Can CBD Help Dogs With Joint Pain?

Can CBD Help Dogs With Joint Pain?

By now I think we’ve all heard of CBD, the groundbreaking cannabinoid which promises to offer a range of health benefits – one of which is the reduction of pain. But although this cannabinoid’s potential for helping humans is by now well-known, can CBD help dogs with joint pain, too?

If you have a pet which is suffering from arthritis or another chronic condition, chances are you’ve seen CBD being touted as an effective treatment. But do the benefits enjoyed by humans extend to our furry friends, or is it all just marketing hype designed to play on your emotions to convince you to fork out on something that’s ultimately useless? 

Can CBD help dogs with joint pain? Let’s find out…

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

You may or may not know this but all animals (including humans) have a built-in endocannabinoid system that’s made up of molecules and receptors situated throughout the body.

The main function of this molecular system is to regulate and balance many of the essential processes that take place within the body, including immune response, communication between cells, appetite, metabolism and memory, among other things. It is via this very system that cannabinoids like CBD interact with dogs, so it’s clear they’re hardwired to respond to cannabinoids – just like us humans are.

Can CBD Help Dogs With Joint Pain and Inflammation?

Although most of us dog owners talk enthusiastically to our beloved pets, sadly, try as they might, our pooches can’t talk back. This makes it almost impossible to know whether the things we’re giving them are effective. In the absence of Dr Dolittle, thankfully there are some studies we can look at instead and the results are promising.

One such placebo-controlled study saw osteoarthritic dogs given 2 mg/kg of bodyweight every 12 hours. The study lasted for 4 weeks and the results showed a significant decrease in pain and an increase in activity. It was also noted that throughout this analysis the CBD caused no notable side effects. 

A further study carried out by the Baylor College of Medicine also found similarly promising results, with a significant reduction in the production of inflammatory molecules and immune cells associated with arthritis.crucially this study also showed that dogs diagnosed with this debilitating condition enjoyed a marked quality of life as a result of the CBD oil treatment. 

So is CBD for dogs an effective treatment for joint pain and inflammation? Well according to the evidence that’s been gathered so far, the answer is a resounding yes!

Regulation on Selling “CBD for Dogs”

So now we know the potential CBD oil has for helping dogs with joint pain, you might expect regulators to have rubber stamped its approval by now. Sadly, you’d be wrong. 

Right now, CBD products in the UK are not authorised for veterinary use. So basically, while dogs might benefit from CBD, right now its use for canines has not been approved. Does that mean you can’t give your dog CBD? No. Does that mean you can’t purchase CBD for your dog? No. It just means companies like us aren’t allowed to advertise these products for dogs.

In all honesty, for retailers like us this is a tricky area to navigate. Whilst our CBD oil can be used to treat joint pain and anxiety in dogs, we’re prevented from advertising it as such. 

As a pet owner, ultimately the decision lies with you. Although we can’t promote our CBD product for your dog, there are many organisations which advocate its use for pain management in canines. 

“High quality CBD oil may play an important role in a vet approved plan for your dog’s health. CBD may be especially useful in canines who suffer from mobility issues, persistent pain and inflammation, or chronic conditions that often come with age such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.” – Handicapped Pets

“Some studies have shown that CBD may help dogs with arthritis, as they seem to show increased activity and less pain after taking it.” – Blue Cross

“75% of vets have personally used CBD for their pets and reported that CBD products are good in reducing anxiety and the frequency of seizures.” – Top Dogs Tips

CBD Dosage for Dogs

If you’ve decided to give your dog CBD, the most important thing to bear in mind is dosage. Although studies have shown dogs tolerate CBD extremely well even in high amounts, too much could still cause some stomach/digestive issues. You also want to know you’re not wasting your CBD by administering a dose that’s too high – or too low. 

So what’s the best CBD dosage for dogs? Well, it all depends on the size of your animal, as clearly a Great Dane weighing in at 80kg will require quite a bit more CBD than a 2-kilo chihuahua! 

Another thing to keep in mind is the amount of pain your animal is in. Although it can be difficult to judge, try to factor in the level of discomfort your dog is experiencing when working out how much to administer.

Below is a chart that should help you find the ideal CBD dosage for your dog. 

 

So that should be all you need to know about  CBD for your dog. Can CBD help dogs with joint pain and other chronic issues? The evidence suggests it could, although with CBD yet to be regulated it’s down to you to decide whether to give it to your pet. 

If you’re wondering if CBD oil could benefit you, head over to our “Does CBD Oil Work?” blog to find out!