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CBD Oil offers many benefits for dogs, including relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, aggression, appetite, itching, seizures, and skin conditions. When selecting a CBD oil, it is important to consider the type of cannabinoids present, carrier oil used in the formulation, whether or not the manufacturer has obtained Certificates of Analysis, and price to ensure maximum benefits for your investment. Additionally, be aware of the potential risks and side effects of CBD, especially if your dog currently takes medication.
How Does It Work?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical from the hemp plant. It works with the endocannabinoid system (part of your dog’s body) to help with the following:
- Decrease pain and inflammation
- Increase sense of well-being
- Relieve anxiety and calm aggression
- Decrease itching
What Are The Benefits of CBD Oil For Dogs?
CBD Oil has many potential benefits for dogs, including relief from inflammation, general pain, arthritis/joint pain, anxiety, aggression/overactivity, appetite, itching, seizures/epilepsy, neurological disorders, dry, itchy, allergic skin/rashes, and more. In addition to providing relief from a variety of conditions, CBD oil may provide benefits to general well-being and neuroprotectivity. It is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects of CBD oil when using it on dogs, and to select the right product to maximize the desired results.
8 Science-backed Ways CBD Helps Dogs
Inflammation
CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation in dogs by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. This helps reduce pain and swelling and may promote healing. CBD has also been found to reduce inflammation by regulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by reducing oxidative stress.
General Pain
CBD has been tested in various animals, including dogs, and found to decrease pain. It does this by reducing the transmission of pain signals from pain nerves, by slowing the destructive inflammatory processes of various diseases like arthritis, and by supporting the brain’s chemistry in a way that decreases the sensation of pain and the anxiety it causes.
Arthritis/Joint Pain
CBD works to help with arthritis and joint pain in two ways:
- It can decrease inflammation in the joint itself, helping to resolve the issue causing pain in the first place
- It helps the brain “handle” pain better, decreasing the sensation of pain and the anxiety pain causes
Many owners and vets (and researchers) see this translate directly into improved mobility and better quality of life for their animals.
Anxiety
Studies show CBD helps dogs that are anxious feel more calm and able to handle changes in their surroundings.
Researchers testing CBD in horses, rats, and humans have found that it has a calming effect for travel anxiety or anxiety associated with going to a veterinarian or other office.
Aggression/Overactivity
Similar to how it helps with anxiety, CBD has been shown to help dogs with aggression and overactivity calm down. Many owners, including vets, have noted this effect as well.
CBD helps dogs relax. Some of our staff use it with their dogs for this very purpose, and dogs that usually bark and go berserk over the slightest provocation will mellow out and calm down, playing more cooperatively with their pack mates.
Appetite
By decreasing anxiety, making pain more bearable, and helping a dog relax, CBD can support a healthy appetite. While more studies are needed on this, Relievet has multiple reports from customers relating how CBD has helped dogs recover from stressful situations and start eating again.
One of our customer’s dogs, Frank, was a rescue with a bleak future. He wasn’t eating and the veterinarian told the owner that his prognosis wasn’t good. She came to us and asked about CBD — while we could make no promises of effectiveness as CBD hasn’t been studied for appetite, we were willing to help her try it to see if it would get him back to a state where he could eat.
This is Frank after using CBD:
Based on the chemistry, we believe this is due to CBD helping correct the underlying stress.
Itching
CBD has been found to help dogs with itching due to its anti-inflammatory effects. CBD may also modulate the body’s immune response. By reducing inflammation, CBD can reduce the itching associated with allergies, skin irritations, and other conditions. Additionally, CBD can reduce the anxiety that is often associated with itching, further calming the dog and helping it to feel more comfortable.
It is important to note that CBD has not been shown to improve rash, or the cause of rashes. CBD should be used to help with comfort while proper medications or other therapy are used to cure the underlying cause (i.e., antifungals for a fungal infection).
Seizures/Epilepsy
CBD has been studied in dogs with epilepsy and has been found to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. CBD works by activating the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate the body’s nervous system. CBD may also protect the brain from damage caused by the seizure activity, and may even help reduce the frequency of seizures over time the longer it is used. As with other conditions, CBD can increase your dog’s comfort by reducing the anxiety and stress associated with seizures.
Neurological Disorders
CBD can be used to address a range of neurological disorders in dogs, such as intervertebral disc disease and canine degenerative myelopathy. Its primary role is to provide comfort and offer pain relief, helping to ease your dog's suffering and improve their quality of life. While CBD is beneficial for these conditions, it's important to note that it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatments, such as medication or surgery. Rather, it can work in conjunction with these treatments to potentially speed up the recovery process and make your dog more comfortable while their condition is being addressed.
Dry, Itchy, Allergic Skin/Rash
CBD has been studied in dogs with conditions that cause itchy rashes.
It relieves itching, but other medications will be needed to decrease the rash and cure the underlying cause. As with many conditions, CBD’s role is to relieve the discomfort and help your dog relax so they can recover quality of life and heal.
Antihistamines, antifungals, antibiotics, steroids, or antiparasiticals are still needed depending on what’s causing your dog’s rash. To relieve dry skin and help with redness, we’ve included other natural, safe ingredients in our topical balm.
How To Choose a CBD Oil For Maximum Benefits
When it comes to choosing CBD oil for your dog, it is important to do your research. Look for products that are specifically formulated for pets and weight-based, as they should contain the right concentrations of CBD for your pet’s needs. Make sure to read the label and check the manufacturer’s website carefully to ensure that it is free of additives, such as artificial colors and flavors.
Additionally, look for products that have Certificates of Analysis from a third-party lab to ensure that they have the right concentrations of CBD and are free of contaminants and toxins. It is also important to look for products that are made from high-quality hemp extract, as this will ensure that your pet is getting the most benefit from the CBD. Finally, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet any CBD products, as they will be able to provide the best advice for your pet’s health.
Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD oil is the best type of CBD oil for dogs because it contains a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes that may provide additional benefits. Unlike isolates, broad spectrum CBD oil contains multiple compounds from the hemp plant that work together. This means that broad spectrum CBD oil can provide more relief from a variety of conditions, which is especially beneficial for pets.
In addition, broad spectrum CBD oil is free from THC, which is the psychoactive compound in the hemp plant that can have negative side effects like panic attacks. This makes broad spectrum CBD oil a safer option for dogs.
Carrier Oil
MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is the best carrier oil for CBD because it has a neutral flavor and odor, is easy to digest, and is quickly absorbed by the body. This allows drops given under the tongue to be absorbed without your dog even needing to swallow them. Oil given under the tongue is better absorbed and results in a higher blood level of CBD than oil put on food or CBD treats. If your dog does not let you put the oil under the tongue, a higher dose may be necessary if you put it on their food or feed them treats.
MCT oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, has been studied for anti-seizure benefits, and at higher doses is considered a healthy diet additive for dogs and other animals. MCT oil is rich in fatty acids, which are essential for optimal health.
Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document that verifies that a product contains the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids as stated on the label. It also tests for contaminants and toxins, such as heavy metals, fungal and bacterial contamination, and pesticides, to ensure the product is safe for consumption.
Having a Certificate of Analysis (COA) ensures that the CBD product you are purchasing is high quality and contains the right concentrations of cannabinoids and other compounds for your pet’s needs. It is also important to look for a COA from a third-party lab, as this will ensure that the tests are unbiased and were done properly.
Relievet’s Certificates of Analysis are always available on our website. You can match the lot number on any of the products you buy from us to the correct COA and see exactly what your pet is getting.
Fair Price
Relievet offers premium quality CBD products at a fair price. Our CBD is made from pure, American-grown, broad-spectrum hemp extract, with no artificial colors or flavors. We use MCT oil as the carrier oil for our drops, which ensures maximum absorption. Our products are also backed by Certificates of Analysis from a third-party lab to ensure the right concentrations of CBD and that they are free of contaminants and toxins.
At Relievet, we design all of our products around weight-based dosing to meet your pet’s individual needs. Additionally, our CBD oils, treats, and topical balms are competitively priced, so you know you’re getting a great deal when you purchase from us. With Relievet, you are getting the highest quality CBD products at a price that beats the rest of the market.
Quality (e.g. manufacturing, ingredients, testing)
- Manufacturing: Relievet has a FDA registered, USDA organic-certified manufacturing facility. We’ve pursued every legally required certification and voluntarily sought out relevant government certifications to ensure we comply with and exceed the highest manufacturing standards.
- Ingredients: You’ll notice a few things when looking at our active and inactive ingredients. First, there are very few. We use only what’s necessary to get your dog a safe, science-backed dose of CBD and nothing else. Our ingredients are wholesome, natural, and our oils are 100% organic, containing only CBD extract and pet-safe MCT oil. With Relievet, you don’t have to give your dog something unsafe or undesirable to get them the ingredient that works.
- Testing: Our products are tested by a third party lab and each lot has a separate Certificate of Analysis guaranteeing its quality, purity, and potency.
Is It Organic?
Relievet CBD oils are certified organic! Both ingredients (CBD extract and MCT oil) are organic, and our facility has been inspected and certified to produce organic products.
Many other CBD product manufacturers are either not certified organic, or mislead consumers by borrowing the organic registration of the ingredients they use without ensuring their manufacturing facility is inspected and certified to make organic products.
It is dishonest to claim a product is USDA certified organic when it’s made in a facility that hasn’t passed USDA inspection.
Relievet’s oil extracts are each individually certified organic. Check the USDA website for yourself! Don’t buy from manufacturers that pretend to have organic products without doing the work to achieve the high quality standards required.
You can be assured that your dog is receiving the highest of quality with Relievet. We are provably pesticide and chemical additive free, as can be seen in our Certificates of Analysis!
Are There Any Risks of Using CBD In Dogs?
As studied, and at the dose our products are designed to deliver (1-2mg/kg), CBD from THC-free broad spectrum extracts has been shown to be remarkably safe.
Drug Interactions
CBD can interact with some drugs. While serious interactions are few and far between in the literature, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If your dog is on any drugs or supplements, especially from a veterinarian, we recommend that you consult with your vet about your dog’s meds before starting CBD.
The most serious interactions we’ve seen in the literature involve using CBD with drugs for seizure control. While CBD can be used adjunctively (to help seizure medications) to get even better control of seizures, it can also change the way your dog’s body breaks down anti-seizure medications. For this reason, Relievet strongly urges you to work with your veterinarian before using CBD with a dog that has anti-seizure medications.
Side Effects
Common side effects of CBD in dogs include excessive drowsiness and diarrhea. Both of these side effects are typically self-correcting as your dog’s body gets used to the CBD product
Some CBD manufacturers make one or two strengths for all dogs, meaning very large dogs get large quantities of carrier oil with the CBD, which can understandably lead to diarrhea. Our oils are weight-based by design and clearly labeled. For large dogs, we recommend our much more potent formulations. Because of their increased potency, your 100lbs dog will use just a few drops — just like your 8 lbs. Chihuahua when they use our low-potency formulation for small dogs!
Most side effects seen in studies are excessive drowsiness, salivation, dehydration, and diarrhea. These are commonly self-correcting, and the diarrhea appears to be associated with extracts that use an excess of carrier oil. Dehydration occurs due to diarrhea.
One last note: CBD can cause increased liver enzymes when used at higher doses or for long periods of time. It is not thought that these are harmful. Many medications and other substances can cause moderately increased liver enzymes, However, if your dog has liver problems or is on drugs that are also rough on the liver, it is strongly recommended that you work with your vet to get baseline bloodwork done, vet-overseen dose adjustment, and regular testing to make sure your dog’s liver stays healthy.
It is always worth discussing CBD with your vet and getting baseline labs as well as labs as recommended by your vet during check ups as part of your dog’s general wellness program!
Will It Get My Dog High?
NO!
Relievet CBD products for dogs are made using a THC-free hemp extract. Only THC causes a “high” in humans or dogs.
CBD only broad-spectrum extracts like the one we use offers benefits like neuroprotection, relief from pain and anxiety, improved sense of well-being, decreased itching and scratching, and anti-seizure activity WITHOUT a high.
How Does CBD Safety Compare to Pharmaceuticals?
Generally speaking, CBD has a better safety profile than pharmaceutical drugs used for the same things.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) are a great example. Generally speaking, dogs do not handle NSAIDs well, especially over long periods of time. Drugs like ibuprofen and carprofen are notorious for causing ulcers and kidney damage in dogs.
CBD, on the other hand, is shown to provide relief from arthritis/osteoarthritis and other conditions that NSAIDs treat without risk of these serious side effects.
CBD Dose in Dogs
1-2mg/kg
It’s that simple. Most dogs, most conditions, most of the time, 1-2mg/kg is the right dose. All of our products are designed to provide this dose.
One exception is if your dog can’t handle oil drops under the tongue. If your dog has to use treats or have the oil put on food, they will lose some of the dose in their poop and some because of a process called first-pass metabolism, where their liver will break down some of the CBD before it’s absorbed into the rest of their body.
In this case, we still recommend starting with 1-2mg/kg, but understand that you may need to increase the dose slowly over time to get the desired results.
See our in-depth dosing article for more details.
Is it Legal?
Yes!
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC.
Relievet products for dogs contain no THC, no risk of a high, and are legal.
Don’t You Need a Little THC to Make CBD Work?
No!
Full spectrum oils, which contain THC, are more likely to cause side effects and the side effects are worse, including dry mouth, sedation, overeating, panic, nausea, and dry or red eyes.
Broad spectrum oils, which have no THC, cause fewer and less serious side effects. Our formulations which use the minimum amount of carrier oil necessary avoid even these. As we’ve used our products with dogs, we’ve only seen relaxation to the point of sedation as side effects, leading us to believe that diarrhea and concurrent dehydration are mostly due to an overdose of MCT oil without giving the dog’s digestive system a chance to adjust.
Conclusion/Summary
CBD Oil offers many potential benefits for dogs, including relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, aggression, appetite, itching, seizures, and skin conditions. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to reduce pain, inflammation, anxiety, and itching, and to increase sense of well-being. When selecting a CBD oil, it is important to consider the type of cannabinoids present, carrier oil used, Certificates of Analysis, and price to ensure maximum benefits. Additionally, potential risks and side effects of CBD should be considered, especially if the dog is currently taking medication.
