your dog has arthritis or another painful disease, this might stop him from exercising as often. CBD, a proven anti-pain medication, might help him be more mobile which means you can walk him for longer.

  While it still needs to be studied extensively, many people give CBD to their diabetic dogs in the hopes that it will help them. Remember that CBD isn’t a replacement for your dog’s prescription medication.

• CBD oil for glaucoma in dogs: Glaucoma is a disease where the eye doesn’t drain fluid out adequately, which means there’s too much liquid in the eye. This liquid puts pressure on the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness.

  You may have heard of people using medical cannabis to treat their own glaucoma. But does this work for dogs?

  Unfortunately, the answer is no. The chemical in the cannabis plant that seems to treat glaucoma is THC, not CBD. THC seems to be toxic to dogs, and therefore should not be given to your pup.

  On the contrary, there’s some research that suggests CBD can actually make glaucoma worse. A mice study conducted in 2018 found that CBD increases eye pressure, which worsens glaucoma. This suggests that CBD should actually be avoided by those with glaucoma.

  If your dog has glaucoma, it’s best to talk to your vet and see what treatment options are possible for you.

• CBD oil for dogs with kidney disease: Kidney disease is unfortunately common in dogs, especially older dogs.

  The symptoms of kidney disease in dogs include:

  • Drinking significantly more or significantly less water
  • Frequent urination and “accidents”
  • Whining or crying while urinating
  • Fatigue
  • Behavioral changes
  • Blood in urine
  • Chemical smell in breath
  • Change in weight

  Kidney disease in dogs can be caused by:

  • Ingesting toxins
  • Circulatory problems, which stop blood from flowing to the kidneys
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Urinary obstructions

  One of the major issues with kidney disease is the pain. Your dog might be in a great deal of pain with no relief. There is no evidence to suggest that CBD oil can treat kidney disease, but if your dog is in pain, CBD can help make it more manageable as CBD is known to reduce pain and inflammation.

• CBD oil for dogs with pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, which is a disease where the pancreas becomes inflamed, is sadly a common issue in dogs. There isn’t one single cause of pancreatitis, but your dog is more likely to get it if they’re obese or diabetic. Some breeds are also more likely to get pancreatitis than others.

  The symptoms of pancreatitis include:

  • Pain in stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Appetite loss
  • Fever
  • Fatigue

  Fortunately, there are treatments for pancreatitis. If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, talk to your vet immediately.

  CBD, being a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-pain medication, might be able to soothe the swelling and discomfort associated with pancreatitis. While CBD hasn’t been studied in relation to pancreatitis, many people use it to manage these uncomfortable symptoms.

• CBD oil for dogs with Cushing’s disease: Cushing’s disease is a misunderstood hormonal condition that can occur in dogs. When a dog’s body produces too much cortisol, the stress hormone, it results in a number of uncomfortable symptoms. This is referred to as Cushing’s disease.

  The symptoms of Cushing’s disease include:

  • Hair loss
  • Skin issues, including scaly, hard patches on the skin, thin skin, and dry skin
  • Urinating frequently and having accidents
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Infertility
  • Behavioral issues

  CBD hasn’t been studied for its ability to treat Cushing’s disease. That said, many people use it to manage the symptoms of Cushing’s disease. For example, it may help with fatigue as it can help dogs sleep better, and it may improve anxiety-related behavioral issues.

• CBD oil for dogs with hot spots: Hot spots – formally known as ‘acute moist dermatitis’ – are painful areas on your dog’s body. They’re usually inflamed, raw, and permanently moist.

  Common in summer, hot spots are caused by bacterial infections. Your dog will be prone to hot spots if they tend to scratch or lick an area excessively. As bacteria thrives in warm, moist environments, the area becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

  Research has shown that CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory drug. One 2012 study shows that it helps soothe inflammatory skin conditions. For this reason, many people believe it soothes inflamed, irritated hot spots. Since one of the main causes of hot spots is scratching, it’s also helpful that anti-inflammatories – like CBD – reduces itchiness.

  Given CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation, it’s no wonder why many people use CBD oil to soothe their dogs’ hot spots.

• CBD oil for allergies in dogs: Some people believe CBD oil can soothe allergies in dogs, particularly hayfever and environmental allergies. Many dogs are allergic to grass, detergents, dust, and pollen – and seeing your pup struggle with sneezing and skin conditions can be heartbreaking.

  When we have allergic reactions, our bodies swell. This swelling can happen in our nasal passages, our throats, and even on our skin. Since CBD oil is a known anti-inflammatory supplement, many people believe it can keep allergies at bay.

  A 2012 study looked at dogs with atopic dermatitis, which is an inflammatory skin condition caused by allergies. The study found that CBD successfully treated atopic dermatitis. So, if your dog has allergic rashes, it might be a good idea to use a CBD-infused lotion on his skin.

  If your dog is having a major allergic reaction, however, taking him to the vet is your best bet. CBD should be used every day as a precaution – it cannot immediately cure allergies.

• CBD oil for dogs with rashes and skin conditions: Every dog owner wants their pup to have healthy skin and a beautiful, glossy coat. Sadly, many dogs are prone to skin conditions. This can lead to skin infections and bald patches – and it can leave your dog irritated and sore.

  Dogs can get a number of skin conditions, including:

  • Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition
  • Yeast infections of the skin
  • Dry, flaky skin, which can lead to dandruff-like flakes
  • Folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the follicles
  • Impetigo, which consists of pus-filled blisters

  Unfortunately, CBD hasn’t been researched for its ability to treat all of the above rashes. However, it has proven anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can soothe irritated and swollen skin.

  What’s more? CBD has been tested as a treatment for atopic dermatitis. A 2012 study showed that CBD reduced redness, swelling, and itchiness in skin samples. While more research is needed into the therapeutic potential of CBD for skin conditions, many people find it a very useful treatment.

• CBD oil for noise phobia in dogs: Phobias are forms of anxiety disorders – and humans and dogs alike can experience phobias. Noise phobias, in particular, are common among dogs. If your dog panics because of fireworks, the sounds of traffic, music, shouting, and more, your dog might have a noise phobia.

  Unfortunately, you can’t protect your dogs from noise 24/7 – but CBD might be able to bring you some relief.

  As mentioned, CBD shows a lot of promise as an anti-anxiety supplement. Research shows that CBD can probably reduce anxiety in humans. In a 2018 survey of US veterinarians, many vets reported that they prescribe CBD for anxiety in dogs. According to the survey, most vets who prescribe CBD for anxiety in dogs find that it works well.

  While there’s a lack of research when it comes to CBD and phobias in dogs, CBD does seem to reduce anxiety – so it might be worth a shot.

• CBD oil for loss of appetite in dogs: One of the side effects of CBD is that it can affect your dog’s appetite. But, for some dogs, it increases their appetite – and that can be a good thing.

  If your dog is elderly, or if they suffer from a condition like cancer, they might struggle to eat. It’s an unfortunate symptom, because if they’re ill they need as much nutrients as possible in order to have the strength to fight their illness.

  Loss of appetite in dogs is often caused by nausea. It can lead to your dog losing weight, feeling fatigued, becoming more aggressive, and even skin conditions and problems with their teeth.

  Some people believe CBD reduces nausea – which is shown in some studies – thus increasing the appetite. So, if your dog tends to get nauseous and avoid eating, CBD could be a great treatment.

  If your dog has a condition like cancer and you want to try CBD as a form of treatment, it’s essential to speak to your veterinarian beforehand.

• CBD oil for pain in dogs: One of the most common reasons why CBD oil is prescribed for dogs is to reduce pain. Painful conditions, from arthritis to cancer to injuries, can severely affect your dog’s quality of life. It can stop them from walking, playing, and even sleeping comfortably.

  Fortunately, there’s some evidence that suggests that CBD oil can treat pain in dogs. Science shows that CBD has anti-pain properties. A review on CBD and pain found that CBD can treat pain in humans.

  In dogs, only one study on CBD and pain has been conducted: a 2018 study on dogs with osteoarthritis. The study found that CBD was effective at treating pain.

  To treat pain in dogs with CBD, you could give them a CBD treat or CBD drops. You could also try using a topical CBD treatment, such as a CBD-infused balm or gel, and massaging it into the painful area.

• CBD oil for hyperactive dogs: Even the sweetest dogs can have behavioral issues. One of the most common issues is hyperactivity, which can cause you and your dog a great deal of stress. If your dog is hyperactive, CBD oil might help you.

  Hyperactivity in dogs can be caused by anxiety. CBD oil might be able to soothe anxiety in dogs, according to observations vets shared in a 2018 survey. This suggests that CBD might be able to reduce hyperactivity if anxiety is the main cause.

  If your dog’s hyperactivity isn’t caused by anxiety, it could be that your dog needs more exercise, more attention, or a better diet. Try adding five extra minutes onto your daily walk and include some time for training. Speak to your vet about a better diet – CBD might be a great supplement.