CBD oil is said to alleviate stress, anxiety, and pain in dogs. But what exactly is CBD oil and what do you need to consider in terms of dosage, application, and product selection? We’ve compiled how you can support your dog with CBD oil and what you need to know about the extract derived from the hemp plant.

What is CBD Oil for Dogs?

The abbreviation CBD stands for Cannabidiol, a plant substance extracted from hemp (cannabis). The two therapeutically interesting cannabinoids are called CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). They have different effects, but the most important difference is that CBD has no psychoactive – meaning intoxicating – effect and is not addictive.

CBD extract is obtained through distillation and mixed with hemp oil or another carrier oil such as olive oil, hemp seed oil, or purified water. This is primarily because cannabinoids dissolve exclusively in fat and not in water. Mixing with oil facilitates absorption. CBD oil is used in human and veterinary medicine. In the pet sector, oils and treats containing CBD are sold. However, one should look closely – because hemp oil is not CBD oil.

Research on the effects of CBD oil is still in its infancy, but initial studies indicate a wide range of applications. Current research suggests highly pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it has immunosuppressive, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties and acts as an antispasmodic. It is already sufficiently scientifically proven that CBD oil can help reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.

How Does CBD Oil Work in Dogs?

CBD acts on the cannabinoid receptors throughout your dog’s body. These receptors are responsible, among other things, for tasks in pain and inflammation as components of the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, the ECS also controls other metabolic processes that have effects on stress management and sleep regulation. CBD has a regulatory effect on the organism.

The number and distribution of cannabinoid receptors depend on the age of the dog and its individuality. And different concentrations of CBD can show different effects in each individual. Therefore, each therapy must be individually considered and should be carried out in consultation with a knowledgeable veterinarian.

In recent years, more and more studies have been conducted on the therapeutic uses of CBD – both in human and veterinary medicine. There is evidence that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can support the immune system. Additionally, there are indications of anxiety-reducing, relaxing, and antipsychotic properties.

What Conditions is CBD Oil Used for in Dogs?

CBD oil can be particularly beneficial for older dogs and is primarily used in dogs for conditions in one of the following areas:

There are many positive anecdotal reports in the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis using CBD oil. A study conducted by the veterinary faculty of the US-based Cornell University also found that over 80 percent of the dogs suffering from osteoarthritis in the study group showed improved mobility and a significant reduction in pain after receiving CBD oil.

In another study by the same university, 83 percent of the dogs given a CBD oil chew before being exposed to a stress-inducing situation showed significantly lower stress levels and reduced anxiety reactions. However, it should be noted that while CBD oil can be helpful as a training aid for stress reduction, the goal should be to find other stress management strategies or avoid the stressful situation for the dog.

So far, only pain relief in osteoarthritis has been scientifically proven. However, for all other purposes, the effectiveness of CBD is presumed based on positive anecdotal evidence.

Further studies are currently being conducted to explore the possibility of using CBD oil in cancer therapy for dogs, and research is also ongoing regarding its potential use in skin diseases. If you’re wondering whether CBD oil can also support your dog with its health problems, our team is happy to assist you.

How do I use CBD oil for my dog?

CBD oil is typically offered in a bottle with a dropper. With the dropper, you can easily administer the CBD drops directly into your dog’s mouth according to the dosage instructions. However, your dog should not eat or drink anything for approximately 30 minutes afterward. If your dog has difficulty taking it orally, you can also switch to CBD chew treats or treats. However, be sure to carefully observe the dosage here as well. Since the bioavailability through the gastric mucosa is reduced, precise dosing with CBD snacks can be difficult.

Is CBD oil safe for dogs?

Before giving your dog CBD oil, you must seek veterinary advice. While the World Health Organization (WHO) classified CBD as safe in May 2018, this classification was based on studies in humans. Although the research in the veterinary field is promising, it is not yet sufficient.

You must also consult a veterinarian to clarify the interactions with other medications your dog may be taking. CBD oil is freely available in the United States as long as it does not exceed a THC level of 0.2 percent – otherwise, it falls under the Narcotics Act. One known side effect of CBD is that it can affect liver enzymes. Other known side effects in dogs include increased appetite and the often but not always desired strong calming effect.

Dosage: How Many Drops of CBD Oil for Dogs?

The dosage of CBD drops depends on the size, body weight, and desired effect. It is calculated in milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It’s best to leave the correct dosage to the professionals: Consult with a veterinarian to determine the dose and dosing intervals. As CBD oil is currently experiencing a real boom, you’ll find many dosage suggestions, rules of thumb, and even dosage calculators for CBD oil for dogs on the internet. However, these dosage suggestions do not take into account your dog’s individual disposition, medical history, or the different products and their composition. Additionally, interactions with other medications cannot be captured by dosage calculators.

How long does it take for CBD oil to work in dogs?

The onset and duration of the effects of CBD oil depend on the dosage, as well as body weight and size. There are also other factors that can influence the duration and speed of action, such as how much food your dog has eaten beforehand or whether he was active beforehand. Typically, CBD oil takes effect within 1-2 hours and lasts for up to 60 hours.

What should I look for when buying CBD oil for dogs?

It’s best to ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for CBD oil for your dog and also determine the correct dosage and dosing intervals at the same time. You shouldn’t rely on test winners or user reviews when it comes to CBD oil. The media hype surrounding CBD products has unfortunately also brought forth many unscrupulous vendors who make unsubstantiated claims and often offer low-quality products. You should be skeptical, for example, if health promises are made. These are not allowed in advertising for non-medicinal products.

Here’s how to recognize a good CBD oil for dogs:

By paying attention to good quality and following the dosage instructions, CBD oil can provide good support for both psychological and physical problems in your dog. Especially for senior dogs or dogs that do not tolerate pain medication well, CBD oil can provide relief and be an effective therapy support.

Be cautious with CBD oil for cats: The THC content must be 0%, and no terpenes may be included.