Introduction to CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants that is non-psychoactive with medicinal qualities. Boasted for a variety of health issues, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now approved the first cannabis-derived medicine, Epidiolex, with purified CBD from hemp that has proven beneficial in treating medication-resistant epileptic disorders (CDC, 2022). Animal studies using CBD have found potential treatment options for anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and addiction (Grinspoon, 2021).
CBD Uses and Efficacy in Dogs
From the available literature and studies we currently have, CBD has been proven beneficial for dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis, seizures, and osteoarthritis. In one of the first studies done at Cornell, it was found that more than 80% of the dogs treated with CBD for osteoarthritis experienced “a decrease in pain, allowing them to be more comfortable and active” (Cornell, n.d.). Current studies at Colorado State University involving the treatment of epilepsy in dogs have indicated that CBD used in combination with traditional anti-epileptic drugs is a successful approach (Cornell, n.d.). Another study in Australia treated dogs with atopy, a dermatologic allergy resulting in itching and chewing; 65% of the dogs treated experienced at least a 50% decrease in itching and chewing (Cornell, n.d.). In a Cornell study, 83% of dogs given CBD before a stressful event showed a decrease in stress or anxiety-related behaviors (Cornell, n.d.). In a published study, it was found that all healthy dogs given daily CBD long-term tolerated the cannabinoid and had no negative impacts from it (Bradley et al., 2022). From these studies and literature, we can infer that CBD has the potential to treat a variety of medical issues and is well-tolerated by canines.
Dosage Guidelines
When using CBD for medicinal benefits for your dog, it is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian, especially if the dog is on medication to prevent any adverse interactions. The standard guideline for CBD dosage ranges from 0.2 – 0.5 mg/lb. The condition being treated changes the dosage; low doses of 0.2 mg/lb are often used for general well-being, and 0.3 mg/lb is used for anxiety, stress, low appetite, and occasional pain. The highest dosage is 0.5 mg/lb and is for more severe conditions like arthritis, cancer, and extreme pain. It is important to note that all dogs are unique and may have different CBD thresholds of efficacy. When giving dogs CBD it is always advised to start small and work up from there to a dosage that works for your specific canine.
Conclusion
CBD can be extremely beneficial for canines when treating conditions and symptoms like cancer, arthritis, anxiety, and skin disorders, or for general well-being! Always choose CBD products that offer a certificate of analysis (COA) from a third-party company, speak with a wellness consultant in your local hemp dispensary, and consult with your veterinarian about the benefits and side effects of CBD in canines.
Sources:
Bradley, S., Young, S., Bakke, A. M., Holcombe, L., Waller, D., Hunt, A., Pinfold, K., Watson, P., & Logan, D. W. (2022). Long-term daily feeding of cannabidiol is well-tolerated by healthy dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 9, 977457. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.977457
CDC. (2022, August 8). CBD: What you need to know. https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/featured-topics/CBD.html
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy. Cornell Richard P. Piney Canine Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy
Grinspoon, P. (2021, September 24). Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don’t. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
