Want to “weed” out man-made pharmaceuticals to help relieve some of your pup’s ongoing health problems? You’re not alone. More and more pet parents are turning to an all-natural alternative, Cannabidiol oil (better known as CBD oil), made from the hemp plant.

Studies have shown that CBD oil and other CBD products are beneficial for several human health issues, including anxiety, pain, seizures and neurological disorders. But is CBD effective and safe for dogs?

Article Overview

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from the flowers and buds of cannabis (marijuana or hemp plants). CBD, however, doesn’t produce the “high” associated with marijuana because it doesn’t contain the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

For further clarification, hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant but contain different levels of THC. Marijuana can contain as much as 30% THC while the hemp plant has a max of only 0.3% THC. So, while marijuana-derived CBD oil is still illegal in most states, the hemp-derived oil is legal in all 50 U.S. states.

Human use of CBD oil is growing in popularity, especially in states where medicinal and recreational marijuana use is legal. But can you give CBD oil to dogs? Is it safe for our canine friends and other pets?

Many vets recommend CBD oil for dogs, even as veterinary scientific research into this new treatment is in its infancy. Studies in humans, however, show that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects and can help with anxiety, aggression, pain, seizures, muscle spasms and neurological disorders.

CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil: What’s The Difference?

Many people think CBD oil and hemp oil are essentially the same, but they’re not.

CBD Oil

CBD is an active cannabinoid compound that comes from the leaves, flowers, and sometimes stems of mature cannabis plants. It’s this compound that provides the medical and therapeutic benefits you get from CBD oil (see below).

Hemp Oil

In contrast, hemp oils are made from cannabis seeds, which contain little to no amounts of CBD (or THC, for that matter). While hemp seeds don’t share the same therapeutic characteristics as CBD, hemp oils have their own unique nutritional benefits. Many pet owners use hemp oil as a nutritional supplement because it’s vitamin and mineral-rich.

How Can CBD Oil Help My Dog?

Like humans, dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system that allows them to benefit from CBD oil. This system allows the active ingredients in hemp to help relieve many symptoms. Learn more about the endocannabinoid system in dogs.

CBD drops for dogs or CBD dog treats can ease several conditions your pup may suffer from either occasionally or chronically, including:

Anxiety and stress
Moderate to severe pain
Chronic inflammation
Arthritis
Joint pain
Seizures
Digestion problems

Expert’s Take On CBD’s Effectiveness For Dogs

Dr. Erin Chu, a veterinary geneticist at Embark Veterinary, weighs in on how CBD can help dogs.

Veterinary scientists have demonstrated that CBD oil can be effective in pain management for osteoarthritis (Source: Gamble et al, 2018) and are actively exploring its use for intractable epilepsy (Source: McGrath et al, 2019). While CBD is very commonly recommended (or inquired about) for anxiety, there is no formal research as of yet that demonstrates its efficacy.

Source: https://www.caninejournal.com/cbd-oil-for-dogs/