The use of Cannabidiol (CBD) , a molecule derived from cannabis, has recently come to light as a potentially powerful solution for managing pain and inflammation in dogs.

This interest has been particularly heightened by scientific research presenting CBD as a safe and effective alternative to traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can sometimes be ineffective or cause unwanted side effects.

In this context, and faced with an increase in specific cases evoking the anti-inflammatory and soothing virtues of CBD in animals, Cornell University decided to carry out a clinical study on 22 dogs suffering from chronic pain linked to arthritis 1 .

The results of this study suggest that a treatment of 2 mg of CBD per kilo (administered twice a day) can significantly help reduce chronic pain in dogs .

 

CBD and Pain in Dogs: The Battle Against NSAID Side Effects

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( such as ibuprofen, voltaren for dogs , etc.), although effective, are unfortunately useless in relieving certain chronic pain conditions .

Moreover, recent studies2 in dogs have shown that NSAID treatments cause side effects in the majority of dogs.

They can also cause serious side effects if consumed in high doses.

Among the listed side effects 3 , gastrointestinal, renal or hepatic problems are frequently reported, illustrating the need for safer alternative solutions.

 

CBD for Dogs & Pain: A Rigorous 4-Week Study

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science in 2018 and led by Joseph J. Wakshlag, professor & section head of nutrition at Cornell University, sought to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety of CBD, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of CBD in pain management in dogs with chronic pain (related to arthritis).

The research team tested two different doses of CBD oil:

• 2 mg of CBD per kilogram
• 8 mg of CBD per kilogram

These dosages made it possible to determine that:

• The elimination half-life of CBD was 4.2 hours regardless of dose.
• CBD did not generate any side effects over the duration of the study.

The researchers then tested the pain management properties of CBD oil using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

So the dogs received:

• That is 2 mg CBD oil per kilogram every 12 hours
• Or a placebo (substance without active ingredient. In this case, olive oil)

During the 4 weeks of treatment (plus an additional 2-week washout period), the dog owners were asked to complete questionnaires about their pet’s behavior.

Veterinarians also performed multiple assessments (physical examinations, hematology, and blood chemistry) before treatment and at weeks 2 and 4.

The Canine Brief Pain Inventory score, also called CBPI (a scale measuring pain in dogs), and the Hudson Activity Score (a questionnaire to assess pain & lameness in dogs) determine the results of treatment.

 

Study Results: CBD for Dogs Effective Against Pain

Decreased pain and increased activity

The results of this study highlight the benefits of CBD in dogs suffering from pain .

Both CBPI and Hudson activity scores indeed showed a clinically significant reduction in pain and an increase in activity with CBD treatment.

More precisely :

• CBD intake showed significant decreases in pain and increases in activity at weeks 2 and 4 during CBD treatment compared to week 0.
• Following CBD administration, the study concluded a significant reduction in pain compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments.
• CBD oil resulted in decreased pain scores compared to placebo treatments at weeks two and four.

No side effects detected

With an elimination half-life of 4.2 hours and no notable side effects during the study period, CBD has shown that it could be a viable and safe option for dogs.

Another recent study5 conducted over 6 weeks on 40 dogs demonstrated that CBD is well tolerated by dogs ; no adverse effects were detected by either animal handlers or veterinarians during the duration of the experiment.

 

CBD for dogs against pain: Which brand to choose?

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