Before we know if CBD works, it depends on what we are using CBD for. Below is our list of the most common things CBD is marketed for in pup wellness.
Skin and Wound Treatments: As a balm or lotion, CBD does seem to relieve itchiness for dogs. Applying a CBD balm may help reduce the time a pup has to stay in “cone head jail” after surgery or reduce discomfort on a hot spot. CBD does not enter the bloodstream through the skin but seems to reduce inflammation topically.
Anxiety and Behavior Problems: Research is mixed, it may really depend on the dosage and other ingredients in the CBD dog treat. One study made dogs listen to a recording of fireworks, and found CBD was not effective in reducing stress but it used a relatively low dosage. Other studies show more promise, although studying behavior has too many variables to really know. If it seems to help calm a pup down, it could be that the human has a placebo effect, or it could be useful for some dogs with the right dosage.
Seizures: Seizures may be one of the most promising uses for canine CBD. The most solid study was small but showed CBD reduced the frequency of seizures in the test group by 33%. There is also a lot of word-of-mouth support that dog owners feel CBD has significantly helped reduce seizures for their dog.
Arthritis: Arthritis is the #1 canine CBD winner. A dose of 4.4mg/pound over a month has clinically shown positive results and improved movement for arthritic dogs. Dogs that were about to be euthanized because they could no longer walk made significant recoveries with CBD. So the “bone and joint” treats may be useful.
How To Buy CBD Treats and What To Look For:
Because CBD is still a new product, buying any CBD product (human or canine) is more complicated than it looks. CBD treats and products for dogs has no regulation. It’s hard to tell if the dosage listed on the package is really in the product, or what other ingredients are in it.
Vets are not allowed to “prescribe” CBD and have to be careful in the way they speak about it with pet parents. Pet parents have to do their own research and assess if CBD can be useful for their best friend.
Medications: We are still discovering the complexities of the endocannaboid system in humans and dogs. There are about a thousand cannabis compounds other than just THC and CBD. Specifically, CBD inhibits a liver compound that metabolizes 60% of pharmaceutical drugs. For dogs already on medication, this could make their medication less effective or interact differently.
What Kind of CBD Works Best?
CBD comes in Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate. For dogs, the safest choice is Broad Spectrum. This will not have any THC in it (even at trace amounts which isn’t regulated and can have an effect). It will also include other helpful cannabis compounds. Isolate is just CBD with no other compounds.
Does CBD Work Best As Liquid or Edible Treat Form? One study gave dogs a CBD oil and all the dogs got diarrhea. We don’t know if it’s from the CBD or the oil which often gives dogs digestive issues. An oil will take 20-60 minutes to kick in, and a treat or edible will take 45-60 minutes.
Dosage: How much CBD to administer is mostly trial and error. A good brand should have the dosage on the package. Rule of thumb is to start conservatively and work up. Several different dosage charts can be found online.
On The Package: You’ll want to see a COA listed front center on a product. It will list the exact compounds and also is a sign that it’s manufactured without heavy metals, mold, pesticides, and all the other stuff. Humans should also look for a COA in their own CBD products.
Can I Give My Dog My Human CBD? Many human CBD products contain xylitol which is fine for humans but toxic for dogs.
Should I get CBD for my dog? Based on all the information we have… maybe! It may not help to reduce anxiety, barking, or other behavioral traits but the data we do have shows it can be useful for specific health concerns.
