CBD Pain Relief for Dogs

About CBD for Pets
Pet parents and veterinarians alike are finding that CBD can provide positive physical effects for dogs and cats. Just like people, animals have an endocannabinoid system which allows them to receive the same benefits from CBD. Dogs and cats have a series of receptors that run throughout their bodies. The cannabinoids interact with these receptors in the body and help modulate pain, anxiety, and nausea. Unlike traditional pain medicine for animals, CBD has no life-threatening side effects.

CBD Study Finds Pain Relief for Dogs
Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine conducted a study and clinical trial to prove that the use of cannabinoids manages pain for dogs. The dogs in the study were suffering from joint pain and osteoarthritis. A dog’s endocannabinoid receptor system is known to play a role in pain management. The goal was to understand how dogs metabolize hemp-based supplements and find out if it improves the mobility of dogs with arthritis and geriatric pain.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the best in the world so it was a logical decision to conduct a study on understanding how dogs metabolize CBD. The goal was to find out if dogs suffering from joint pain and osteoarthritis can be helped with CBD.

The team tested 2 different doses of CBD oil: 2mg and 8mg for pain management. Dogs received either 2mg of CBD every 12 hours or they were given placebo oil for a 4 week period.

Veterinarians conducted assessments that included a complete physical exam with bloodwork. They also used the Canine Brief Pain Inventory score and Hudson activity score questionnaires to evaluate pain. They are the official medical questionnaires used to assess lameness and pain in dogs. The results supported that as little as 2mg of CBD oil twice a day can reduce pain in dogs.

Is My Pet In Pain?
Pet owners can tell you that the safety and well-being of their pup is a top priority. But how can you tell if your dog is in discomfort? Some signs of pain are easy to see, like limping or licking one spot constantly. Other signs of pain may include increased barking, aggression or a loss of appetite. Pet’s who are in pain may have difficulty moving or express other behavior changes like in sleep patterns or constant panting. Dogs and cats can’t talk to say that they are in pain so owners should always be vigilant in monitoring these sometimes subtle changes.

According to a testimonial on ConsumerReports.org, veterinarian and the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Vice Chairman, Jeffrey Powers, D.V.M., credits CBD in relieving his own dogs’ anxiety issues. Power’s 10-year-old Saint Bernard, Ella, started panting, pacing and hiding when she heard loud noises like fireworks. “The minute the fireworks go off, she’s running to hide.” But Powers found a way to ease Ella’s stress by giving her some CBD oil.

CBD is now legal under federal law and the FDA is currently working on regulating how the products should be sold to the public. A 2018 Farm Bill lifted a federal ban on hemp production that was previously classified as a controlled substance. Doctors can now recommend CBD to human patients and American consumers can purchase it for themselves or their pets without any consultation at all.

Pet owners are buying CBD for their dogs and cats and in a survey by the Veterinary Information Network, nearly two-thirds of veterinarians are asked about cannabis by their patients monthly. As a result of this consumer demand, there is a bursting crop of CBD pet products that include: tinctures, and chew treats.

CBD for Pets
Pharmaceutical pain medicine may not provide enough relief and have potential side effects like kidney or intestinal problems. Pet owners are seeking out natural remedies for their furry friends and CBD is thought to have many therapeutic properties but there hasn’t been a lot of studies to confirm it until now.

CBD Expectations
Thousands of pet owners swear by CBD and recent surveys show pet owners endorse CBD products because of the improvement in a number of ailments including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and digestive issues. And researchers are just starting to unlock more benefits.
Choose Pet CBD Products Carefully
– Talk to your veterinarian as they can answer any questions you may have.
– Look for products made in the United States and have strict organic guidelines to avoid pesticides and toxins.
– Be aware that some pet CBD products may contain the psychoactive ingredient THC and make sure it contains less than .3%.
– Look for a certificate of analysis. Find a company that has independent 3rd party testing. If you can’t find a COA on a company website then don’t buy it.
– Watch pet closely for the first time they ingest the CBD product and dose gradually.
To control pain administer 1-5mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight every 8 hours or as needed. To break unwanted behavior administer 1-5mg of CBD once or twice a day.